Lori Cappadona-Frank
Verona
Summary
Highly collaborative and accomplished leader with extensive experience in merchandising, operations, and management. Proven ability to develop high-performing teams, drive business growth, and achieve marketplace excellence. A consumer-centric merchant, both creative and analytical, in translating data into actionable insights, optimizing product assortments, and maximizing profitability. Strategic thinker and problem solver with an entrepreneurial spirit, recognized for driving cross-functional collaboration, and optimizing productivity and operational efficiencies through process implementation.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Merchandise Operations
Walter Bauman Jewelers
West Orange
2023 - Current
- Oversee product assortment strategies and in-store presentations to optimize sales for fine jewelry categories.
- Developed comprehensive merchandising and marketing strategies to drive brand awareness and deliver a class omnichannel consumer experience.
- Spearheaded implementation of new brands, resulting in 32% increase in annual sales.
Senior Director, GM of Owned Brands (Private Label)
buybuy BABY
Union
2022 - 2023
- Promoted to lead the exclusive brands with full P&L responsibility to establish strategic direction and profitability.
- Successfully launched two owned brands, exceeding margin targets by 410 basis points.
- Delivered accurate sales forecasts in preparation for upcoming third brand launch in 2023.
- Managed cross-functional teams in Product Design, Technical Design, Brand Development, Sourcing, Packaging, and Merchandise Operations across various categories including Apparel and Décor.
Director of Integrated Merchandising & Operations
buybuy BABY
Union
2021 - 2022
- Established a new merchandising function, leading a team to strategize and execute product assortments and promotions.
- Developed an integrated merchandising calendar focusing on customer-centric, data-informed strategies.
- Managed field communication to ensure seamless in-store execution and consumer messaging.
- Drove omnichannel promotions, enhancing sales and profitability through strategic planning.
- Received CEO Award in June 2022 for outstanding performance in merchandising excellence.
VP of Merchandising, Men's Dress Furnishings Group
PVH
New York
2018 - 2020
- Championed the establishment of a Merchandising division, spearheading strategies for 24 brands and driving $400 million annual wholesale sales.
- Formulated a go-to-market process and streamlined product calendar to enhance operational efficiency by 20%.
- Recruited and nurtured a team of merchants to manage the product life cycle and craft consumer-focused assortments, ensuring brand consistency across all channels.
- Facilitated cross-functional meetings to improve communication among Design, Sales, Planning, Supply Chain, and Marketing teams.
- Leveraged consumer insights in product creation to minimize risks and maximize profitability.
SVP of Global Merchandising - Nike Brands
HADDAD BRANDS
New York
2016 - 2018
- Developed the merchandising team and established a product creation process for Nike kids' active brands, achieving $487 million in annual retail sales.
- Enhanced merchandising standards, enabling merchants to identify key business drivers and reduce overdevelopment costs by 15%.
- Collaborated with Nike Corp and senior leadership to drive business strategies, ensuring profitability and market alignment for each brand segment.
- Directed organizational change initiatives to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Led Visual Merchandising team to maintain marketing consistency across in-store directives, signage, and global offices.
- Directed brand strategy for global expansion initiatives across multiple markets.
Small Business Owner - retail
EVERYTHING DANCE BOUTIQUE
Caldwell
2015 - 2019
- Acquired and revitalized retail store, achieving 15% sales growth in first year.
- Owned and managed all facets of specialty retail operations, including financial planning and inventory management.
- Executed targeted marketing and advertising strategies to establish a boutique destination.
- Developed effective vendor relations to enhance product assortment and inventory processes.
Sr. Director of Merchandising for Men's & Women's Apparel - North America
CONVERSE
New York
2013 - 2015
- Created product briefs, pricing strategies, and brand positioning for new apparel division, driving strategic growth for Converse in North America.
- Launched exclusive products to enhance brand visibility and increase consumer engagement in North America.
- Managed account relations, overseeing product sell-in and open-to-buy processes for all apparel accounts.
Sr. Director of Merchandising for RTW & Men's Apparel and Accessories for Target Corp.
CONVERSE
New York
2007 - 2013
- Launched and managed brand strategy for Converse One Star Apparel in 1,600 doors, generating $210 million in annual sales.
- Cultivated partnership with Target Senior Leadership, presenting product lines at milestone meetings to ensure strategic alignment.
- Analyzed sales data and market insights through domestic and European travel, collaborating with Design and Sourcing teams for product commercialization.
Director of Merchandising Boys 2-20 & Men's Jeans
TOMMY HILFIGER, USA
New York
1998 - 2005
- Developed merchandising strategies and managed the product life cycle for all categories.
- Executed financial buy plans by door level, enhancing market bookings and maximizing full-price retail sales.
- Managed seasonal budgets and open-to-buy processes to meet financial targets while identifying white space opportunities.
- Conducted sales analysis and marketplace research to inform strategic decision-making for product assortments.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration: Marketing and Management
Monmouth University
West Long BranchSkills
- Cross-functional leadership
- Business strategy
- Go-to-market strategy
- Assortment planning
- Pricing and margin management
- P&L ownership
- Process improvement
- Sales performance analysis
- Brand positioning
- Change management
- Team development
- Product lifecycle management
- Merchandising strategy
- Inventory optimization
- Brand strategy
- Market analysis
Additional Relevant Experience
- LIZ CLAIBORNE, North Bergen, NJ, Assistant Merchandiser
- MACY'S EAST, New York, NY, Assistant Buyer, Men's Fragrances
- NINE WEST GROUP, New York, NY, Flagship Store Manager, 34th St
Professional Development
- PVH Leadership: Hogan Leader, Unconscious Bias, Strategy IQ, Inclusion in the Workplace, Leading Change, Shaping Futures
- Nike Merchandising University
- Converse Manager Insights
- Macy's Executive Training
- Nine West Management