Heather Holody
Akron,OH
Summary
Results-driven VP, General Merchandise Manager at Joann with a proven track record in forecasting and customer service, driving $22M in cost savings and contributing to a $1B revenue increase. Expertise in portfolio optimization, market trend analysis, and business development fosters consistent profitability and market share growth. Highly skilled in process optimization, automation, project management, and data analysis. Committed to leveraging extensive experience to contribute to an organization that values talent and measurable results.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
VP, General Merchandise Manager
Joann
Hudson, OH
01.2017 - Current
- Managed $1B in retail sales responsibility through oversight of a collaborative merchandising team.
- Executive leader responsible for shaping the Sewing strategic direction; delivering sales growth, sustainable profitability and increased market share valued at $1B in annual revenue, leading a team of 50 employees
- Negotiated $22M in product cost savings (-6%) while maintaining quality standards; reinvested in strategic AURs, delivering +7M in sales.
- Directed transition of branded domestic sewing notions to private-brand imports, delivering $4M in COGS savings.
- Generated $18M in revenue through strategic introductions of six national brands, driving substantial acquisition of new customers.
- Launched Happy Value Fabrics (private label) – a value priced brand to help customers save more so they can craft more: 2M un $6M sales
- Delivered strategic three-Year Long-Range Plan to the Board with a focus on regaining -20% unit declination due to cost and AUR elevation & increased breadth to enhance instore experiences
- Create efficient sourcing strategies aimed at minimizing risks while improving profit margins via COO diversification.
Divisional Merchandise Manager
Joann
Hudson, OH
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Lead team of 11 including 3 Buyers, 2 Associate Buyers and 6 individual contributors supporting 9 departments with responsibility for $500M in retail sales
- Mitigated tariff cost increases (+7%) thru ticket changes & promotional adjustments to preserve unit sales while driving GM rate +100bps
- Showcased agility post COVID based on volatile customer behaviors; chased 30M yards of Cotton for mask making while cancelling 15M yards of Apparel & Home fabrics
- Drove process improvements with PD + Sourcing partners to deliver a reduction in overall inventory & increased speed to market by leveraging digital printing; Reduced leadtime -60% (45 days), MOQ -80% (500 yrds)
- Developed and executed variable pricing strategies during Holiday time frame for Out of Line business to maximize topline while growing net margin YOY
- Active participant in monthly alignment meetings with Regional Vice President’s and GMM’s in addition to weekly district manager field leadership meetings
Buyer
Joann
Hudson, OH
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Lead team of 6 including 3 direct reports, 1 planner, 2 replenishment analysts with responsibility for $72M in retail sales
- Converted 25% of assortments from domestic to import to deliver exclusive designs at elevated quality with net GM rate +360bp YOY; introduced Place and Time private label
- Lead post season hindsight which drove increased rebuy penetrations (60% ttl), category expansion plans based on panel productivity and simplified promotional cadence based on optimal AUR
- Champion for process change and enhanced tool kit driving rigger around merchandise lifecycle calendar & financial approval process
Buyer - Jewelry & Gifts
Things Remembered
Highland Heights, OH
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Lead team of 6 including 2 direct reports, 1 planner, 1 allocation and replenishment analysts, and 1 business analyst with responsibility for $60M in retail sales
- Managed a $60M business comprised of basic & seasonal with a focus on product assortments, private brand development, financial planning and customer retention
- Converted Women’s Jewelry to private brand import allowing internal control of design, quality & margins: 14% or $3m annual savings
- Launched an acrylic monogram collection driving $3.5M in annual revenue; identified trend, sourced components & effectively passed engraving to deliver superb customer service
- Effectively negotiated revised vendor terms aligned to industry standards while maintaining points of discounting and product AUC
Merchandise Planner - Women’s Apparel
American Eagle Outfitters
Pittsburgh, PA
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Created assortment architecture including inventory positioning & promotional cadence for $108M annual business
- Analyze & trend forward product performance while suggesting sales & receipt adjustments
- Manage inventory positions & markdown strategies to drive department sales, turn & margin
Inventory Analyst - Women’s & Kids Footwear
R.E.I Outfitters
Seattle, WA
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Constructed demand plans to support company & vendor sales, gross margin & turn goals
- Managed & planned department markdown strategies while achieving OTB inventory targets
- Negotiated product cancellations & pricing with vendor community to maximize profitability
Merchandise Planner – Watches + Women's Bottoms
Kohls
Milwaukee, WI
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Held various roles within buying & planning during tremendous corporate growth across private, exclusive & national brands, along with 72% national store expansion across 6 years (637 in ‘05 to 1100 in ’11)
- Strategized and implemented plans to maximize market share within Women’s Bottoms to $250M, including launch of Rock & Republic
- Teamed with Buyer to create product & inventory strategies for Watches $125M; aimed at increasing topline sales, sku productivity & margin rates while positioning National Brands for enhanced market share
Assistant Buyer - Girls Acc and Sleepwear
Kohls
Milwaukee, WI
01.2007 - 01.2009
Merchandise Analyst - Watches & Gold
Kohls
Milwaukee, WI
01.2005 - 01.2007
Education
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising, Business Administration
Kent State University
Skills
- Forecasting
- Targeted marketing
- Portfolio optimization
- Customer service
- CRM software
- Lead generation
- Market trends and analysis
Timeline
Divisional Merchandise Manager
Joann
01.2019 - 01.2021
VP, General Merchandise Manager
Joann
01.2017 - Current
Buyer
Joann
01.2017 - 01.2018
Buyer - Jewelry & Gifts
Things Remembered
01.2014 - 01.2017
Merchandise Planner - Women’s Apparel
American Eagle Outfitters
01.2012 - 01.2014
Inventory Analyst - Women’s & Kids Footwear
R.E.I Outfitters
01.2011 - 01.2012
Merchandise Planner – Watches + Women's Bottoms
Kohls
01.2009 - 01.2011
Assistant Buyer - Girls Acc and Sleepwear
Kohls
01.2007 - 01.2009
Merchandise Analyst - Watches & Gold
Kohls
01.2005 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising, Business Administration
Kent State University
Similar Profiles
Saniya MiddlebrooksSaniya Middlebrooks
Security Officer at JoannSecurity Officer at Joann
Lily LaramieLily Laramie
Sales Associate at JOANNSales Associate at JOANN
Jeff NorthropJeff Northrop
Store Manager at JoannStore Manager at Joann