Monica Velez
Bowling Green,KY
Summary
Accomplished Senior Merchandise Manager with a proven track record at Fruit of the Loom, adept in merchandise planning and trend analysis. Excelled in reducing excess inventory and enhancing supplier relationships, showcasing adaptability and problem-solving abilities. Spearheaded innovative product development strategies, driving business growth and margin enhancement. Trilingual (English, Spanish, French) with strong cross-cultural skills.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Merchandise Manager
Fruit of the Loom
10.2014 - 09.2024
- Reduced excess inventory by developing targeted clearance strategies for elastics and fabrics.
- Collaborated with the Marketing team to support all License activities, presentations and License summits.
- Served as the Merchandising liaison with Licensees to communicate seasonal color trends, created time and action calendars tailored to each licensee, coordinated samples and presentation boards.
- Cross- functionally collaborated with the Mens' and Intimate Apparel Marketing and Design teams to implement strategic goals, drive business expansion and margin attainment.
- Analyze sales data to identify trends, gauge product performance, and inform future developments.
- Participated in the development of new seasonal programs and business opportunities; provide insight and feedback based on market knowledge, trends and sales reports.
- Regularly conduct market analysis to stay abreast on competition, product launches, price updates and identify White spaces and business opportunities.
- Successfully create print and color strategies for different market tiers that include mass and mid tier retailers.
- Effectively communicate with the Planning, Sourcing and Manufacturing teams; provide production direction, address quality issues and implement correctives.
- Presented new product launches and updates to current product during seasonal previous, work with Marketing and the Sales teams to plan and prepare decks, samples and color necessary for an impactful sale.
- Mentored team members, providing guidance on best practices in Merchandise management and fostering their professional growth.
Product Merchandise Manager
Vanity Fair (Fruit of the Loom)
08.2009 - 10.2014
- Achieved revenue plans and product margins for Vanity Fair women's panties, bras, day wear and sleepwear.
- Identify Market opportunities and translate them into profitable and innovative products.
- Develop product line assortments including concept, silhouettes, fabrics, print and color that meet the brand strategy for hanging and packaged products.
- Created and deliver product presentations for internal and external customers including Kohl's, JC Penney and Macy's.
- Developed positive relationships with vendors for consistent and reliable supply of products
- Analyze cost sheets provided by manufacturers, identify potential negotiation opportunities to improve margins.
- Direct and coordinate cross functional teams to successfully deliver Market Weeks.
- Serve as liaison for International Sales offices communicating new product introductions and educate about existing lines.
Merchandise Manager
Hanes
08.2003 - 02.2009
- Effectively managed the execution of marketing strategies for business units with to $500 million in annual volume, driving sales growth and achieving profit margins through collaboration with Marketing, Design, Sales and Sourcing.
- Worked with the License Marketing Department to build up License relationships, through product, concept presentation and approval for Disney and Mattel.
- Initiated and oversaw product development from initial design concept through style approvals for Men's Underwear and Intimate Apparel, including mass and mid tier markets.
- Worked with cross functional teams to institute product and production changes that maintain quality and design integrity while reducing costs.
- Led in- country developments for programs with narrow timeliness, issuing approvals on fabrics, colors, prints and fit.
- Made effective line presentations to internal and external clients.
- Identified seasonal trends and concepts and translated into products consisting with brand positioning.
Export Director
Vestimundo SA
01.2000 - 07.2003
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and empowering the team to voice their ideas.
- Managed account relationships and facilitated sourcing for customers that included Sara Lee (Hanes), Eddie Bauer, Gap, Footlocker, JC Penney and Ralph Lauren.
- Established new accounts and expanded existing business through market research, trade shows participation, and customer visits.
- Reviewed product and program specifications, determined production costs, negotiated pricing with customers based on cost and margin goals.
- Coordinated product development and style approval process through communications with fabric mills, sample making, quality departments and customers.
Sourcing Merchandise Manager
Levi Strauss
02.1993 - 12.1999
- Managed relationships of contract manufacturers for Levi's servicing the U.S Market, Latin America and Europe.
- Sourced vendors consisting of fabric mills, cut and sew facilities and suppliers.
- Managed product development to achieve goals for product construction, quality and cost.
- Managed orders for full package programs and monitor production activities.
- Reduced lead-times from 2-4 weeks to 3 days as a task force member; negotiated more frequent deliveries with ocean carriers and secured price reduction from air carriers.
- Conducted initial evaluations of vendor facilities for compliance with Levi's Terms of Engagement.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - International Business
Escuela Superior De Mercadotecnia (ESUMER)
Medellin, ColombiaSkills
Merchandise planning
Trend analysis
Seasonal line planning
Product development
Supplier Relationship Management
Price and program negotiation
Consumer insights and products
Vendor and supply sourcing
Problem solving abilities
Cost and complexity reduction
Adaptability and flexibility
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
French
Limited Working
Timeline
Senior Merchandise Manager
Fruit of the Loom
10.2014 - 09.2024
Product Merchandise Manager
Vanity Fair (Fruit of the Loom)
08.2009 - 10.2014
Merchandise Manager
Hanes
08.2003 - 02.2009
Export Director
Vestimundo SA
01.2000 - 07.2003
Sourcing Merchandise Manager
Levi Strauss
02.1993 - 12.1999
Bachelor of Arts - International Business
Escuela Superior De Mercadotecnia (ESUMER)
Similar Profiles
Brenda KirkBrenda Kirk
Pattern Maker at Fruit of the Loom, IncPattern Maker at Fruit of the Loom, Inc
Michelle HansenMichelle Hansen
Merchandising Manager - Men's Underwear at Fruit of the LoomMerchandising Manager - Men's Underwear at Fruit of the Loom
Roberto CastellanosRoberto Castellanos
Production Engineer at Fruit of the Loom Inc.Production Engineer at Fruit of the Loom Inc.