Online Whiteboard & Virtual Collaboration: Miro, Mural, Smartsheet
Nick Trout
Senior Manager, Global Merchandising
San Francisco,CA
Summary
Optimistic and Innovative senior merchandise manager with 15 years of experience working for global retailers, developing and executing assortment strategies that drive top and bottom-line growth. Thrives in highly cross-functional environments, leading teams to deliver great product that align with commercial plans and meet the needs of the customer.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Global Merchant
Women’s Accessories & Shoes | Old Navy
San Francisco, CA
05.2019 - Current
- Achieved Omni sales of $190M in 2020, an increase of +80% online and +10% in stores by leading strategic initiatives in partnership with Product Development, Inventory Management, and Leveraged Markets.
- Led the turnaround of down trending categories, quickly reacting to shifts in the business.
- Created assortment and inventory chase strategies, gained leadership signoff, and effectively communicated changes to all business partners.
- Doubled the Women’s Leggings business in 2020, driving $56.4M, +$28M to the year prior.
- Restored profitability to Women’s Shoes, improving Gross Margin by +30% within 6 months.
- Instrumental in developing Long-Range Plans, combining an understanding of the women’s market with an excellent eye for emerging trends.
- Introduced multipack accessories (leggings and socks) with go-to-market strategy that fueled incremental sales of +$5M, far exceeding pre-season targets.
- Launched an assortment of gender-neutral accessories for the entire family.
- Partnered with the cross-functional team to develop and produce Old Navy's first sustainable flip flop, paving the way for significant changes to future sourcing strategies.
- Provide coaching and development for two direct reports and one Rotational Management (RMP) trainee.
Merchandise Manager
Men’s & Women’s Accessories| Giorgio Armani
New York City, NY
01.2015 - 12.2018
- Key player in evolving Armani Exchange from a US vertical retailer to a multi-channel Global Brand; Exceeded plan by +25% in the first year, generating $150M in retail sales.
- Performed global competitive analysis and market specific pricing proposals, bringing Armani Exchange brand to life across all international markets.
- Worked closely with SAP solutions to develop, test, and implement a new Assortment Planning Tool, which improved lead-times and streamlined the global buying process for all Giorgio Armani brands.
Senior Merchant
Men's Denim & Bottoms, and Outerwear| Guess? Inc
Los Angeles, CA
10.2012 - 12.2014
- Managed 60% of the Men’s business for Guess?, with direct ownership of US retail, outlet, and online channels.
- Standardized reporting and communication of roadmaps/line plans for international and wholesale partners.
- Responsible for leading seasonal milestone meetings, ensuring market specific needs were met, with a keen eye for protecting the integrity of the collection.
- Revitalized underperforming Denim business, shifting investment into volume driving basics, balancing product mix with business trends, and infusing best in class testing strategies.
- Propelled double-digit growth for Q3 and Q4, increasing brand awareness and market share.
Merchant
Men's Apparel & Accessories | American Eagle Outfitters
New York City, NY
06.2005 - 09.2012
- Grew Men’s Accessories to historical highs of $85M by distorting into core classics & third-party gifting.
- Identified white space to gain market share for the $200M Men’s Knits & Sweaters business.
- Led the relaunch of Men's Underwear - introduced all-new fits, fabrics, and marketing while developing a stronger product hierarchy, pricing architecture, and fabric platforming standard.
- An integral member of the pilot set in motion to centralize the Accessories Merchandising team in NY.
- Embraced change and worked cross-functionally to build a collaborative and supportive environment.
- Managed a team of three direct reports.
- Welcomed outside talent and facilitated the onboarding process.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Marketing
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 05.2005 - 05.2005
Skills
Drives Results
Process Optimization
Innovation Cultivator
Strategic Acumen
Collaboration & Influencing
People Developer
Accomplishments
Selected for American Eagle Outfitters Assistant Merchant and Advanced Merchant Training Programs
Completed Gap Inc. Leadership Essentials Series
Software
Applications: Advanced Excel, Word, PowerPoint Apple iWork Google Drive
Timeline
Senior Global Merchant
Women’s Accessories & Shoes | Old Navy
05.2019 - Current
Merchandise Manager
Men’s & Women’s Accessories| Giorgio Armani
01.2015 - 12.2018
Senior Merchant
Men's Denim & Bottoms, and Outerwear| Guess? Inc
10.2012 - 12.2014
Merchant
Men's Apparel & Accessories | American Eagle Outfitters
06.2005 - 09.2012
Bachelor of Science - Business Marketing
Pennsylvania State University
05.2005 - 05.2005