Patty G. Hankar
Summary
Results-driven Merchandising Leader with over 10 years of experience in omni-channel buying, merchandising, and private label development. Recognized for implementing visionary strategies that enhance brand awareness and meet financial objectives. Core competencies include product innovation, strategic brand partnerships, and optimizing merchandising processes. Successful in leading cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive collaboration across buying, product development, design, planning, digital marketing, and visual merchandising.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Merchandising, Product Development, and Business Strategy
Freelance Consultant
Be Home
01.2021 - Current
- Develop and initiate strategic methodologies in product development, enhancing operational alignment with market trends and customer expectations
- Developed tailored merchandising strategies, positioning client products at the forefront of competitive markets
- Instituted market analysis practices, enabling clients to proactively anticipate market shifts and adapt product lines
- Spearheaded organizational and operational process revamps across Planning, Merchandising, and Product Development departments, enhancing efficiency and market responsiveness
- Pioneered the creative direction, content, and styling of the newly launched Direct-to-Consumer catalog, collaborating closely with the CEO and eCommerce head to optimize distribution and content strategies
- Formulated and executed strategic initiatives with an external marketing agency, boosting customer acquisition and retention through optimized ad spending across multiple channels
- Mapped out emerging retail trends, delivering actionable insights that opened new business avenues and minimized risks
Director of Merchandising~Senior Leader: Bedroom
RH
10.2017 - 03.2019
- Led the Merchandising team for Bedroom Furniture, focusing on innovative products and strategic brand partnerships
- Streamlined processes within Buying and Product Development teams to enhance collaboration across allocation, web merchandising, and customer care
- Drove strategic visual merchandising initiatives to boost product visibility and sales, while continuously analyzing market trends to align offerings with consumer preferences
- Managed the omni-channel Bedroom Furniture department to achieve $200M in annual revenue
- Increased IMU and profitability margins by 200 basis points for a top-selling upholstery style through strategic forecasting and quality enhancements
- Implemented quality control initiatives, collaborating with sourcing to elevate product standards and reduce return rates by 5%, enhancing operational efficiency and product integrity
- Led the sourcing and development of exclusive RH-branded mattresses and foundational products, collaborating with luxury brands like Aireloom, Reverie, and Tempur-Pedic
- Launched the RH Mattress and Foundations category, generating an incremental $8M in sales and enhancing the service offering to customers and designers
- Negotiated contracts with vendors on behalf of the company.
- Developed training materials for new staff members in the department.
Buyer - General Merchandise - Housewares
Grocery Outlet Inc.
09.2015 - 10.2017
- Managed buying, allocation, and merchandising strategy for the Housewares category, focusing on maximizing assortment diversity and leveraging closeout opportunities
- Developed and executed merchandising plans that align with strategic business goals, fostering relationships with key branded suppliers to ensure a continuous flow of high-value merchandise
- Maintained rigorous inventory and sales performance analysis to adapt buying strategies in real-time and optimize financial outcomes
- Directed the General Merchandise Housewares department to manage $25M in annual revenue, focusing on meeting sales, margin, and inventory turnover targets
- Built and nurtured new strategic supplier relationships to bolster monthly and annual company performance metrics
Senior Buyer - Kitchen, Dining & Entertaining
Anthropologie
01.2013 - 09.2015
- Oversaw buying and strategic direction for the tabletop and table linen categories, while managing product assortment and financial planning across all sales channels.
- Built and maintained robust vendor relationships to support a diverse and competitive product lineup
- Directed a team of seven, focusing on skill development and performance enhancement across the department
- Frequently traveled internationally for product development, sourcing, and manufacturing R&D, ensuring top-tier quality and innovation in product offerings
- Developed buy strategies for 200 stores, catalog, and e-commerce platforms to ensure brand consistency and market penetration
- Directed strategic and financial planning for the omni-channel Tabletop business, achieving $65M in annual revenue and surpassing sales and profit targets consistently across multiple years
Buyer - Dinnerware, Serveware, Glassware, Flatware, Gadgets, Décor Accessories
Anthropologie
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Administered strategic buying and product development for diverse categories including Dinnerware, Serveware, Glassware, Flatware, and related accessories
- Conducted detailed market analysis and vendor negotiations to ensure a competitive and innovative product assortment
- Developed and executed pricing strategies to maximize profitability while maintaining market competitiveness
- Fostered strong vendor relationships to secure exclusive product offerings and favorable buying terms
- Steered $50M+ OTB annually, delivering a +15% store and +51% e-commerce sales comp, surpassing profit goals by $3.2M through strategic buying and effective inventory management
- Spearheaded development and launch of the Official Gift Registry, achieving a projected $10M in sales, through market research and strategic planning across direct-to-consumer and brick-and-mortar channels
- Launched the Flatware category, achieving $1M in sales with a 200% year-over-year growth and exceeding profit targets by 73%, amounting to $225K
Asst- Associate Buyer Tabletop, Garden, Dec Acc
Anthropologie
01.2008 - 12.2011
- Attended trade shows and exhibitions for industry knowledge acquisition and networking opportunities.
- Generated forecasts for future purchasing needs based on historical sales data.
- Assisted in developing merchandising strategies that maximized profits while meeting customer demand.
Education
Professional Designation - Merchandising & Product Development
FIDM
01-2006
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
UCLA
06-2004
Semester abroad -
University of Barcelona
01.2001
Skills
- Omni-Channel Assortment & Merchandising Strategy
- Team Leadership & Development
- Drive Sales Growth & Profitability
- Sales & Inventory Forecasting and Planning
- Pricing Analysis & Brand Positioning Strategy
- Allocation optimization
- Global Sourcing and Product Lifecycle Development Expertise
- Innovative Problem Solver
- Comprehensive Creative & Artisanal Network
- Data-Informed Decision Making
- Customer-centric
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Merchandising, Product Development, and Business Strategy
Freelance Consultant
01.2021 - Current
Director of Merchandising~Senior Leader: Bedroom
RH
10.2017 - 03.2019
Buyer - General Merchandise - Housewares
Grocery Outlet Inc.
09.2015 - 10.2017
Senior Buyer - Kitchen, Dining & Entertaining
Anthropologie
01.2013 - 09.2015
Buyer - Dinnerware, Serveware, Glassware, Flatware, Gadgets, Décor Accessories
Anthropologie
01.2012 - 01.2013
Asst- Associate Buyer Tabletop, Garden, Dec Acc
Anthropologie
01.2008 - 12.2011
Professional Designation - Merchandising & Product Development
FIDM
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
UCLA
Semester abroad -
University of Barcelona
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