Richa Saluja

Associate Buyer - Table Runner, Placemats, Napkin Rings, Kitchen Towels, Aprons, Oven Mitts, Xmas- Tree skirts & Stockings)

• Studied Trends forecast
• Monitored Market trends (collection of Aspirational & Competitor brands).
• Weekly Sales Analysis to understand consumer buying pattern.
• Explained buying needs to vendors to set expectation for sample development for upcoming buying budget.
• Visited vendor showrooms to review collection and shortlist samples which are in line with trends & sales analysis.
• Presented product online to Buying Managers at Headquarters in USA with sample images, negotiated price, targeted MU%, retail price.
• Shared all final orders with sourcing and vendors to close delivery dates, expectation of sample approval process and revised submissions planning.
• Established relationships with vendors to secure competitive pricing and discounts.
• Evaluated product quality and vendor performance to maintain quality standards.
• Researched and identified new suppliers and vendors.

Market Representative- Table Runner, Placemats, Napkin Rings, Kitchen Towels, Aprons, Oven Mitts, Xmas- Tree skirts & Stockings)

• Closely worked with inhouse buyer on new order placements and approvals during production process.
• Maintained timely product deliveries by effectively communicating with vendors, quality team.
• Visited supplier facilities to establish relationships, review real time production status.
• Managed and maintained time and action plan to ensure on-time deliveries.
• Closely worked with vendors for all production approvals for quality, color, branding tags, print & embroideries, trims etc.

Category- License (Baby & Kidswear)

• Responsible for the business development for the existing and new product categories.
• Building strong and effective supplier base for a smooth product supply.
• Ensuring a collaborative relationship with all stake holders for a seamless integration of strategy and timely approvals at all levels
• Process flow owner for Price Negotiation and Order Management
• Responsible for supplier performance monitoring & review

Got opportunity to frequently Travel to Hong Kong & China for buying meetings along with buyers from France & vendors from India.

Was invited 3 times to France office by Carrefour buyer- for training with Designer of Walt Disney team. This helped me get authorization to internal approve pre-production samples during vendor visits in South India.

Category - Women's wear (Tops & Dresses) Debenhams, UK

• Worked closely with buyer and vendor on tech- pack analysis, sample development, use of correct quality, colors and trims to ensure timely order booking.
• Closely monitored all approvals process to ensure timely delivery.
• Maintained all approvals file for record purposes.
• Executed production meetings between vendor and quality/inspection teams for all pre-production comments to ensure smooth process.
• Worked on best sellers to initiate move ons along with internal buying team.
• Prepared for buying meetings with best sellers, all samples against tech packs along with prices, options for fabric quality, colors and trims.