Veronica Barone
Experienced Merchandise Planner
Marlton
Summary
Dynamic Merchandise Planner, with expertise in pre-season planning and in-season forecasting. Proven track record in trend identification and proactive problem-solving, driving sales and maximizing gross margin. Strong communicator with exceptional attention to detail, adept at cross-functional collaboration to capitalize on growth opportunities.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Merchandise Planner for Juniors (Sweaters, Wovens and Jackets)
Burlington Coat Factory Corporate Office
Burlington
01.2018 - Current
- Conducted pre-season planning through bottoms-up creation of class level plans based on historical sales curves, buyer insights, and KPI metrics.
- Develop strategic initiatives to achieve all KPI metrics including: sales, gross margin, turn and markdown goals
- In-season trending and forecasting to align with company direction and changing business strategies. Chasing the trends and reducing our risks.
- Facilitated weekly touch-bases with buying team to discuss spend, business trends, and strategies for enhancing sales performance.
- Weekly business analysis and callouts done at a price-point, size, label and property level.
- Implemented markdown strategies every two weeks to optimize inventory turnover.
- Performed bi-monthly analysis to assess successes and uncover opportunities for enhancement.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with location planning team to leverage regional expertise and maximize sales opportunities.
Location Planning Analyst for Men’s and Young Men’s Coats
Burlington Coat Factory Corporate Office
Burlington
01.2015 - 12.2018
- Analyzed regional sales trends to identify sales opportunities and risks by class, using this information to adjust regional plans.
- Collaborated on developing location and allocation planning strategies to optimize inventory management.
- Created regional and store level class plans by month.
- Perform sales reporting and analysis to identify high performing outlier doors by category/class to ensure proper sales plans within these doors.
- Prepared action plan summaries highlighting regional growth opportunities to drive sales.
- Partners with merchants, chain planners and allocations to develop seasonal strategies and assist in overall product start and exit strategies
- Analyzed past months/quarters to identify strategies for enhancing successes and mitigating risks.
Allocator for Men’s Bottoms and Tops
Burlington Coat Factory Corporate Office
Burlington
01.2012 - 12.2015
- Facilitated product distribution to align with store needs and improve customer satisfaction.
- Determined optimal allocation strategies by analyzing customer preferences in specific regions.
- Have substantial knowledge of product including: understanding of top business drivers and how to maximize them through allocations, pinpointing struggling areas of business and working with the team to determine best courses of action for improvement, and overall awareness of top vendors/ labels and attributes.
- Reviewed reserve and pack and hold; recommended product releases or holds based on store sales trends.
- Engaged with cross-functional partners to ensure alignment on inventory strategies and market demands.
Education
B.A. - Government & International Politics
01.2012
A.S. - Political Science
01.2005
Skills
- Open-to-buy management
- Pre-season planning
- In-season forecasting
- Trend identification
- Proactive problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Multitasking
- Adaptability to change
- Excellent communication
- Team communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Relationship building
- Problem-solving abilities
Timeline
Merchandise Planner for Juniors (Sweaters, Wovens and Jackets) - Burlington Coat Factory Corporate Office
01.2018 - Current
Location Planning Analyst for Men’s and Young Men’s Coats - Burlington Coat Factory Corporate Office
01.2015 - 12.2018
Allocator for Men’s Bottoms and Tops - Burlington Coat Factory Corporate Office
01.2012 - 12.2015
George Mason University - B.A., Government & International Politics
Brookdale Community College - A.S., Political Science