1. COURTNEY TALKINGTON
13137 Lake Ave NE • Hartville, Ohio 44632 • (330) 714-7638 • courtneytalkington@gmail.com
Experienced buyer and brand manager with focus in product development, marketing, and business
analytics. Strong project management, financial acumen and communication skills. Detail-oriented,
creative and proficient in technical applications.
JO-ANN STORES, INC., Hudson, OH 1997 to present
Buyer, Needle Arts (2015-present)
• Cross-functional category manager for +$150M yarn business.
• Product development, sales/inventory analysis and planogram execution.
• Strategy development to encompass private label and vendor-sourced products.
Manager, Merchandising/Custom Services (2011 to 2014)
• Operations and strategic development of the custom programs: Classrooms (500 stores),
Custom Frame Shops (240 stores), Gift Cards (800+ stores) and Leased sewing machine
departments (230 stores).
• Design, implement and analyze promotional cadence, pricing strategies and marketing
campaigns.
• Increased gift card business +20% in the first year through partnerships, retail outlet
opportunities and fresh in-store content.
Manager, Marketing Inspiration & Education (2007 to 2011)
• Completed a structural re-design of the in-store class program, focused on developing fresh
content and implementing changes to compensation, training and class scheduling.
• Strategy development with focus on stabilizing and improving profitability through analysis
of Profit & Loss statements, promotional activity and detailed business planning.
Improvement of $1.3M on the bottom-line in 3 fiscal years.
Manager, Vendor Compliance (2006 to 2007)
• Responsible for the enforcement and communication plans for the Vendor policy manual.
• Implement technical enhancements to the Vendor Portal website to increase efficiency and
improve communications to the Vendor community for shipment violations.
Manager, Vendor Relations (2003 to 2006)
• Owner of the Vendor Portal website; including technical development, enhancement
strategy, testing, training and mass vendor communications.
• Developed and managed global vendor communications.
Vendor Relations Analyst (2002 to 2003)
• Provided business analysis support on vendor allowances, purchases and sales/margin.
• Developed, implemented and trained vendor contract processes
Assistant Buyer (1998 to 2002)
Cutting Counter Team Member; Sewing Division Intern (1997 to 1998)
EDUCATION
BA, Merchandising Business, The University of Akron, Akron OH (1998)