1. JOHN STEFFENS
Muskego, Wisconsin 53150
M: (414) 350-9001 jssportsref@aol.com
CARE E R SUMMAR Y
Award-winning Professional with expertise in business development, buying, planning,
forecasting, sales and strategizing; seeking a buying, planning, sales or manufacturing position
with a growing organization. Developed and implemented customized localized assortments by
store, driving sales and margin through My Macys localization strategy. Managed the weekly
Open-to-Buy for a $260 million business for a leading retailer, with an average inventory of $197
million. Effectively organized planning meetings with C-level Executives to discuss current and
future positions, strategies and solutions. Excellent communication skills.
ACCO M PL IS H ME NT S
• Provided leadership, direction, support and business guidance through District Planner position at
Macys in multiple FOB’s; leading to two development opportunity promotions in first three years.
• Grew Chicago North District year over year sales in Handbags, Dress Accessories and Intimate
apparel by $2.3M in 2014, or +6.8% LY; beating sales plan by +2.3% and margin plan by +0.2%.
• Results-oriented and creative, reduced average store inventory at Kohl’s by 11% annually over final
two consecutive years through color editing, style edits and style reduction.
• Market research expertise, increased sales for Bon Ton Stores by 31% in 2004 over $20.5 million,
and added $15.5 million in sales to the area in 2006.
• Technically proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel, Outlook, Lotus Notes, Arthur
(AIM) planning application, Pace planning and Quantum Replenishment System.
PRO FE S S IO NAL EXPE RIE NCE
MACY’S INC, (Office in Chicago, Illinois) 2010-2015
District Planner – Center Core (Handbags, Intimate Apparel, Hosiery & Dress Accessories)
District Planner – Millennial (Kids, Juniors, Swim, Coats and Missy Active)
District Planner – Soft Home
• Developed customized assortments in each store through leveraging localized opportunities to drive
sales and gross margin (My Macys)
• Analyzed store assortments, space productivity, customer profiles and competitive environment,
resulting in development of strategic financial plans for a $40M business; covering 10 stores across
two states.
• Collaborated with central merchants, vendors, store managers, DVP, DM and RPM to support
strategic objectives in sales, transitional tactics, market share and space planning.
• Communicated financial goals and performance with vendor partners on weekly basis.
KOHL’S CORPORATION, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 2006-2009
Merchandise Planner - Men’s Casual Pants
• Built seasonal financial plans to effectively achieve company sales, profit goals and optimize return
on inventory investment.
• Managed the weekly Open-to-Buy for a $260 million business; with an average inventory of $197
million; covering 1000 plus stores.
• Collaborated with merchants to support strategic objectives in sales, transitional tactics, market
solutions, advertising, marketing, and space and import planning,
• Communicated financial goals and performance with vendor partners on weekly basis.

2. JOHN STEFFENS RESUME (page 2)
BON-TON STORES INC. (CARSON PIRIE SCOTT & COMPANY), Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1996-2006
Buyer - Young Men’s, Urban, Active and Team Shop, 2004-2006
Buyer - Junior Moderate Knit Tops, 2000-2004
Associate Buyer - Men’s Nautica Sportswear, 1999-2000
Associate Buyer - Men’s Contemporary, 1998-1999
Assistant Buyer - Men’s Denim, 1996-1998
• Purchased all product lines for every category and created all assortment plans and orders for entire area.
• Purchased product for 279 doors across 23 states under the names Carsons, Elder-Beerman, Bon-Ton,
Bergner’s, Boston Store and Younkers.
• Presented business strategies to Senior Management during seasonal strategy sessions.
• Negotiated yearly vendor margin support for markdowns taken in-season.
• Spearheaded advertising campaigns and marketing initiatives for several business sector categories.
• Performed all replenishment functions including creating and maintaining model stocks, baseline
inventory and executed real time re-orders covering several buying responsibilities.
• Created and assisted with all price change functions of each buying responsibility.
• Traveled to stores to work alongside store associates to determine what product mix should be
purchased for their respective market.
• Performed in-store customer surveys in urban markets to analyze market trends, assess products and
carry out grassroots marketing.
• Assisted in merger of Bon Ton and Carson’s (young men’s merchandise), creating one streamlined platform.
• Won Chairman of the Board Award six times, a merchant prize for top quarterly sales.
• Buyer of the Year 2001 (Award for top sales in the company)
EDUCAT IO N
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN WHITEWATER, Whitewater, Wisconsin
Bachelor of Business Administration, Major: Finance. GPA 3.27/4.0 1996