Talented merchant seeks new opportunity.

1. L A U R A K E R N S
laura.l.kerns@gmail.com - 617-699-9613 - 40 Hemlock Hill Drive, Glastonbury, CT 06033
- EXPERIENCE –
Macy’s Inc, Product Manager, Private Brand Men’s
2009-2010
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve $80 million in sales
for Alfani, the largest volume private brand in Macy’s Men’s
Sportswear.
- Managed development of private brand assortment from
concept to sale. Identified, sourced and delivered volume
items and on trend fashion to drive profitability.
- Built strong supplier relationships during sourcing trips to
Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Egypt.
Responsible for all points of negotiation.
- Established a short lead time production strategy to
decrease life-cycle, maximizing sales and margin.
Resulted in an additional $10 million in sales between Fall
2009 and Spring 2010.
- Grew Macy’s Alfani Red Fitted label to 50% of the total
Men’s Alfani business for Fall 2010 from only 20% in 2009
by identifying trends and creating volume opportunities.
- Revamped the price and cost structure of the Alfani brand
to maximize profitability and drive unit sales volume.
Successfully negotiated cost and retail reduction of 15-20%
in Spring 2010 despite difficult global challenges.
- Developed, trained, and mentored talent at varying levels
ranging from Product Managers to Interns.
Macy’s Inc, Product Manager, Private Brand Young Men’s
2007-2009
- Drove sales to $60 million for Macy’s Young Men’s
American Rag knits, sweaters, and accessories by offering
on trend styling at an exceptional value.
- Identified and launched new trend right products including
$19.98 every day value (EDV) Graphic Thermal Program
resulting in a $4.8 million sales increase in two seasons.
Macy’s Inc, Assoc. Product Manager, Men’s Sportswear
2006-2007
- Managed assistant and design counterparts to complete all
aspects of production for Private Brand Classifications.
Responsibilities included price negotiation, advertising,
marketing, managing overseas partners, and order entry.
Macy’s Inc, Brand Analyst, Men’s Sportswear
Jan 2006-Jul 2006
- Responsible for the planning of all replenishment programs
within Men’s Sportswear. Analyzed door performance,
sales, receipt plans, recommended markdowns, and
executed rollouts and liquidations of programs to meet
margin targets.
May Department Stores, Buyer-In-Training Women’s RTW
2002-2006
- Buyer-In-Training, young attitudes, annual sales volume
$58 million. Previous experience as an assistant buyer for
missy sportswear and Filene’s/Kaufmann’s management
development program.
- PASSION PROJECTS –
Team Red, White, and Blue, Social and Community
Outreach Director
Fayetteville, NC Chapter 2012-2014
- Advanced the team’s mission to enrich the lives of
America’s veterans by connecting them to the community
through physical and social activity.
- Increased local membership to 1200 people from 200,
through use of social media and successful execution of
monthly athletic and social events.
- Planned weekly runs, monthly hikes, rock climbing, and
crossfit events.
- Built relationships with sports nutrition sponsors and local
vendors to donate food and prizes for monthly events.
CrossFit Ferus- CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
2014
- Led athletes in daily workouts. Provided positive feedback
and helped individuals achieve their fitness and nutrition
goals.
- EDUCATION –
College of the Holy Cross
Worcester, MA
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Minor Economics, 2002
- NCAA DIV 1 Collegiate Soccer, Captain
WHO I AM
A dynamic, results driven senior merchant
with 8+ years of diversified experience in
product development, sales, planning, and
buying. I excel at creating relationships to
build brands and drive profitable sales
growth. I am looking for a new opportunity
to be a collaborative leader within an
energetic, fast paced organization.