Charlie Lay
About
Charlie Lay is from Jacksonville, Florida, United States. Charlie works in the following industries: "Retail". Charlie is currently Category Manager-Home Depot PRO at The Home Depot, located in Jacksonville, Florida Area. Charlie also works as CATEGORY MERCHANT at The Home Depot Pro, a job Charlie has held since Feb 2015. In Charlie's previous role as a Buyer-Rugs and Lamps at Kmart/Sears Holdings, Charlie worked in until Mar 2014. Prior to joining Kmart/Sears Holdings, Charlie was a Buyer-Tabletop Kmart/Sears at Sears Holdings Corporation and held the position of Buyer-Tabletop Kmart/Sears at Hoffman Estates, Il.. Prior to that, Charlie was a Buyer-Table Linens at Kmart Corporation, based in Hoffman Estates, IL from Mar 2012 to Oct 2012. Charlie started working as Housewares Buyer-The Great Indoors at Sears Holdings Corporation in Hoffman Estates, Illinois in Aug 2011. From May 2010 to Aug 2011, Charlie was Retail Industry Consultant at Independent Retail Consultant, based in San Antonio, Texas. Prior to that, Charlie was a Senior Buyer at HEB from Oct 2004 to Sep 2009. Charlie started working as Buyer at Sears, Roebuck and Co. in Jun 1984.
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Charlie Lay's current jobs
Category Manager responsible for all Hardware; Tools, and Outdoor. Work with over 400 Vendors and over 10,000 items.
Charlie Lay's past jobs
Tabletop Buyer for all Sears and Kmart stores.
Buyer of Table Linens for all Kmart Stores.
Responsible for: Tabletop; Small electrics; Table Linens; Cookware, and Food Prep.
Work with a start-up retail vendor in the development of products in the Tabletop; Pet and Reusable Bag categories.
Tabletop/Reusable Bags/Food Storage/Wine Accessories/Canning Supplies Senior Buyer for a $25 million dollar area that includes Tabletop, Wine Accessories, Coffee Accessories and Food Storage. In charge of developing products; marketing and sales promotions. Achieved 15-20% Sales Increase every year and a 10% improvement in Gross Margin Developed and implemented 12 Seasonal Tabletop Programs Designed and executed a Reusable Bag Program with projected 2009 sales of $6 Million at a 30% Gross Margin Responsible for color and trends in general merchandise Extensive off price buying and closeout buying Traveled and conducted business in China and Europe
Final Position was Buyer for Tabletop; Storage and Lighting. Other positions included: Marketing Manager; Associate Buyer and Store Management.
Tabletop/Seasonal Tabletop/Pantryware/Closet Organization Responsible for private label and product development of dinnerware and seasonal tabletop with $30 million sales volume in over 450 stores. Achieved 100% of sales plan and 105% of gross profit plan for 2002. Managed all aspects of the business including sales, gross margin and turnover. Planned entire merchandising and marketing strategy for buying area. Successfully developed and rolled out lamp and clock department in 425 stores. Responsible for preparation of sales forecast and profitability by line. Trained new associate buyers and managed their day-to-day activities. Sourced, selected and established partnerships with over 25 vendors. Named one of the Top 200 Housewares Executives in 2001 and 2002.
Responsible for print, radio and direct mail advertising for the Home Fashions Department. Worked with buying teams and creative department in the creation and layout of printed advertising. Developed infomercials for the carpeting department. Developed targeted mailers for the Home Decor departments. Acted as liasion between the advertising agencies and Sears. Created and developed regional newspaper ads for specific Home Decor businesses.
Table Linens/Personal Electrics Responsible for supporting buyer to maximize sales and profit. Assisted in merchandise assortment and monthly marketing plan for the personal care area. Responsible for product forecasting to insure inventory from vendors. Complete buying responsibility for the table linens category with a $15 million sales volume.
Responsible for promotional and regular replenishment of product for more than 500 stores. Worked with stores and vendors to insure product arrived in stores in a timely manner. Coordinated table linen rollout between stores and vendors in 400 stores.
Manager of the housewares, bed and bath, carpeting, furniture, drapery and custom drapery departments. Responsible for annual sales of over $10 million. Directed a staff of over 50full and part-time commissioned and noncommissioned salespeople.