Debbie Bentlage

Lead Sourcing teams in COGS projects, country diversification strategies and vendor matrix selections to ensure the best possible value and quality is delivered to At Home on time. Partner with cross functional merchant teams to develop product into merchandise strategies with key vendor partners to deliver KPI’s.

Responsible for development of strategies and managed P&L to achieve planned business results for Ladies, Men's, Kids, Intimates, Accessories and Shoe departments. Leveraged strong collaboration skills with vendors and cross functional departments to make improvements to merchandise assortments, advertising and store presentation. Developed apparel strategy to focus branding, promotional and pricing strategies to better serve Shopko customer needs. Worked with outside consultants to leverage customer survey data. Redefined private brand profiles so that each brand had a clear point of view and eliminated duplication between brands. Lead product development teams in identify key trends and items. Managed sourcing strategies to ensure optimal margins and quality.

Oversaw planning, development and execution of private brands for stores and E-Commerce business. Establish strategic direction to identify brand initiatives and enhancements that will help differentiate the brands and support Company's financial and strategic plans. Collaborate with cross functional teams in stores, advertising, E-Commerce and logistics to ensure product is competitive, trend right and provides value to target customer. Provide technical and strategic guidance for product design and development in; Ladies Apparel, Men's, Kid's, Fashion Accessories, Shoes, Home and Outerwear. Manage a 300+ vendor/factory, agent. licencee, independent contractor and 3rd party structure in 15+ countries. Encourage a work environment that fosters respect, diversity and achievement, by soliciting and encouraging new ideas that will continually improve product and procedure. Provide packaging and marketing direction of product to promote the brands. Over the 12 years have held several positions including Group VP, Global Sourcing/Operations, GVP Product Development Home/Ladies/Kids, VP Product Development Men's/ Children's/Fashion Accessories/Ladies Outerwear.

Set strategic, financial and trend direction for soft and hard home areas and key sportswear private brands. Worked with domestic and foreign vendors to negotiate the best value equation. Built strong relationships with domestic home vendors and grew private brand penetration to 80% of company soft home business with margins 5% than branded vendors. Lead company direction on seasonal home product to build best in class assortments and offering unique product to the customers. Successfully reduced China exposure by 20% resulting in lower costs. Streamlined design and approval process to take 2 weeks out of production calendar. Managed expense budgets and reduced by 5% for 3 consecutive years.

Responsible for Men's, Kids, Accessories, Ladies Outerwear

VP/DMM Children's, Tweens, Juniors, May Merchandising 2004-2006 DVP/DMM Moderate Sportswear, Plus Size Sportswear and Swimwear May Merchandising 1999-2004 Market Representative Moderate Sweaters and Knits May Merchandising 1994-1999 Market Representative Plus Size May Merchandising 1993-1994 Famous Barr 1984-1993 Divisional Store Manager, Buyer Swim and Plus size, Buyer Towels, Rugs and Bath Shop, Assistant Buyer Better Collections and Coats, several Department manager positions