Evelyn Bautista

 Multi-Category Lighting management of new products and reorders across 10 categories; chandeliers, island lights, pendants, wall sconces, ceiling lights, table lamps, floor lamps, vanity lights, outdoor lights and bulbs.  Accountable for managing supplier sourcing direct, product standardization, product sampling, pre-production inspection, in-line inspection and final inspection for all suppliers while introducing new suppliers to the mix.  Performed total price and cost analysis on vendor quotations. Improved average net margins across product categories  Reduced channel returns by improving packaging materials and standardizing drop, throw and pressure tests for all products.  Implemented safety standards and vendor compliance for ETL and UL testing for whole products and components.  Strategically developed and priced items for the various channels for Poly &Bark, Wayfair, Overstock, Houzz, Walmart, Home Depot and Amazon by conducting market research across competitors.  Responsible for packaging designs, assembly manuals, overseas photography WBG and lifestyle images, copywriting review and managing inspection deadlines.

 Global product sourcing experience in countries such as India, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Portugal, France, Indonesia and South Africa.  Enhanced sales by managing buy plans with emphasis on inventory turns and flow.  Possess solid understanding of design, materials, construction and cost. Strong negotiation skills in obtaining best cost for wholesale.  Manage product sourcing for 11 Home Décor categories; sculptures, wall art, candleholders & lanterns, pillows, boxes, jewelry boxes, photo frames, pet, seasonal décor, garden categories and Celebrity Collection.  Developed exclusive products for customers such as Wayfair, Ross, Burlington and Garden Ridge.

 Expertly assort national and private label brands in 14 classes for 560 off-price department stores and ecommerce store in a manner that maximizes profitability while analyzing goals and trends to fit customer needs; buying responsibilities include 9 classes in Home Accents (vases, decorative serveware, lighting, figurines, office décor, coastal, seasonal giftables, at-register gifts , and storage) and 5 classes in Garden (garden tools, garden décor furnishings, garden figurines, garden accessories/lighting and planters).  Achieved sales goal by managing inventory turns and flows, markdowns, budgeting, and planning inventory.  Spearheaded Garden launch in 2015 for 50 test stores resulting in revenue gain.  Foster and maintain around 120 strong vendor partnerships in order to negotiate and obtain optimal close-out opportunities while seeking and developing new resources/contacts in the market.  Mentor, supervise, and coach assistant and associate buyers to ensure growth and develop industry knowledge; lead interview, hiring, and yearly review processes.

 Deliver value driven assortments for 104 global stores, positioned in the US, Mexico, Central America and Middle East.  Lead cross functional team with seasonal financial plans to guarantee optimal inventory investment, increase merchandise flow, and reduce markdowns.  Responsible for overseeing a team of 9 buyers in coordinating global apparel assortment for 9 categories; Tops, Bottoms, Denim, Outerwear, Dresses, Sweater/Knits, Athletic Wear, Swim and Plus Size.  Manage and travel to vendors in Los Angeles, New York and China for in-stock buys and manufacturing.  Product coordinator for exclusive development for marketing & campaign's featured specific to global market.

 Monitored product trends and historical data at a category level to manager in-season opportunities and risks for all branded and web exclusive products across all apparel categories, including athletic apparel, accessories and shoes.  Managed all aspects of planning, tracking, analysis, quarterly and annual reporting, and revenue recognition using sound business acumen enabling growth of on-line business.  Led and enhanced web assortment resulting in sales increases; initiatives included developing product exclusives in denim and outerwear contributing to all e-commerce sales, launching XL web-exclusive sizes causing increase in sales, assorting and launching new petites web-exclusive business.  Assort exclusive accessory assortments for on-line channel with designer inspired collections.  Collaborated with in-house development designers and outside vendors to create exclusive footwear and apparel assortments by broadening shoes, day/evening dresses, knit/woven tops product mix.

 Assorted all apparel categories for a 10 store operation that exceeded monthly sales plans while maintaining planned markup, gross margins, and stock to sales ratio.  Integral part of a 4 store launch in Southern California.  Concepted, sourced and developed private label brands for apparel categories which included denim, athletic apparel, dresses and accessories.  Laser focused in generating sales; initiatives included developing and launching denim exclusive line contributing to total sales, planning and executing monthly trunk shows for individual stores, and maximizing best sellers by building key item business.  Cultivated strong vendor relationships while negotiating 15% to 20% terms and off-price buys.