Sara Penn
@sarapenn
Results-driven buyer with expertise in retail merchandising and inventory management.
United StatesWhat I'm looking for
As a seasoned Buyer with extensive experience in retail merchandising, I have honed my skills in creating strategic pre-season buy plans and managing inventory across multiple store locations. My current role at Dillard’s has allowed me to work cross-functionally with vendors, identifying opportunities for chase and reorder styles, while also analyzing sales performance to drive margin-building initiatives.
Throughout my career, I have successfully collaborated with leadership teams to optimize inventory health and enhance sales performance. My background as an Assistant Buyer and Sales Manager has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the retail landscape, enabling me to coach sales associates and implement effective merchandising strategies. I take pride in my ability to drive sales comps and contribute to the overall success of the business.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Buyer - Juniors Separates
Dillard’s
May 2022 - Present (3 years 1 month)
Created pre-season buy plans for 64 doors based on cluster groups and historical brand and major class selling. Worked cross-functionally with vendors to identify opportunities for chase/reorder and SMU styles, and ran weekly stock projections to manage sales plans and reallocate future POs. Recapped sales performance weekly to leadership, identifying margin-building re-order opportunities and cre
Assistant Buyer - Juniors Separates
Dillard’s
May 2021 - Present (4 years 1 month)
Partnered with Buyers and leadership to create preseason plans for 64 doors based on store cluster groups. Ran weekly sales reports to identify best sellers and suggested inventory actions based on top styles.
Assistant Buyer - Ladies Better Shoes & Men’s Shoes
Dillard’s
Apr 2020 - Present (5 years 2 months)
Partnered with Buyers and leadership team to create preseason plans for 64 doors based on store cluster groups. Ran weekly sales reports to identify best sellers and suggested inventory actions based on top styles. Allocated quarterly gross margin settlements from vendors and analyzed inventory health, issuing markdowns for aged inventory to increase inventory turns.
Sales Manager - Juniors
Dillard’s
May 2019 - Present (6 years 1 month)
Drove sales comps by coaching sales associates on 5-star selling best practices and Dillard’s credit acquisition. Merchandised department based on monthly new flow merchandising visual guides from the HQ team. Recruited new hire talent for open roles in the store and conducted interviews for potential new hires.
Business Manager - Lancome
Dillard’s
Nov 2014 - Present (10 years 7 months)
Drove sales comps by coaching sales associates on 5-star selling best practices and Dillard’s credit acquisition. Recruited new hire talent for open roles and conducted interviews, achieving significant sales growth and ranking #1 in the division for FY 2018. Personally drove over $185k in sales in both 2016 and 2017, and outpaced competing Lancome counters.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
OUOklahoma State University
Bachelor of Science, Human Sciences
Studied Apparel Design, Merchandising, Marketing, and Management within the Human Sciences program. Gained comprehensive knowledge in various aspects of the apparel industry, from design to retail strategies.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
United StatesAuthorized to work in
Job categories
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