Dara Peck
Vice President Merchandising, J.Crew | New York, New York, United States
Professional Overview
Dara Peck is a seasoned retail executive with over 15 years of experience driving merchandising strategy and business growth. As the Vice President of Merchandising at J.Crew, she leverages her deep industry expertise and data-driven approach to optimize product assortments, enhance customer experience, and maximize profitability.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As Vice President of Merchandising at J.Crew, Dara is responsible for overseeing the company's merchandising strategy across all product categories. She leads a team of experienced buyers and planners in developing seasonal collections that align with evolving consumer preferences and market trends. Under Dara's leadership, J.Crew has consistently delivered on-trend merchandise that has resonated with its target audience, resulting in increased customer loyalty and improved financial performance.
Career Progression
Prior to joining J.Crew, Dara held progressively senior merchandising roles at leading retailers such as Macy's and Nordstrom. At Macy's, she was instrumental in driving the company's successful expansion into the off-price sector, spearheading the launch and growth of Macy's Backstage. At Nordstrom, Dara led the merchandising team for the company's luxury division, where she successfully curated high-end product assortments and enhanced the in-store customer experience.
Academic Background
Dara holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California, with a focus on Retail Merchandising. She is also a graduate of the prestigious Retail Leadership Development Program at Harvard Business School.
Areas of Expertise
- Retail merchandising and product assortment planning
- Data-driven decision making and analytics
- Omnichannel strategy and customer experience optimization
- Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration
- Talent development and mentorship
Professional Impact
During her tenure at J.Crew, Dara has played a pivotal role in revitalizing the brand's merchandising strategy, resulting in improved inventory management, enhanced gross margins, and increased customer satisfaction. She has also been instrumental in spearheading the company's digital transformation, leveraging data and analytics to drive more personalized and engaging customer experiences across all touchpoints.
Conclusion
Dara Peck's extensive experience, strategic vision, and strong leadership skills make her a valuable asset to J.Crew's executive team. As the company navigates the evolving retail landscape, Dara's expertise in merchandising, customer-centricity, and operational excellence will continue to play a crucial role in driving sustainable growth and market leadership.
