Jessica Aikens
Senior Vice President, Global Merchandise Planning & Inventory
Professional Overview
Jessica Aikens is an accomplished retail executive with over 15 years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, and supply chain optimization. As the Senior Vice President of Global Merchandise Planning & Inventory at Fabletics, she is responsible for leading the company's worldwide merchandise planning and inventory strategies to drive profitable growth and exceptional customer experiences.
Experience Summary
Current Role
In her current role as SVP of Global Merchandise Planning & Inventory at Fabletics, Jessica is responsible for overseeing the company's merchandise planning, demand forecasting, inventory management, and allocation processes across all sales channels and global markets. Under her leadership, the merchandise planning team has achieved significant improvements in inventory turnover, gross margins, and customer service levels.
Career Progression
Jessica's career in retail began at Belk, where she held various roles in merchandising and planning, including Merchandise Assistant and Assistant Buyer. She then joined Lord & Taylor as an Associate Buyer and Associate Merchandise Planner, gaining valuable experience in both the buying and planning functions. Prior to joining Fabletics, Jessica held progressive leadership positions at Lucky Brand, including Senior Manager, Planning & Allocation and Director of Merchandise Planning. Her experience in merchandise planning and inventory management has been instrumental in driving growth and profitability for these leading fashion brands.
Academic Background
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Merchandising from the University of Georgia. During her time at the university, she was recognized for her academic excellence and leadership, earning a spot on the Dean's List and serving as the President of the Fashion Merchandising Student Association.
Areas of Expertise
- Retail merchandise planning and inventory management
- Demand forecasting and supply chain optimization
- Cross-functional collaboration and strategic decision-making
- Process improvement and operational excellence
- Team building and leadership development
Professional Impact
At Fabletics, Jessica has played a pivotal role in aligning the company's merchandise planning and inventory strategies with its overall business objectives. She has developed and implemented data-driven forecasting models, streamlined inventory processes, and fostered strong partnerships with suppliers to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality products to customers. Under her leadership, Fabletics has achieved significant improvements in inventory turns, reduced markdowns, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience, strategic mindset, and collaborative leadership style, Jessica Aikens is poised to continue driving transformative change in the global retail industry. As Fabletics' SVP of Global Merchandise Planning & Inventory, she is well-equipped to capitalize on emerging trends, optimize supply chain operations, and deliver exceptional value to the company's customers worldwide.