Katie Thomas

Professional Summary

Katie Thomas is a seasoned retail executive with over a decade of experience in buying and merchandising. As the Director of Buying at PAIGE, she is responsible for overseeing the brand's strategic purchasing, inventory management, and vendor relationships. With a strong background in the fashion and e-commerce industries, Katie has developed a keen eye for emerging trends, customer preferences, and data-driven decision-making.

Professional Experience

Current Role

Director of Buying, PAIGE (2023-07-01 to Present)

• Spearhead the development and implementation of the company's buying strategy, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives

• Collaborate closely with the design and merchandising teams to curate product assortments that resonate with the brand's target audience

• Optimize inventory levels and open-to-buy budgets to maximize profitability and minimize markdowns

• Foster strong relationships with vendors and manufacturers, negotiating favorable terms and securing exclusive product offerings

Retail Buyer, PAIGE (2020-02-01 to Present)

• Identified and secured high-performing product categories, driving a 15% increase in year-over-year sales

• Implemented data-driven forecasting models to improve inventory planning and minimize stockouts

• Participated in the development of the company's e-commerce strategy, contributing to a 25% growth in online revenue

Career Progression

Senior Buyer, Petalfox (2019-09-01 to 2020-02-01)

• Spearheaded the development of the company's private label brand, resulting in a 20% increase in profit margins

• Leveraged market research and customer insights to curate innovative product assortments

• Streamlined the vendor onboarding process, improving operational efficiency

Global Buyer, Free People (2016-01-01 to 2019-09-01)

• Identified and capitalized on international growth opportunities, expanding the brand's global footprint

• Implemented a data-driven approach to buying, leading to a 12% reduction in markdown rates

• Collaborated with the design team to create exclusive capsule collections, driving a 30% increase in customer engagement

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising, University of Southern California

Areas of Expertise

• Retail buying and merchandising

• Inventory management and forecasting

• Vendor relationship management

• Data-driven decision-making

• E-commerce strategy and omnichannel optimization

• Fashion trend analysis and product curation

Professional Impact

• Recognized as a rising star in the retail industry, featured in industry publications and awarded the "Buyer of the Year" by the National Retail Federation

• Actively involved in industry associations, serving on the board of directors for the Retail Buyers Association

• Passionate about mentoring and developing the next generation of retail leaders, regularly speaking at industry events and universities

Conclusion

With her extensive experience, innovative mindset, and proven track record of success, Katie Thomas is poised to drive continued growth and success for PAIGE. Her deep understanding of the retail landscape, coupled with her data-driven approach and strong leadership skills, make her a valuable asset to the company and the industry as a whole.