Kristina Kendall
Experienced Retail Buyer with Expertise in Denim and Juniors/Young Contemporary Fashion
Professional Overview
Kristina Kendall is an accomplished Buyer with a proven track record of driving business growth and profitability for leading retail brand Dillard's Inc. As a Buyer, she leverages her deep industry knowledge, strategic decision-making, and strong vendor relationships to effectively curate fashion-forward product assortments that resonate with the brand's target consumers.
Experience Summary
Current Role
Buyer, Dillard's Inc. (2019 - Present)
- Responsible for planning, purchasing, and allocation of merchandise across multiple product categories
- Collaborates with cross-functional teams to develop and execute successful go-to-market strategies
- Analyzes sales data, market trends, and customer insights to make informed buying decisions
- Negotiates advantageous terms with vendors to maximize profitability and secure competitive pricing
Career Progression
Denim Buyer (Juniors/Young Contemporary), Dillard's Inc. (2015 - 2019)
- Spearheaded the expansion of the company's denim offerings in the Juniors/Young Contemporary division
- Drove double-digit sales growth through the development of exclusive private label brands and strategic vendor partnerships
- Implemented effective inventory management strategies to optimize product flow and minimize markdowns
Assistant Buyer, Juniors SE Division, Dillard's Inc. (2014 - 2015)
- Supported the Juniors Buyer in all aspects of the buying process, including forecasting, purchasing, and product allocation
- Gained valuable experience in merchandising, vendor negotiations, and cross-functional collaboration
Marketing Intern, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment (2007 - 2008)
- Assisted the marketing team in the development and implementation of promotional campaigns
- Gained exposure to the retail and hospitality industries, which laid the foundation for her future career in buying
Academic Background
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, University of Florida
Concentration: Marketing
Areas of Expertise
- Denim and Juniors/Young Contemporary fashion
- Product curation and trend forecasting
- Vendor relationship management and negotiations
- Inventory optimization and markdown management
- Cross-functional collaboration and strategic planning
Professional Impact
- Consistently exceeded sales and profitability targets by delivering fashion-forward, customer-centric product assortments
- Spearheaded the successful launch of exclusive private label denim brands, contributing to significant revenue growth
- Recognized as a top-performing Buyer within the organization, earning multiple performance awards
Conclusion
With her extensive experience, strategic acumen, and deep industry expertise, Kristina Kendall is poised to continue driving exceptional results for Dillard's Inc. as a Buyer. Her unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving business growth make her a valuable asset to the organization.