Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Leslie Garner is a seasoned retail executive with over 17 years of experience in space planning, assortment optimization, and merchandise management. As the Senior Director of Space Planning & Assortment Optimization at Avolta, she leverages her deep industry expertise to drive strategic decision-making and enhance the company's overall operational efficiency.
Experience Summary
Current Role
In her current role at Avolta, Leslie is responsible for leading the space planning and assortment optimization initiatives. She oversees the development and implementation of innovative strategies to optimize product allocations, enhance store layouts, and improve overall sales performance. Her data-driven approach and collaborative leadership style have enabled Avolta to achieve significant cost savings and revenue growth.
Career Progression
Prior to joining Avolta, Leslie held various leadership positions in the retail industry, including Director of Merchandise Management at Hudson, Vice President of Planning and Strategy at ISAIA, and Senior Director of Planning at ISAIA. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong track record of driving operational excellence, implementing effective merchandising strategies, and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
Academic Background
Leslie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Merchandising and Retail Management from the University of Delaware. Her academic achievements, coupled with her extensive industry experience, have positioned her as a respected thought leader in the retail space.
Areas of Expertise
- Space planning and optimization
- Assortment planning and inventory management
- Retail analytics and data-driven decision-making
- Merchandise planning and forecasting
- Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration
Professional Impact
During her tenure at ISAIA, Leslie led the development and implementation of a comprehensive space planning strategy that resulted in a 12% increase in sales per square foot and a 7% reduction in inventory levels. Her innovative approach to assortment optimization at Hudson enabled the company to enhance its product mix, leading to a 9% increase in gross margins.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience, strong analytical skills, and strategic mindset, Leslie Garner is poised to drive continued success at Avolta. Her commitment to delivering measurable results and her ability to foster a collaborative work environment make her a valuable asset to the organization.
