Tina Wade
Senior Vice President General Merchandise Manager
Professional Overview
Tina Wade is an accomplished retail executive with over 18 years of experience in the footwear and general merchandise industry. As the Senior Vice President General Merchandise Manager at DTLR, Inc., she is responsible for leading the strategic direction and operational oversight of the company's diverse product portfolio, driving growth, profitability, and market share.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Senior Vice President General Merchandise Manager at DTLR, Inc., Tina is responsible for overseeing the company's entire merchandise assortment, including footwear, apparel, and accessories. She collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to optimize product mix, manage inventory, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Under her leadership, DTLR has achieved significant revenue and market share growth, solidifying its position as a leading retailer in the urban lifestyle and streetwear segments.
Career Progression
Tina's career at DTLR has been marked by a steady progression of increasing responsibilities and impact. She joined the company in 2003 as a Buying Assistant, where she honed her skills in product selection, vendor management, and inventory planning. Tina quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a Kids Footwear Buyer in 2007 and then the DMM of Footwear in 2012, where she demonstrated her ability to drive category growth and profitability. Her strategic vision, strong analytical skills, and customer-centric approach have been instrumental in her advancement to the senior leadership role she holds today.
Academic Background
Tina holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Merchandising from the University of Maryland, where she graduated with honors. She has also completed executive leadership programs at leading business schools, further enhancing her strategic and operational expertise.
Areas of Expertise
- Merchandise planning and category management
- Vendor negotiations and strategic partnerships
- Omnichannel retail strategy and implementation
- Data-driven decision making and performance analysis
- Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration
Professional Impact
During her tenure as the DMM of Footwear, Tina spearheaded the successful launch of several high-profile collaborations with prominent footwear brands, which significantly boosted DTLR's brand appeal and customer engagement. Her ability to anticipate market trends and align product assortments accordingly has consistently driven double-digit sales growth in the footwear category.
Conclusion
Tina Wade's extensive experience, strategic vision, and proven track record of success make her a valuable asset to DTLR, Inc. As the Senior Vice President General Merchandise Manager, she is poised to continue driving the company's growth and solidifying its position as a leader in the urban retail landscape.
