Henry Castro

Buyer - Denim / Casual Bottoms (3 years 3 months) Hand selected buyer brought back to reinvigorate fashion direction for Bottoms Developed new highly successful Basic Wall Program Optimized assortment and grew Private Label throughout all classifications resulting in increased margins and profitability Introduced branded identification shop concept for B.T.S. which resulted in double-digit sales, adding to the overall visual continuity of the store

Senior Apparel Buyer – Denim, Outerwear and Woven Tops 2005 – 2012 (7 years) Responsible for orchestrating the cohesive product direction for all apparel categories of a 135 store Junior’s chain Position encompasses product direction, financial strategy, and visual presentation Continually exceeded all expectations as a decisive and persuasive leader in order to work well with all levels of an organization while inspiring Buyers and Planners to strive for excellence

Trend reporting and comprehensive analysis of fashion forecasting and retail shopping In charge of orchestrating overall office operation Additionally commissioned for consultation, merchandising, buying and special training projects Increased marketability and improved profitability by honing vision, execution and focus

Buyer – Denim, Woven / Casual Bottoms / Activewear (2000 – 2003) 500+ store chain targeting teen age girls selling brand names and private label Maximized Blue Asphalt brand throughout all Departments Named 2001 Employee of the Year Recorded best Denim Department year ever in 2001 Blue Asphalt, Brand Manager / Catalog & Internet Director (1997 – 2000) Re launched the Blue Asphalt Brand, proved to be my finest achievement Director of new Catalog Division and launching of a highly successful e-commerce site Redesigned and reinvented labels and signage for private store brands Partnered with merchandising team to clearly define and communicate brand identity Put systems in place to ensure marketing and merchandising continuity for all store brands Limbo Lounge, Operational Merchandise Manager (1997 – 2000) Pioneered new cutting edge venture, a 25 store chain called Limbo Lounge One of the first unisex urban clothing stores in an "entertainment setting" featuring music, internet, and juice bar set in a great hangout nightclub atmosphere Approved every decision on all aspects of new store, right down to the choices of fixtures Spearheaded the overall vision of new alternative destination-style shopping venue Buyer – Denim (1993 – 1997) Reinvented the Denim Department by designing and developing one of the first and most successful private label denim brands in the country Introduced the first Basic-Denim Core Wall Program with the now nationally-acclaimed Blue Asphalt Brand, one of the most popular and best-selling Denim Brands in the country Divisional Merchandise Manager – Accessories (1997 – 1998) Instituted Two-For Pricing strategy to drive unit sales increase Increased penetration of shoe sales by introduction of private label Instrumental in development of Girl’s Room, an in-store home accessory shop Buyer –Fashion Jewelry (1992 – 1993)

Increased volume by 20% by exploiting merchandise trends, reacting to opportunities, and managing inventory Increased gross margin four points by initiating product development in Providence factories Established leading reputation for being first with trends

Expanded Sales with largest overall growth in the Junior Division Maximized sales and gross margin through product development and new resources Organized special events, fashion shows and vendor sponsored giveaways to increase sales