Joe Failla

• Successfully and simultaneously managed multiple categories for a 92-door off-price chain • Analyzed business down to sub-class level and leveraged findings Excel, Power BI, and company reporting to analyze trends, identify opportunities, and make data-driven buying decisions • Managed a 100+ vendor matrix across multiple categories, developing dozens of new vendor relationships to maximize product mix, sales volume, and profitability • Developed and supervised two merchandise coordinators, mentored one to promotion as Assistant Buyer and leveraged their support on analysis, replenishment, and special projects • Collaborated cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Planning, and IT to streamline merchandising processes and controls, improving hierarchy management, ticket accuracy, and compliance with company standards • Traveled to New York market as well as attended Las Vegas merchandise shows (OFFPRICE, MAGIC, and ASD), Atlanta Shoe Market, and Orlando Surf Expo Some Accomplishments • Developed a strong Men’s Accessories business, growing sales by 144% over 3 years due to 90% uptick in headwear and the introduction of Belts • Enhanced the Cold Weather product mix to achieve a 44% sales increase by focusing on fast-turning programs and diversifying the assortment • Grew the Seasonal Sock program for Holiday by 38% over three years taking the mix from strictly OPP to a good-better assortment • Grew Women's Accessories by 17% with double-digit increases in Handbags, Headwear, and Hair Accessories by expanding the resource base, chasing trends, curating collections • Attained a 14% lift in Luggage sales over two years (2023 & 2024) and 10% growth in AUR

• Responsible for filling and maintaining OTB for Accessories & Hosiery under the supervision of VP of Merchandising • Tracked and recapped key item performance • Created “post-mortems” at the end of seasons highlighting wins, losses, and opportunities • Attended market appointments and trade shows • Trained two Merchandise Coordinators, one of which was later promoted to Assistant Buyer • Comp shopped on a weekly basis and reported findings to VP and rest of Apparel team

• Owned purchase order management process, creating and maintaining SKUs and purchase orders • Assisted vendors with PO revisions as well as shipping questions or queries • Resolved PO issues in the distribution center (i.e. substitutions, mis-shipments, etc.) • Obtained product samples from vendors for advertising and promotional activities

• Listed product returns on eBay Auctions after analyzing competitor pricing • Picked orders • Processed and recorded damages and returns

Merchandising Assistant – Corporate Buys (February 2020 – July 2020) Merchandising Assistant – Intimates, Hosiery, Beauty & Fragrances (June 2019 – February 2020) • Analyzed selling in order to identify best and worst sellers then recommended re-orders for Beauty & Fragrances • Owned purchase order management, generating PO's and completing revisions • Negotiated cost concessions with vendors due to mishaps, substitutes and other shipping related issues • Resolved warehouse and routing discrepancies

• Supervised 5-7 crew members per shift • Handled customer service issues • Reconciled monies within the cash drawers and safe • Trained new employees on business policies and procedures

• Generated invoices for backorders via QuickBooks • Assisted with local gift show and sidewalk sale • Picked orders and prepped them for shipment

• Greeted customers and assisted with questions, concerns and style advice • Operated cash register and related procedures regarding sales, returns, and exchanges