Rich Carroll

Merchandise Manager for BYO categories of Motherboards and Video Cards.

Feb 2010 – Feb 2017: HH Gregg, Buyer​: Relocated to Indianapolis to help expanding company (HH Gregg) grow digital Camera business. After success in that category, took responsibility for Desktop and Laptop PC buying. Attained double digit growth in these categories until release of Windows 8. Responsibilities included, forecasting, SKU selection and marketing of all Notebook PCs. Desktop PCs, Tablets, Monitors, Printers, Hard Drives, PC Accessories, PC Software, and all PC related categories for hh gregg. Had relationships with most major PC Manufacturers to include, HP, Dell, Asus, and Lenovo.

Computer Merchandising and Operations Supervisor (Computer Buyer) Returned to the company after a five year absence in order to get back in to the merchandising side of the business. Was assigned to the telecom category, but within two quarters was re-assigned to Computer Department as the buyer for the Desktop PC, Monitors and Video Card Categories for three years. Spent three years merchandising and helping to grow Major Appliance business for the company. After reorganization of the buying categories in May 2008 was assigned responsibility for Apple Computer, iPod and Mac Accessory buying. Responsible for attaining sales and GP goals for the categories assigned. Responsible for negotiation of terms and contracts when bringing new vendors into company. Responsible for maximizing the marketing investment of partnered vendors. Responsible for merchandising, proofing and approving all advertisements related to the categories being supervised. Responsible for training and motivating Sales Managers and Sales Associates to raise sales of products in assigned categories. Formerly responsible for design, manufacturing and marketing of Fry’s two in-house PC brands. Extensive computer aptitude skills including advanced knowledge of Excel and other office programs. Advanced knowledge of both OS X and Windows Operating Systems. Qualified as an Apple Sales Professional.

Director of Merchandising, Consumer Electronics Was brought into company early in the company’s growth to develop a Consumer Electronics Department to complement the developing successful computer business. Raised sales in Consumer Electronics from $0 to over $40 Million a year in 2 years. Established relationships and negotiated programs and prices from both Major and lower tier Consumer Electronics Manufacturers, Brokers and Distributors. Managed a staff of two Consumer Electronics Buyers, two Assistant Buyers and five support personnel. Was responsible for approving wire transfer purchases for both Computer and Consumer Electronics Departments.

Video Purchasing Supervisor (Video Buyer) Was first person to fill Video Purchasing Supervisor in growing company when Fry’s only had 3 stores. Successfully oversaw the development of Fry’s Video Department into one that competed on an even level with national players like Best Buy and Circuit City. Brought many First tier and other manufacturers to the Fry’s Video Department including: RCA, Pioneer, Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Sharp, Go Video, and Many others. Negotiated costs and oversaw the product mix, pricing and advertising for all Video Department Brands including Sony, Panasonic, JVC and the others listed above. Was responsible for the sales training of all Video Associates in all store locations. Was responsible for same store sales increases of 30-40% each year that I was in the position.

Never attained a degree, as I left in 1990 to focus on growing Merchandising career.