Samantha Eknoian

Divisional Vice President, Market Manager, Beauty @ The TJX Companies, Inc.

About

A proven leader in the fashion/beauty/retail industry with over twenty-five years’ experience driving revenue growth, motivating high-performing teams, tracking market trends, and identifying new business opportunities. I began working with TJX Companies in Los Angeles in 2008 and have been recognized through several key promotions, progressing my way to my current role as Divisional Vice President, Market Manager. In this role, I evaluate the macro landscape, quantify liability, and facilitate discussion with our global team to identify key revenue drivers and new business opportunities. I’ve been able to maximize our profitability through evaluating market intel and leading my team to exceed our yearly sales goals. Relationship management is a crucial part of my role; I'm recognized in the industry for building key partnerships with top brands working with executive management, including many CEO's and CFO's identifying mutual business opportunities. Through my networking and negotiation skills, I have been able to secure multi-million dollar deals on behalf of the company which in turn has led to longstanding strong partnerships. I prioritize collaboration and communication. A motivated team is an effective team, and I value my team members by providing a safe, supportive space to share needs and concerns. Through my past roles with TJX Companies, I’ve gained significant experience training new hires and providing coaching and professional development. I’ve been able to drive company growth through partner networking, business strategies, and leading the development of white space product opportunities through packaging and branding. Areas of Excellence: ★ Buying & Merchandising ★ Product Development ★ Product Marketing ★ Research & Development ★ Negotiation Strategy ★ Trend Analysis ★ Product Positioning ★ Strategic Partnerships ★ Training & Onboarding

Country

United States

City

Los Angeles

Industry

Apparel & Fashion

Skill

Team Leadership, Relationship Building, Coaching, Brand Awareness, Teamwork, Data-Driven Insights, Retail, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Strategy, E-commerce, Management, Leadership, Product Development, Fashion, Sales, Apparel, Assortment, Project Planning, Time Management, Textiles

Experience

Divisional Vice President, Market Manager, Beauty

The TJX Companies, Inc.

2021-1 - Present · 5 yrs 9 mos

Los Angeles, California, United States

Lead business strategy, 4-person team, and business development by tracking market trends and retail landscape. Co-manage liquidity for a global high volume portfolio, open to buy and market trends through monitoring tools such as buyer control files, analytical vendor performance, and marketing data analytics. Parse data to adjust strategy, including average tickets, up or down trending business, market conditions, supply chain, and inflation.

Senior Buyer, Beauty

The TJX Companies, Inc.

2013-7 - 2021-1 · 7 yrs 7 mos

Greater Los Angeles Area

Senior retail executive responsible for driving sales and profitability specializing in beauty, spanning a nine-figure portfolio and impacting 2400+ Marmaxx stores nationwide. Leverage extensive experience with high-profile brands in the prestige, natural and mass beauty sector. Analyze sales and consumer behavior to inform and evolve merchandising strategy. Continuously cultivate and develop relationships with top-tier brands, suppliers and other business partners; negotiate costing on raw materials with wholesale manufacturers. Influence product research, development and sourcing for some of the nation’s most recognizable beauty, health and wellness brands. Conduct negotiations to optimize overall product mix, pricing, timelines and quality. Advise, onboard, train and develop buying team.

Buyer, Beauty / Fitness, Handbags and Accessories

The TJX Companies, Inc.

2008-9 - 2013-7 · 4 yrs 11 mos

Los Angeles, CA + Canada (remote)

[Buyer, Handbags and Accessories | 2010-2013] [Buyer, Beauty / Fitness | 2008-2010] Hired as Beauty Buyer for Canadian division impacting 250+ stores. Negotiated direct sourcing from international vendors. Analyzed and rapidly absorbed Canadian consumer trends; translated US-centric best practices to meet unique needs of Canadian consumer. Adeptly navigated volatility including fluctuating exchange rates, international freight nuances, and complex compliance regulations. Key member of exploratory committees to develop new products. Influenced product development and creative design process.

Senior Merchant (Merchant Manager-level role), Koret Outlet Stores

Kellwood Company

2006-11 - 2008-9 · 1 yr 11 mos

Divisional team leader recruited to cultivate development of retail outlets. Drove high-volume divisional business including misses and special sizes for four of Kellwood's lifestyle brands, including Koret, Sag Harbor and Briggs moderate sportswear. Managed cross-functional team consisting of merchandising, allocation, planning and customer service for 55 outlet and specialty stores.

Merchandiser, Banana Republic Online

Gap Inc.

2005-8 - 2006-10 · 1 yr 3 mos

Oversaw development and execution of seasonal product and e-commerce merchandise strategies in support of Banana Republic brand aesthetic. Increased traffic and maximized conversion rates via digital innovations and efficient expedition of product.

Buyer, Petite Better, Contemporary, Moderate Sportswear

Gottschalks

2004 - 2005-8 · 1 yr

Repeatedly instituted strategies that drove sales comps, promoted brand awareness and increased product recognition for multiple product classifications in women’s apparel. Increased private label product to 20% of overall assortment.