Vishnu Unnikrishnan

Regional Category Buyer IT Electronics & Gaming @ Lulu Retail

About

As a Regional Category Buyer-IT Electronics & Gaming since September 2018, I have focused on leveraging my expertise in inventory management, sales, data analysis, retail, Category Management, implementing effective business strategies, and optimising planograms to drive category growth and enhance customer experience. My work involves collaborating with suppliers across various domains, enabling the company to align its product offerings with current market trends. Highly skilled in identifying emerging trends, optimising product assortments, and leading supplier negotiations to deliver the right mix of innovation, value, and profitability. Passionate about elevating the in-store experience through effective merchandising principles, impactful planograms, and strong collaboration with cross-functional teams.Expert in analysing market trends, conducting competitive research, and developing product assortment plans to meet customer demands. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, negotiate with vendors, and optimise promotions to maximise revenue. Strong communication and leadership skills, with a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences. I hold a Master of Computer Applications (MCA) from the University of Calicut, with a specialization in Computer and Information Sciences. With prior experience as a regional category buyer at Lulu Group International, I remain motivated to explore opportunities for growth and expand my knowledge in dynamic retail environments .I am committed to delivering impactful results and fostering innovation in the retail space and business relationship management to support the organisation’s goals.

Country

United Arab Emirates

City

Dubai

Industry

Retail

Skill

Planogram Development, Retail Category Management , Competitive Analysis, Inventory Analysis, Stock Control, Competitive Analysis , Retail Category Management, Resource Allocation, Business Analysis, Assortment Planning, Strategic Leadership, Data Analytics, Supplier Negotiation, Strategy Implementation, Performance Reviews, Market Analysis, P&L Management, IT Procurement, Retail Management, Multi-Unit Management

Experience

Regional Category Buyer IT Electronics & Gaming

Lulu Retail

2019-10 - 2025-11 · 6 yrs 2 mos

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

I excel in managing the IT Electronics & Gaming category at Lulu Retail, focusing on supplier collaboration and market alignment. • Utilised data analysis to inform inventory decisions and optimise product selection. • Conducted in-depth analysis of consumer buying patterns and market trends to optimise category assortment and pricing strategies • Fostered strong business relationships to enhance supplier engagement and product availability. • Conducted regular market research and analysis to identify trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscape to support decision-making process • Continuously sought opportunities for growth and knowledge expansion in the retail sector. Conducted in-depth analysis of consumer buying patterns and market trends to optimize category assortment and pricing strategies. • Developed and implemented promotional plans and tactics to drive category sales and increase overall profitability. • Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including merchandising, marketing, and finance, to achieve category goals and objectives • Utilized data analytics and insights to identify areas of opportunity within the category and recommend actionable solutions • Monitored and tracked key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure category performance and make data-driven recommendations for improvement• • Skilled in analysing market trends, conducting competitive research, and developing product assortment plans to meet customer demands.

Buyer

Lulu Retail

2018-9 - 2019-11 · 1 yr 3 mos

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• Managed inventory levels to ensure a consistent supply, surpassing key service level metrics. • Conducted comprehensive data analysis to inform purchasing decisions and anticipate replenishment changes. • Assisted in developing pricing strategies and promotional plans to increase product visibility and market share. • Engaged with suppliers and logistics teams daily for timely, cost-effective product deliveries. • Managed vendor relationships, negotiated contracts, and monitored product performance to optimise assortment and inventory levels. • Developed and implemented category strategies to optimise product offerings and pricing.