Melanie (Morris) Szaban

Managed a $120M portfolio of multiple categories, including, Patio & Outdoor Décor, BBQs, Lawn & Garden, OPE, Tools, Small Appliances and Indoor Furniture & Décor. Conducted product line reviews to select, manage, and price 120k plus SKUs. Sourced and cultivated over 350 vendor relationships.

Managed an $80M product line with over 500 SKUs. Planned and executed sales, margin, markdown, and inventory targets. Analyzed customer and competitive trends and planned and executed promotional activities. Developed six planograms throughout the year and managed exit strategies to transition to new product lines.

Developed the private label “Mealmakers” category of 600 plus SKUs, including salad dressings, condiments, sauces & side dishes. Created packaging and collaborated with the marketing team to showcase the line in flyers. Ensured the product adhered to all Canadian Federal Food policies and standards.

Developed vision and strategies for up to five categories and 25k SKUs to align with corporate objectives and achieve sales goals of up to $210M. Utilized open-to-buy and budgeted dollars effectively to exceed sales, turns and gross profit goals. Negotiated annual terms packages for over 30 vendors, including alternative merchandising services, co-op allowances, volume rebates and business development funds. Worked with vendor partners to improve sales, turnover and profits for both parties while remaining market competitive. Planned weekly national advertising, ROPs, TV ads and magazine layouts, and managed in-stock position to support and track ads.

Cosmetics, Bath, Nail, Skin Care and Household Paper from 2000 to 2003. Bedding, Floor Coverings, Tabletop and Window Coverings from 1998 to 2000. Housewares and Small Appliances from 1997 to 1998