Akemi Baxter
Key Merchant, Pre-Production · Delta Galil USA, Inc.
San Francisco, CA
In My Own Words
Innovative and enthusiastic product developer/production/merchandiser for consumer product goods.
Having broad exposure to merchandising world and very good grasp of the whole process, and what it takes to deliver to the customers. Passionate about working on the products from inception to production and having ability to move it through the various stages of the cycle - Bringing Good Products to Life!
Work Experience
Key Merchant, Pre-Production
Delta Galil USA, Inc.2014 – 2019
? Built strong cross-functional partnerships with design team, production team and sales team to execute creative designs and ensure all products meet the brands design aesthetic & quality and support the brands’ initiatives (KN Karen Neuburger, Splendid, Juicy Couture, Kenneth Cole and Tommy Hilfiger) ? Developed roadmaps and line plans to strategically drive business with results ? Partnered with design team and sales team for seasonal and replenishment product assortment to guide design and capitalize on existing business and new opportunities ? Strategized optimizing new product opportunities with cost effective ways as launching holiday gift-set programs and gift with purchase programs to increase 30% of sales ? Accelerated implementing and maximizing multiple resources and work-back schedule calendars to meet tight deadlines while developing the brands achieve their design initiatives and quality standards ? Proactively seek market knowledge through exposure to competitors and shopping inspiration to identify new product opportunities and product enhancements
Sr. Product Developer
Delta Galil USA, Inc.2011 – 2014
? As a key liaison, built and maintained partnerships with operational vendors and internal stakeholders to solve production issues proactively ? Orchestrated project plans from material development to execution of prototypes and fine tuning production merchandise with strong understanding of the product lifecycle ? Articulated costing of each style at development stage to meet financial targets ? Collaborated creatively in design and development process from inception through production to commercialize seasonal product lines for women’s, men’s, kids apparel and accessories
Product Developer
Russell-Newman, Inc2009 – 2011
? Responsible for sourcing new fabrications/fabric and trim via domestic and overseas sourcing partners ? Traveled internationally to build relationships with new textile printers, fabric mills and trim suppliers ? Helped establish multiple new product lines (market research, sourcing, fit analysis, print development, quality control)
Product Development Coordinator
KN Karen Neuburger Sleepwear2005 – 2008
San Rafael, CA ? Managed complex communications between domestic and foreign vendor partners ? Responsible for obtaining trim/fabric approvals from internal stakeholders ? Led negotiation efforts with overseas vendors ? Developed and managed automated prototype (sample) tracking system ? Conducted ongoing research & analysis on fashion trends within the market
Visual Merchandiser
Banana Republic2003 – 2005
San Francisco, CA ? Through a collaborative process with corporate visual merchandising team, designed, maintained and customized in-store visual displays ? Built/designed seasonal window displays (styling mannequins & building sets) ? Partnered with in-store merchants to continually adjust visual displays to match actual in-store shipment from corporate directive ? Maintained window displays, icons, top shelf displays, and fixtures on an ongoing basis