Christa Locallo

Senior Manager Merchandise Planning · Limited Stores LLC

IRVINE, CA

In My Own Words

Retail & marketing professional with proven experience in merchandise planning, as well as leading and managing teams in a fast-paced, highly demanding environment. Hard-working, strategic thinker who is committed to achieving results. Passionate, creative problem-solver with strong communication skills and the ability to quickly learn new systems, processes and business environments.

Work Experience

Senior Manager Merchandise Planning

Limited Stores LLC

2016 – 2016

? Managed a team of six direct reports; overseeing all aspects of planning for the Tops and Accessories businesses, as well as a third-party line of apparel with Eva Longoria across all channels of business (retail stores, value stores and e-commerce); representing 60% of the total company revenue ? Led entire planning team through new approach to pre-season planning and buying process, which involved development and roll-out of new tools and approach to thinking about the business ? Created various reports that were used to assist in monthly business review meetings to assess business performance and understand financial risks/opportunities for the future ? Coordinated all reporting and analysis needed for monthly business review meetings and quarterly line review meetings with executive leadership team and various cross-functional partners; drove the discussion in these meetings in partnership with EVP and senior merchant team members ? Collaborated with cross-functional partners in

Manager of Merchandise Planning

Limited Stores LLC

2015 – 2016

? Managed team of three Merchandise Planners for the Ready-to-Wear and Pants businesses in the retail channel, as well as Central Planning Analyst. ? Led team through organizational change involving a shift from planning by channel to omni-channel approach; change involved working with IT to develop new planning tools and systems to accommodate new structure and training planners to think about planning in a different way ? Core team member on a number of cross-functional company initiatives (store clustering, simplify pricing and promotions, as well as inventory optimization project with Carnegie Mellon MBA students) ? Partnered with planning leadership, as well as merchant and finance teams to develop seasonal department budgets; enhanced budgeting tools by building in functionality that linked financials with targeted productivity and choice counts, which improved pre-season planning process and assortment development ?Took on responsibility of daily forecast model for stores and a

Merchandise Planning

Tween Brands (Brothers)

2014 – 2015

? Planning lead responsible for all divisions of the Brothers Direct business (an extension of the Justice brand), including Casual & Active Apparel, Ready-to-Wear and Specialty (accessories, lifestyle products, sleepwear and footwear); total of 15 departments and 80+ classes. ? Worked closely with merchant partner to build and execute solid strategies for driving profitable growth for the Brothers Direct channel. ? Conducted in-depth hindsights of Back-to-School, Holiday and Spring seasons, and leveraged insights to craft pre-season strategies for 2015. ? Learned to operate in an entrepreneurial environment and make decisions based on imperfect information and with limited resources. ? Developed a variety of tools to assist in making more effective and informed decisions.

Senior Merchandise Planner

Limited Stores LLC

2013 – 2014

? Responsible for the financial success of the suiting areas of the business ? Actively planned the wear-to-work pant business and oversaw the day-to-day planning of two additional apparel departments ? Worked in partnership with management, merchandising and other cross-functional partners to develop and execute strategies that drove top and bottom line growth (e.g. assortment architecture, promotional strategies, inventory management, mark down timing and pricing). ? Responsible for the management and mentorship of Associate Planner

Merchandise Planner

Limited Stores LLC

2011 – 2013

? Accountable for building accurate sales, margin and inventory plans for multiple apparel departments (wear-to-work pants, jackets, skirts, and outerwear) on a seasonal basis ? Developed strong cross-functional partnerships with merchandising, production and allocation teams to establish and execute strategies in support of financial objectives.

Associate Merchandise Planner

Limited Stores LLC

2010 – 2011

? Partnered with merchants to develop, implement and manage pre-season buy plans, evaluate inventory levels, and provide historical performance analysis for the Fashion Accessories and Handbags departments. ? Conducted ad-hoc analysis to assist in decision making in order to positively impact the performance of these businesses.

Marketing Director

Crimson Cup Coffee

2010 – 2010

Account Supervisor

JAN Kelley Marketing

2004 – 2008

? Key agency contact on five active accounts, responsible for daily client communication, resolving concerns, providing strategic and creative recommendations, ensuring program objectives were met, as well as overall budget maintenance. ? Worked with all agency departments and external suppliers to provide clients with proactive solutions and business building ideas. ? Held roles of increasing responsibility including Project Coordinator, Senior Project Coordinator, Account Executive & Account Supervisor