Sarah McCaslin

Assistant Buyer · The Wet Seal, LLC

Costa Mesa, CA

In My Own Words

I am a driven and motivated retail professional with over 8 years of experience in this industry. I have a love for all things aesthetically eye-catching and therefore am enthusiastic about product merchandising. Currently, I am honing my skills as a buyer, designing and developing product, cultivating a team effort, and driving profitability. I assist in managing $23 Million in annual sales with a positive 42% gross margin comp. Please contact me with questions!

Work Experience

Assistant Buyer

The Wet Seal, LLC

2015 – Present

-Implemented open-to-buy processes and retail math to affect gross margins and inform ecom and store buying -Designed and developed Brand’s product for their 2016 initiative (including production) -Maintained vendor relations by monitoring information flow between distributors and buyers -Wrote, processed, and tracked merchandise purchase orders; chose and organized concept samples

Store Manager

LOFT

2013 – 2015

Allocated product based on sell-through and store inventory levels Evaluated weekly shipment targets based on sales-to-stock reporting and market trends Guided district awareness of best merchandising practices based on historical and projected performance Identified growth and impacted merchandising opportunities to minimize down-trending business Supported new store openings through visual management according to capacity and floor set guides Implemented creative techniques to adjust merchandise for positive sales impact Arranged and hosted client shopping events driving sales totaling over $20,000 YTD Organized and hosted hiring events to develop a strong university network for potential associates Fundraised charitable initiatives goals (St. Jude, Susan G. Komen, Breast Cancer Research Foundation) Scored >90% on monthly Operational Assessments that ensure brand-standard operating procedures Appointed as interim manager in absence of district manager Oversaw sales goals, client service, loss prevention, operating expenses and merchandise management Coordinated hire paperwork, payroll, recruitment, wages, and separations Recruited, hired, and developed associates through performance assessments for district succession

Merchandising Specialist

OLD NAVY

2012 – 2013

Refreshed store set every two weeks per brand standard Propelled sales and relatable metrics as Merchandising Specialist through visual placement of shipment

Counseling Intern

The Summit STL

2011 – 2012

Lead and trained a therapy group of 15 women ranging in ages 35-60 through the “Celebrate Recovery” Program (a program for those struggling with addictions in hopes that the graduates might become Sponsors for other struggling addicts) 700+ hours of counseling-related work over a 9 month period including: 250+ hours of direct client contact with teens, couples, singles, and age 50-something women; and 150+ hours of supervision with Dr. Richard Winter, MD and Mrs. Linda Huffman, MAC Counseled 14+ clients bringing them to grieve life issues causing depression, anxiety and fear and to use therapy relationship to practice desired, real life changes Counseled 14+ clients facing a variety of challenges including adjustment, marital conflict, parent-child relationship problems, sexual abuse, rape, singleness, self-worth issues, alcoholism, addictions and divorce Collaborated with colleagues in weekly individual and group supervision meetings on client assessments, hypotheses, interventions and treatment plans Set-up appointments, interviewed, explained practice policies, received signatures, and took notes (while using medical terminology) each session while keeping track of each client's confidential file, respecting ethics and abiding by state laws for client care. Became familiar with the process of admitting patients, making sure to protect both the patient and the practice.