Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Jodi Calabrese

Wake Forest

Summary

Dynamic Buyer with a proven track record at Shoe Carnival, driving a 35% sales increase while expertly managing vendor relationships and contract negotiations. Proficient in financial planning and analysis, I excel in fast-paced environments, leveraging strong interpersonal communication skills to foster team collaboration and achieve outstanding results.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Buyer

Variety Wholesale
04.2022 - Current
  • Executed financial planning and purchasing strategies for $65 million accessory business.
  • Achieved an 8% increase in handbag sales during the first half of 2025.
  • Maintained sales in accessories in the first half of 2025.
  • Developed assortment creation to align with market trends and customer preferences.
  • Execute the planogram for core basic assortments in belts and umbrellas.
  • Collaborate with marketing to plan compelling advertising and social media posts.
  • Team up with store operations to provide clear direction on merchandising in stores.
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers to secure favorable pricing and terms.

Buyer

Shoe Carnival
04.2015 - 03.2022
  • Buyer Accessories – Achieved a 35% increase in sales while maintaining margins at 53%.
  • Managed a team of four, which included an associate buyer, planner, allocation manager, and assistant buyer.
  • On the task force to choose a new assortment planning and financial planning tool.
  • Utilized MicroStrategy tool to help analyze sales and store performance.

Retail Manager

Kanuaga Conferences
05.2010 - 02.2015
  • Launched a new online store in 2012, which yields annual sales of $30K.
  • Managed daily retail operations to ensure smooth customer service experiences.
  • Trained and supervised staff to enhance team performance and engagement.

Buyer

Belk Store Services
05.2007 - 01.2010
  • Achieved a two-million-dollar increase over the sales plan and a full point over the margin goal in 2009.
  • Established strong relationships with vendors to streamline procurement processes.
  • Trained junior buyers on negotiation techniques and inventory management systems.
  • Managed inventory control systems to track stock levels, deliveries and related information.

Education

B.S. - EDUcation

Slippery Rock University
Pa

Skills

  • Excel and PowerPoint
  • MicroStrategy proficiency
  • Financial planning and analysis
  • Contract negotiation
  • Inventory management
  • Sales strategy development
  • Vendor relationship management
  • Microsoft Office Suite expertise
  • Interpersonal communication skills
  • Composure under pressure

Timeline

Buyer

Variety Wholesale
04.2022 - Current

Buyer

Shoe Carnival
04.2015 - 03.2022

Retail Manager

Kanuaga Conferences
05.2010 - 02.2015

Buyer

Belk Store Services
05.2007 - 01.2010

B.S. - EDUcation

Slippery Rock University

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Jodi Calabrese