Katelin Allen
Merchandise Manager
Summary
Merchandiser with over 10 years of experience leading omni channel product strategy. Strong background in vertical retail working in product development to bring innovative assortments to market. Experience directing buying and planning teams on OTB investment, product allocation, and inventory risk management. Retail enthusiast with passion for ecommerce and understanding of the digital marketing landscape. Experience in fast paced, DTC startup environments as well as traditional multi channel retail. Diverse product background spanning apparel, accessories, gift, and home. Champion of the consumer with passion for connecting product storytelling to the needs of the customer.
Experience
Category Manager
Bloomscape / Detroit, MI
Lead product merchandising strategy for existing and new product lines. Develop and implement go to market strategy that meets the needs of the customer and aligns with financial targets.
Senior Merchant
Shinola / Detroit, MI
Directed merchandising across the brand, focusing on product strategy, seasonal line vision, and go to market planning. Hosted seasonal kickoff meetings with executive teams and wholesale partners that communicated product plans and provided detailed trend, marketplace, and competitive analysis used to inform creative direction, product investment, and marketing strategy.
Merchant
Shinola / Detroit, Mi
Global merchant for leather goods (men’s and women’s) and new product lines, contributing $30M in annual revenue. Developed strong knowledge of industry trends and consumer behaviors, producing growth plans based on opportunities in product, consumer and channel insights.
Senior Merchandise Planner
Shinola / Detroit, MI
Responsible for leather business during the launch of new womens category and new mens classifications. Introduced audio category to market, developing the product strategy and sales plans to support company goals. Managed supply category (home, gift), establishing a vision for the line that supported the retail experience and marketing themes.
Merchandise Planner
Shinola / Detroit, MI
Managed home and gift categories, developed investment strategy for non core businesses. Worked closely with product teams to focus development on emerging product categories.
Buyer
St. John Knits / Irvine, CA
Responsible for multiple product categories, contributing 80% of D2C revenue. Managed reporting functions for the retail business, implementing new standards for analysis and buy planning. Responsible for buying and store allocations for all D2C channels. Managed purchased orders, markdowns, and OTB plans to achieve financial goals.
Education
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
Merchandise Marketing
Skills
