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Ciara Bell

Ciara Bell

Associate Buyer & Trend Forecasting Researcher

Los Angeles, California, United StatesApparel & Fashion
Company
Foot Locker
Title
Trend Forecasting & Consumer Insights Researcher (Work- Stretch)
Seniority
Senior
Department
Master Operations
Location
Los Angeles, California, United States
Industry
Apparel & Fashion

About

Dedicated and forever learning retail professional having over 5 years’ experience in multiple sectors of the industry. My vast knowledge spans across many areas such as trend analysis, consumer insights, market research, and more. This has led me to develop an array of skills that provide creative insight to anticipate emerging trends within the dynamic landscape of the fashion industry. Armed with a keen understanding of consumer behavior and cultural influences, I excel in identifying and translating trends into actionable insights that drive strategic decision-making and foster innovation. My extensive experience in trend forecasting encompasses comprehensive research methodologies, encompassing quantitative and qualitative analysis, to decipher the nuances of evolving fashion landscapes. I possess a keen ability to distill complex data into clear, concise, and compelling trend narratives that guide product development, marketing strategies, and overall brand positioning. In additi…

Experience

Associate Buyer (Accessories)

WSS / Foot Locker · Los Angeles Metropolitan Area

Present

- Curated multiple diverse product assortments that align with market and customer trends - Established and nurtured long- term vendor relationships negotiating favorable terms & conditions - Evaluated pricing and promotional strategies, ensuring product visibility while maximizing profit margins - Managed purchase orders from inception to delivery, tracking and optimizing the supply chain - Maintained a strong awareness of current fashion trends, integrating them into purchasing decisons

Assortment Planner

WSS / Eurostar, Inc.

- Managed capacity targets across all store departments and optimized SKU breadth and depth within space constraints - Provided optimal space, fixture, and product recommendations based on business strategies, forecasted demand, and profit potential - Consistently evaluated market needs, impact of product placement, and trends for all stores - Cooperated with allocation team to develop assortment plans for new stores by department, brand, and class - Partnered with Design & Construction to develop new store designs and created over 100 plan-o-grams via Adobe Illustrator - Collaborated with Visual Merchandising, Store Operations, Buying, and Marketing teams to execute key vendor initiatives and seasonal layout strategies.

Merchandiser (Men’S Apparel)

WSS / Eurostar, Inc. · Greater Los Angeles Area

- Implemented initial merchandise allocation plans including sales analysis, market trends, inventory levels,store demographics, and buying quantities - Developed allocation strategies and rankings for existing and future store locations while maintaining optimum stock levels and store unit capacity - Led purchase order process by providing accurate size breakdowns based on data driven sales history - Managed inventory levels and replenishment for over hundreds of SKUS across 10 classifications every quarter - Coordinated with Store Operations, District Managers, and Store Managers to execute assortment on sales floor as well as fulfill store needs and concerns

Buyer Assistant (Men’S & Women’S Footwear)

WSS / Eurostar, Inc. · Greater Los Angeles Area

-Collaborated with Sr. Buyers to execute initial merchandise strategies including planning and allocation (Women's Athletic & Fashion Footwear, Men's Skate & Casual Footwear). -Enhanced vendor relationships regarding cost negotiation, samples, and product deliveries. -Analyzed sales and profitability of business via Microstrategy reports. -Utilized Aptos to assist in style creation, purchase order generation, and markdown/markup execution. -Executed relevant advertising strategies with cross functional teams (marketing, eCommerce, visual merchandising, store operations,etc). -Streamlined routing and product tracking process via Excel. -Trained 2 Buyer Assistant hires to perform respective responsibilities in Aptos, Excel, sales analysis, and vendor communication.

Trend Forecasting & Consumer Insights Researcher (Work- Stretch)

Foot Locker · Los Angeles Metropolitan Area

Present

- Conducted in- depth analysis of global fashion trends, cultural movements, and consumer behaviors to identify emerging opportunities. - Utilized primary and secondary research to accurately identify seasonal fashion trends and identify key insights and patterns. - Assisted in creating comprehensive reports and presentations for senior leadership, outlining trends, insights, and recommendations. - Collaborated closely with product development and design teams to ensure alignment on trend- driven strategies.

Wgsn Future Makers Mentee

WGSN

- Selected as a mentee for WGSN's first mentoring program in 2020. - Mentored by Head of Kidswear regarding guidance on career interpersonal development, and creative skill enhancement - Expanded my knowledge in a multitude of sectors including trend forecasting process, consumerism,color, and sustainability

Warehouse Manger and Client Relations Specialist

ApparelScapes · Pomona, California

ApparelScapes is a micro business at Cal Poly Pomona that consist of several different retail sectors including the AMM Boutique, Off the Farm, and Pop- Up. The position I am currently holding is the Warehouse Manager and Client Relations Specialist. My responsibilities include: • Overseeing all warehouse operations as well developing overall strategies and plans. • Approving additional markups, markdowns, and sales promotions of merchandise. • Acting as a liaison to 4 different segments of operation as well facilitating requests with merchandise. • Maintaining merchandise catalog, receipt flow, and inventory accuracy via Quickbooks and Excel. • Collaborating and communicating with buying and sourcing team to handle purchase orders, invoice, and packing slips.

Boutique Buyer

ApparelScapes

-Analyzed merchandise assortment and profitability to determine key styles to order for next season. -Managed the flow of merchandise to ensure timely delivery, -Networked with various fashion vendors and procured merchandise from consignees. -Approved additional markups, markdowns, and sales promotions of merchandise. -Collaborated with Visual Merchandising to ensure effective display presentations on store and business level. -Generated growth and profitability by 35% from Fall 2018

Fashion & Beauty Writer

Style Station · Los Angeles, Ca

Creative and passionate journalist for Style Station, a platform whose focus is to highlight beauty and fashion along with the latest tips and trends from the fashion industry. Responsible for: - Researching relevant industry news - Analyzing apparel and consumer trends -Submitting relevant independently curated content

Computer Lab Assistant

Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, Inc.

Fashion Merchandising & Marketing Intern

VibesBase Enterprises · El Monte, Ca

Responsible for: - Managing and updating company database and customer relationship management systems (CRM) -Assisting in marketing and advertising promotional activities -Writing blog posts and promoting on social media -Performing market analysis and research on competitors

Fashion Production and Sales Intern (Remote)

Klickpicks LLC · New York, NY

-Procured relevant leads required for photo shoots -Developed theme boards and story lines for photo shoots -Organized qualified leads into spreadsheets using MAC and PC applications -Utilized various social media platforms for procurement Procured over 500 qualified brands

Brand Associate

Old Navy

Group Counselor

Roughing It Day Camp · Lafayette, Ca

Responsible for: -Develop program and lesson plans - Provide leadership and supervision to all campers. -Assist and lead various camp activities. -Help organize and run camp events. -Assist campers in emergency situations.

Education

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Minor, Marketing Mananagent

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Bachelor of Science - BS, Apparel Merchandising and Management

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