Nicki Prins
Calgary,AB
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented Clothing Buyer with over 20 years of comprehensive experience in product assortment planning, merchandise planning, trend analysis and purchasing. Proven ability to leverage strong negotiation skills and operational expertise to drive sales and optimize inventory, with a focus on maximizing margins and sell-through rates. Exceptional command of logistics and brand assortment strategies. Proven track record of meeting and exceeding sales targets in a multi-store environment.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Operator/Buyer Manager
Sublime YYC
05.2014 - 06.2025
- Owned & Operated a successful women’s clothing store with annual sales exceeding $1M, overseeing all aspects of business management.
- Curated brand assortments focused on quality and margin optimization through effective supplier negotiation.
- Developed merchandise directives and optimized store layout to enhance customer experience and sales.
- Executed social media and website strategies to boost brand visibility and customer engagement.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with vendors, resulting in special buy opportunities and favorable terms.
- Maintain proper amount of inventory to hit & exceed sales targets.
- Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
- Achieved financial growth with strategic planning, cost control measures, and targeted marketing efforts.
- Monitored market conditions to set accurate product pricing and take advantage of emerging trends.
- Negotiate pricing and terms with vendors to increase profit and higher margins.
Clothing and Footwear Buyer
Breath Outdoors
03.2008 - 02.2013
- Oversaw procurement for three stores generating over $15M in revenue, focusing on quality and financial performance.
- Set pricing, negotiated vendor terms, and improved product flow to meet sell-through and margin targets.
- Implemented seasonal markdown strategies to enhance inventory turnover.
- Directed merchandising team to ensure consistent brand presentation across locations.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers to secure favorable pricing terms and conditions for the company's benefit.
- Maintained key item stock levels and wrote or expedited purchase orders.
- Ensured timely delivery of products by closely monitoring vendor performance and addressing any issues promptly.
- Developed cost-effective purchasing strategies to maintain inventory levels and improve operational procedures.
- Participated in trade shows and conferences to stay informed of the latest industry developments and maintain a strong professional network.
- Achieved cost savings by identifying opportunities for consolidation and bulk purchasing across departments.
- Negotiated better payment terms with suppliers, improving cash flow management for company.
Clothing Buyer
RnR Outdoors
01.2005 - 02.2008
- Managed product assortment planning for 12-store chain, increasing sales through strategic selection and open-to-buy management.
- Developed merchandise plans aligned with seasonal trends and customer preferences.
- Negotiated favorable vendor terms and improved cost efficiencies.
- Collaborated on visual merchandising initiatives to elevate store presentation and customer engagement.
- Analyzed inventory levels, assessed risks in purchase strategies and made recommendations for risk mitigation and profit optimization.
- Strengthened vendor relationships through regular communication and negotiation of favorable terms.
- Analyzed consumer trends and market data to identify new product opportunities that drove growth.
- Managed open-to-buy budgets effectively, balancing inventory needs with financial constraints in order to maximize profitability.
- Continuously monitored industry news and market trends, adapting purchasing strategies as needed to maintain a competitive edge in the dynamic fashion retail landscape.
- Conducted comprehensive assortment planning, optimizing merchandise mix based on historical performance and future forecasts.
- Followed up with vendors and distribution centers to track ad preparation and sales results.
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing strategic buying plans for clothing lines.
- Collaborated with internal teams to enhance visual merchandising strategies, boosting store appeal and customer engagement.
Skills
- Merchandise Planning – Open-to-buy management and logistical operations
- Negotiation Skills – Securing favorable vendor terms and pricing
- Strong visual merchandising experience
- Fashion history
- Budget planning
- Pricing strategy
- Competitor analysis
- Fashion trend analysis
- Fashion shows
- Sales analysis
- Trend forecasting
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Merchandise selection for Multi Store environment
- Attention to detail & time management
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Task prioritization
- Strategic planning
- Inventory control
- Vendor relationships
- KPI management
- Customer relations
Languages
English
Timeline
Owner/Operator/Buyer Manager
Sublime YYC
05.2014 - 06.2025
Clothing and Footwear Buyer
Breath Outdoors
03.2008 - 02.2013
Clothing Buyer
RnR Outdoors
01.2005 - 02.2008