ELAINE STADNYK

4 Aderno Court Toronto, On M9A-4Z9

Home: (416) 248-5155 Cell: (416) 577-5155
elainestadnyk@gmail.com

PROFILE

An Experienced Retail Buyer/Category Manager with extensive knowledge in product development,

cost negotiating and international sourcing with a solid background in assortment planning and marketing
strategies. A creative thinker accountable for multi-million dollar budgets and key financial decisions while
adhering to company strategies. Effectively developed and maintained long term vendor partnerships
resulting in lower costings, improved quality and higher turnover. Trained associates and established
strong collaborative relationships with support services for organizational success.

CAREER HISTORY

INTERNATIONAL CLOTHIERS – Les Ailes Group May 2009 –Sept 2009

Senior Buyer Ladies and men’s sportswear, lingerie and underwear
Developed and executed branded upfront and off price strategic plans for Les Ailes and Designer Depot
which included sales and profitability, assortment plans and pricing strategy in addition to finance and
import follow up. Accountable for vendor agreements, distributions, allocations, weekly communication
to marketing regarding brand launches, store presentations and product knowledge.

♦ Successfully introduced new vendors and negotiated terms to support the product blend
enhancing the credibility and pricing strategies for both divisions (CK Sportswear, JNY Lingerie,
Vera Moda, Dex, Nygard)

♦ Initiated and developed a process of planning, organizing, and managing resources in addition to
standardizing procedures and creating systems to support new buyers and bring about successful
execution of the strategic plan.

HUDSON BAY COMPANY 2005 – Feb 2009

Buyer/Category Manager, Ladies Intimates (2008-2009)
Buyer/Category Manager, Men’s Sportswear Collections (2005 -2008)
Developed and executed departmental strategic plans for 83 stores across Canada which included
sales and profitability in addition to managing open to buy, receipt flow, assortment plans, product
development, vendor relationships, marketing and training associates.
Ladies Intimates – accountable for a $25 Million sales budget which included fashion and basic panties,
shape wear, daywear, Jockey and Elita.
♦ Successfully established a markdown price point strategy for fashion and basic panties which
increased sales by 30%.
♦ Initiated and implemented a bottom up assortment plan resulting in the elimination of slow sellers
and improved fashion assortments in all stores, creating excitement and newness.
♦ Created a unique vendor relationship for a new brand of fashion bra accessories and negotiated
terms which included return of exiting product, markdown credits, fixtures, store reps and set up
of distribution centre in Canada. Increased sales by $500,000.
♦ Collaboratively developed a marketing calendar with national brands allowing for advance
planning and successful event launches. Established time frames with projected sales estimates
which secured flyer space, store signage, improved stock levels and increased sales.
♦ Increased product exclusivity of Jockey International from 6% to 11% for spring 2009 to 22% for
fall 2009.
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HUDSON BAY COMPANY - continued

Men’s Collections – accountable for $52 Million sales budget which included Polo, Tommy Hilfiger,
Nautica, Chaps, Izod, and Timberland.
♦ Developed and executed strategic plans through careful analysis of fast and slow sellers. Initiated
planned power buys and worked closely with marketing which resulted in exceeding budgeted
sales with profitable bottom line.
♦ Successfully negotiated the introduction of three new brands, Gant, Alex Cannon and Bench,
while streamlining existing lines, creating a more updated shopping experience.
♦ Simplified denim replenishment programs through the elimination of slow turning styles which
resulted in improved fill rate and increased sales and turnover with reduced inventory.
♦ Prepared monthly communication to stores which included brand roll outs, product knowledge,
store layouts, promotions and price changes, enabling stores to set up shops and signage in a
timely manner.

WINNERS MERCHANTS 1997 – 2005

Senior Buyer, Ladies Sleepwear & Robes (2002-2005)
Buyer, Plus Size Sportswear (1997 – 2002)
Accountable for developing and executing strategic plans and achieving budgeted sales profitably.
Responsible for assortment plans, product development (domestic and off shore), vendor relationships,
cost negotiations, training associates and collaborating with marketing and all other support services
including logistics, store operations, legal and accounting.
♦ Maintained and developed long term vender relationships which resulted in lower costings with
higher markups.
♦ Successfully exceeded financial budget and increased sales by 17%.
♦ Created and implemented imports procedure for buyer vender interaction which included
negotiations, cross costing and buyer etiquette, ensuring consistency for all buyers.
♦ Initiated standardized wash and care labels for all import production which streamlined wash
instructions for the customer.
♦ Traveled extensively to Hong Kong and China, sourced and developed new product, increased
the blend of offshore production and succeeded in increasing the gross profit from 32% to 43%.
♦ Awarded Buyer with the Best Deals and Buys in 2004, of which three buys were in the top 10,
with two of them in 1st and 2nd place.
♦ Successfully promoted from Buyer to Senior Buyer and Mentor in 2002 due to over-achieving
budgeted sales for three consecutive years.
♦ Fitted all off shore pre-production samples for quality which ensured customer value for the dollar.
♦ Analyzed fast and slow sellers, shopped competition and identified trends resulting in year over
year market share and increased sales in women’s plus size.
♦ Successfully negotiated contracts with National Brands (Jones New York and Nygard) in ladies
sleepwear and plus size sportswear, adding credibility to the off price company strategy.
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EATONS
Ladies Dress Buyer/Category Manager

BRAEMAR
Ladies Dress Buyer

FAIRWEATHER
Buyer, Ladies lingerie, Intimates & Gift Wear
Buyer, Accessories, Jewelry & Hosiery

MARKS AND SPENCER

Senior Buyer Knits & Sweaters
Senior Buyer Intimates & Sleepwear
Buyer Coats & Footwear
Buyer Ladies, Men’s & Children Hosiery

ELEANOR FULCHER MODELLING SCHOOL

Teaching Coordinator and Model

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Professional development courses including:

Managing for Motivation
Marketing Strategies
Effective Cost Negotiating
Creating Raving Fans
Fly Like an Eagle
Babson Course

Ryerson University, Honors Diploma Fashion Design and Merchandise

Eleanor Fulcher School of Modeling and Self Improvement

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

 Choreographer and Instructor for Ukrainian Dance Group “Vesnianka”

 Fundraising for local church including student bursaries and homes for the aged
 Weekly visits to senior’s home, providing support and friendship to Alzheimer patients
 Presented with Volunteer Service Award in recognition of 15 years dedicated community service
from Ministry of Citizenship and Culture