Derek Schepinski

Merchandise Purchasing Assistant · VIG Furniture

Chino Hills, CA

In My Own Words

Highly motivated and detail-oriented Assistant buyer with a bachelor’s degree in merchandising and more than 8 years’ experience. Proficient in utilizing retail software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, with advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel for data analysis and inventory management. Seeking to leverage my exceptional analytical skills, market knowledge, and strong organizational abilities to contribute to the success of a dynamic retail organization as an assistant buyer.

Work Experience

Merchandise Purchasing Assistant

VIG Furniture

2020 – Present

Serves as a purchasing assistant for a small to midsize company, by identifying key trends across all channels (Wholesale, Retail and Ecommerce). Utilizing my experience working with the product development team to develop and forecast merchandise plans for each season and demonstrates proficiency in assortment planning, inventory management and demand forecasting. ? Collaborate closely with the buying team to identify market trends, analyze sales data and determine optimal product assortment for all categories.. Writing purchase orders, identifying slow sales and managing purchase orders, ensuring accurate and timely delivery of merchandise while maintaining optimal stock levels. ? Assist in organizing and managing creative resources, photo shoots and video productions; including logistics, and vendor management. OTB reporting, purchase order management and assisting in e-commerce purchasing. ? Leverages strong skill sets in Excel, communications, KPI’s and analyzing sales. Writing PO’s and negotiating Proforma Invoices from vendors. Communication with vendors to make orders and keep stock levels even.

Customer Service Supervisor

Original Grain

2016 – 2018

Led a top-performing customer service team remotely and onsite for this designer and online retailer of premiere wood and steel watches. ? Supervised, coached, mentored and trained customer service staff on industry best practices in customer relations, communications, and the end-to-end management of order fulfillment and supply chain management. ? Managed routine and special occasion field operations and events; leverage skills in SAP systems. ? Core duties entailed inventory management and tracking of returns, repairs and exchanges. ? Handled escalated customer-facing challenges; coordinated internal communications and projects. ? Managed partnerships and worked on projects with Shopify, Shipstation, Zendesk, Returnly, and Google Drive.

Office Manager, Customer Service and Sales Representative

Merch Labs

2015 – 2015

Customer service answering emails with product knowledge, problem solving, answering phones for sales and customer questions regarding their orders for returns, exchanges, basic questions regarding products we offer. Sales outreach and research to get new clients and customers. Data entry to keep track of sales, returns and exchanges. Communication with the team regarding customer orders, complaints and products we offer. Wrote purchase orders and accounts receivable. Multitasking on daily projects.

Registration Desk

Agenda Show

2014 – 2015

Worked customer service at the registration desk for the exhibitors and answered any questions exhibitors may have in regards to the show, their booth and future shows.

Design, Ecommerce Intern

Jolla Group: Photography

2013 – 2014

Upload content to each of the company’s websites, apply attention to detail, organizational skills, and time management skills, apply ability to take constructive criticism, apply written and oral communication skills, and apply Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign computer skills. To assist in any projects around the office.

Merchandising Execution Associate

The Home Depot

2012 – 2013

Responsible for reading plan-o-grams and schematics to ensure the integrity and maintenance of bays paying attention to detail and product placement. Ordering new POP and installing POP when it arrives. Weekly projects that constantly require coming up with new and creative ways to work more efficiently.

Sales Associate

Pacsun

2008 – 2009

Assisted in merchandising the floor, the stock room and kept the sales floor clean, dressed the manikins, customer service and developing a clientele for promotions and in store sales. Recommend items that would complement the customers purchase. Assist in sales for both men’s and Jr's

Marketing Assistant

Lost Enterprises

2004 – 2007

Responsible for photo shoots and editing the pictures via Photoshop and uploading them to the brand’s website. Accountable for the upkeep of the website by ensuring that news and editorials were kept current, emails were promptly responded to, as well as presenting ideas for publishing, and responsible for sample clothing upkeep. Worked closely and effectively with managers to meet different deadlines and schedules. Worked on marketing campaigns, and assisted the designers and with events and tradeshows.