Kathleen OConnor

• Clients include Primary Insight LLC, MPG Sport, Impactiva and various confidential brands with a need for native knowledge of the marketplace. • Consulted with world class global service provider to sell quality assurance and quality control services to footwear and apparel brands.

• Used trend forecasting and marketplace knowledge to position Zobha brand for re-launch after acquisition. • Identify white space in the marketplace to set target pricing strategy to position brand for success. • Defined proper distribution and cultivate the brand image to achieve optimal marketplace saturation. • Merchandise collections in collaboration with design and marketing teams. • Directed and focused brand through editing product offering for a concise presentation to fill a specific void in the marketplace. • Hired independent sales reps in US and managed Hong Kong sales office.

• Quickly increased business by 10 times from FA12 to FA14 by opening majors, web and specialty retailers, setting the stage for continued exponential growth for the M.P.G. Sport brand nationwide. • Worked closely with M.P.G design and production teams participating in all seasonal design, concept, merchandising and post season review meetings. • As the largest volume seller I relayed retail trends and shared retailer feedback to collaborate with design on line merchandising and line edits in pre-line meetings. • Worked closely with M.P.G. social media team to support my retailers and build the M.P.G brand. • Initiated and maintained outstanding partnerships with Amazon.com men/women, Zappos.com, REI men/women, Core Power Yoga/men/women, Athleta, Title Nine Catalog/Web/Brick and Mortar. Yoga Outlet.com, Run Outlet.com. Joyus.com. while cultivating partnerships with Nordstrom, Yoga Journal, Sports Chalet, and Road Runner Sports to establish future retail partnerships.

• Hired to launch a new label to the Western United States. Quickly promoted to West Coast Sales Manager to manage both of the company’s divisions on the west coast and empowered to hire and manage support staff. • Sold 24% of company volume as one of seven regional reps. Beating Dallas territory sales for the first time in company history. • Responsible for launching and growing the online presence with major web based retailers through innovative sales. Zappos.com, Nordstrom.com, Myshape.com, Amazon.com. Gumps.com and Red Envelope.com. • Worked with Nordstrom both Studio, Individualist departments as well as Diredct/On-Line over the course of 12 years through numerous changes in our brand direction and internal changes within Nordstrom. • Through professional partnering and exceptional integrity developed strong relationships and subsequently a high level of confidence from my retail buyers so that they trusted me with the growth of their business thus enabling me to increase in market share for ISDA & CO.

• Established and built a better/bridge apparel showroom catering Majors, web retailers and better boutique retailers. • Represented Isda & Co, Yansi Fugel, Farinaz, Tyler Boe, Kay Celine, Pure & Simple, Volta for Red Engine, Lauren Hansen, Zappa of France, Cass and Co, Suzana Storm Jewelry, Cartellini as part of my collection of better women’s brands. • Hired, trained and supervised employees and oversaw daily operations including marketing, advertising, mix curation, brand placement and sales strategy. • Successfully grew multiple premium brands of Better/Bridge apparel through client servicing, territory canvassing and diligent follow-up skills. • Maintained and grew account base for multiple better brands simultaneously through cold calls, trade shows and networking ultimately launched several brands with Nordstrom, Zappos and Amazon.

West coast specialty store sales