Abhilash Vikraman
Merchandise Planning
Kochi
Summary
Experienced with strategic merchandise planning, driving effective inventory management, and maximizing product assortments. Utilizes data-driven insights to align merchandise strategies with business goals. Strong understanding of trend analysis and demand forecasting, ensuring optimized stock levels and improved sales performance.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Senior Merchandise Planner
LuLu Group
Cochin
11.2023 - Current
- Developed and implemented merchandise planning strategies, optimizing inventory levels and ensuring alignment with sales forecasts for Departments Home & Outdoor across 10 regions at Group Level.
- Implemented data-driven SKU optimization strategy, reducing assortment by 20% and improving stock efficiency by 15%, maintaining category sales stability.
- Developed structured Forward Buying and inventory control framework by enhancing SAP with status flags (New, Continuing, Discontinued) and implementing online Purchase Contracts for better planning and stock cover analysis.
- Strengthened merchandise planning by tracking product performance and sell-through trends, ensuring balanced stock allocation across regions, and minimizing inventory risk by isolating slow-moving articles for targeted sales or supplier return initiatives.
- Tracked stock cover and forward stock flow across regions, stores and warehouses to align allocation with demand patterns and minimize excess inventory.
- Established an early-stage (3–4 months) inventory ageing review process to mitigate slow-moving risks, reduce markdown exposure, and sustain healthy margin levels.
- Analyzed fragmented inventory across stores in regions (1–5 pieces per article) and shared actionable reports to support stock consolidation, enhance visibility, and improve product salability.
- Created detailed reports for executive review, highlighting key performance indicators related to sales, inventory, and margin goals.
Senior Executive Planning
LANDMARK GROUP
Bangalore
10.2022 - 11.2023
- Led demand planning and forecasting through trend analysis, historical sales data, and sell-through patterns to ensure accurate buys and optimal inventory levels across regions.
- Developed and executed seasonal merchandise plans aligning with sales targets, open-to-buy budgets, and stock cover objectives across multiple stores in pan-India.
- Optimized product allocation and replenishment by balancing stock based on store performance, size curves, and regional demand — ensuring consistent availability above 90% according to plan and minimizing lost sales.
- Managed complete product life cycle from introduction to markdown, ensuring timely phase-outs, reducing ageing inventory, and maintaining healthy stock turns.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with Buying, Supply Chain and operational teams to align demand forecasts with buying strategies and delivery timelines.
- Conducted regular reviews of merchandising strategies, adapting plans based on performance metrics and market shifts.
Procurement Manager
Elemecs Wedding Castle
Kayamkulam
11.2016 - 10.2022
- Developed and executed seasonal buying and procurement strategies, optimizing supplier mix and cost efficiency while aligning with brand and category objectives.
- Partnered with cross-functional teams — including Planning, Design, and Finance — to forecast demand, define assortment plans, and manage open-to-buy budgets.
- Negotiated with suppliers and manufacturers to secure competitive pricing, favorable payment terms, and improved delivery timelines, strengthening vendor partnerships
- Analyzed sell-through, market trends, and sourcing data to identify cost-saving and product improvement opportunities, ensuring commercially viable assortments.
- Conducted supplier evaluations to assess quality, compliance, and reliability, ensuring consistency with brand standards and ethical sourcing guidelines.
- Monitored supply chain flow from PO placement to store delivery, ensuring on-time fulfillment and availability of key styles and bestsellers.
- Managed procurement and buying budgets, aligning spend with sales forecasts and optimizing working capital through efficient order planning.
- Drove continuous improvement in buying processes, streamlining vendor communication, reducing lead times, and enhancing overall operational efficiency
Assistant Manager
Kitex Garments
Cochin
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Designed and implemented effective budget models across in-house departments — including Procurement, Production, and Sourcing — to ensure cost efficiency and financial control.
- Analyzed, monitored, and reported departmental expenses to maintain operations within approved budgets and highlight cost variance areas.
- Established centralized budget control systems integrating functions such as R&D, Business Operations, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Production for better coordination and accountability.
- Collaborated with the General Manager in the preparation of tenders and quotations for international buyers, ensuring accuracy in costing, pricing, and margin analysis
Officer-Material Procurement
Ivrcl Infrastructures & Projects
Hyderabad
09.2008 - 10.2011
- Collaborated with warehouse teams to ensure optimal product availability and maintain accurate stock levels across all locations.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with subcontractors and suppliers to secure consistent resource availability and timely execution of projects.
Education
MBA/PGDM - Finanace
University of Mysore
Magnus School Of Business01.2008
B.Sc - Mathematics
Kerala University
Govt College Chavara01.2003
Skills
Merchandise planning
Inventory optimization
Sales forecasting
Assortment strategy
Demand forecasting
Supplier negotiation
Allocation management
Data analysis
Markdown management
ERP systems
Open-to-buy management
Adaptability and flexibility
Critical thinking
Market research
Personal Information
- City: Kochi
- Country: INDIA
Timeline
Senior Merchandise Planner
LuLu Group
11.2023 - Current
Senior Executive Planning
LANDMARK GROUP
10.2022 - 11.2023
Procurement Manager
Elemecs Wedding Castle
11.2016 - 10.2022
Assistant Manager
Kitex Garments
01.2012 - 01.2016
Officer-Material Procurement
Ivrcl Infrastructures & Projects
09.2008 - 10.2011
MBA/PGDM - Finanace
University of Mysore
B.Sc - Mathematics
Kerala University