Digbijay Thakur
Brand Merchandiser
Summary
A dynamic & result-oriented professional with 10+ years of demonstrated management
Experience working with international fashion and lifestyle brands across omni-channel retail environments in the UAE market.
Proven ability to quickly identify the key business drivers & develop strategies for sustained growth.
Diverse functional expertise with tenacious commitment to driving sales, profit, market share and growth.
High integrity, energetic leader known for ability to envision & create successful outcomes in complex situation.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Brand Merchandiser
Al Boom Marine- Reebok
10.2024 - Current
- Supported brand growth initiatives through the execution of seasonal campaigns and product launches.
- Managed merchandise assortment planning across categories to improve sell-through and profitability.
- Conducted market and competitor analysis to identify growth opportunities and improve brand performance.
- Analyzed historical sales data and market trends to forecast demand and plan inventory.
- Developed seasonal merchandise plans and financial targets by category, department, or brand.
- Collaborate with buyers, supply chain, and marketing teams to ensure optimal product assortment, and timely
- Conducted market and competitor analysis to identify growth opportunities and improve brand performance.
- Monitor stock levels, sales performance, and markdowns to adjust plans and improve margins.
- Lead cross-functional meetings to present planning strategies and performance insights.
- Identify opportunities for growth and risk mitigation across product lines.
- Reduced excess inventory levels by implementing effective demand forecasting techniques.
Senior Merchandiser
Apparel Group LLC
01.2023 - 09.2024
- Reforecast sales and revise budgets based on in-season trends and performance.
- Monitor sales, identify underperforming areas, and implement corrective measures.
- Lead weekly trade meetings, conduct quarterly reviews, and deliver analytical presentations to management.
- Conducted market and competitor analysis to identify growth opportunities and improve brand performance.
- Plan and execute discounting and markdown strategies aligned with inventory health.
- Oversee supply planning in coordination with supply chain and logistics teams.
- Manage store-level inventory, and ensure the availability of core products at all times.
- Launch new product categories in alignment with seasonal plans, and ensure timely replenishment.
- Conduct regular inter-store consolidations to optimize inventory and maximize sell-through.
- Coordinate with the retail and buying teams on weekly reports, performance reviews, and corrective action plans.
- Flag inventory-related concerns to the Planning Manager and Buying Head for timely resolution.
- Assist in preparing detailed buying budgets and assortment plans for each department.
Merchandiser
Landmark Group
05.2017 - 12.2022
- Analyzed sales reports regularly to identify best-selling items and adjust future buying decisions accordingly.
- Effectively managed open-to-buy budgets to maintain optimal stock levels while avoiding overstocks or shortages in key categories.
- Drove sales performance improvement through strategic allocation of products across stores based on local demand patterns.
- Accountable for entire supply planning for categories-Footwear (Ladies & Men's) and handbags.
- Align buy with planning & preparing sales targets, margin and inventory for each Store and Omni Channels.
Store Manager
Landmark Group
01.2015 - 04.2017
- Retail Store Manager of Steve Madden at Landmark group.
Education
MBA - Marketing Management
University of Pune
Bachelor of Commerce -
University of Allahabad
Skills
- Brand Management
- Seasonal Launch Planning
- Vendor Management
- Stakeholder Management
- Product Lifecycle Management
- Assortment Planning
- Retail Analytics
- Market Trend Analysis
- Campaign Execution
- Omni-channel Merchandising
- Luxury Fashion Retail
- Supplier Relationship Management
Timeline
Brand Merchandiser
Al Boom Marine- Reebok
10.2024 - Current
Senior Merchandiser
Apparel Group LLC
01.2023 - 09.2024
Merchandiser
Landmark Group
05.2017 - 12.2022
Store Manager
Landmark Group
01.2015 - 04.2017
MBA - Marketing Management
University of Pune
Bachelor of Commerce -
University of Allahabad