GAGAN BHATNAGAR
DELHI
Summary
Goal-oriented Planner with solid background in project management, strategic planning, and budget forecasting. Demonstrated strengths include problem-solving, analytical thinking, and collaboration. Significant impact made in previous roles by improving operational efficiency through innovative planning strategies and solutions. Skilled in utilizing technology to streamline processes, optimize resource allocation, and achieve organizational objectives.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
MERCHANDISING MANAGER – MENS CATEGORY
HUSH PUPPIES, BATA INDIA LTD
12.2024 - Current
- Responsible for End-to-End Buying & Merchandising for Hush Puppies – Mens Category for 115 Retail EBOs pan India, generating an annual turnover of INR 1340 Mn
- Managed approximately 140 premium SKUs seasonally across Men’s Closed and Open categories.
- Planned seasonal launches of 40-60 new SKUs to enhance product assortment.
- Developed range-width and planograms to ensure optimal product placement.
- Executed preparation of seasonal buying line plans based on competition benchmarking and market trends.
- Conducted SKU grading and quarterly revisions aligned with performance metrics.
- Collaborated with retail operations team to prioritize top stores while optimizing coverage in lower cluster doors.
- Introduced new price points for brand positioning, targeting premium collections above MRP 7999 for men's formals and 8999 for men's casuals.
- Monitored sales data to support inventory management, including reordering and markdown analysis.
MANAGER – REPLENISHMENT
HUSH PUPPIES, BATA INDIA LTD
08.2012 - 12.2024
- Led end-to-end distribution and inventory planning for 185 stores across India, including 62 COCO, 105 SIS, and 18 franchise outlets.
- Monitored weekly sales, stock cover, intake, and sell-through at option level to optimize inventory utilization.
- Implemented targeted markdown and promotion strategies for fast and slow movers, new launches, and end-of-life products to boost sales.
- Reduced stock aging and improved inventory turns through effective stock returns and optimal stock utilization.
- Contributed to enhancing merchandising processes, reporting standards, and planning accuracy.
MANAGER – OPERATIONS & FRANCHISEE
VI-GA, MAHTANI FASHION PRIVATE LIMITED
08.2009 - 08.2012
- Oversaw operations planning and franchise performance across 24 locations, comprising seven coco and 17 sis.
- Led budgeting, forecasting, inventory planning, and product line reporting to optimize inventory turns and ROI.
- Ensured consistent execution of operational standards in daily footwear retail operations.
- Developed operational SOPs and compliance standards alongside reporting frameworks for store-wide application.
- Enhanced internal efficiency by coordinating HR, IT, and accounts departments effectively.
- Drove pricing strategies and promotional efforts to boost retail profitability.
- Established robust accounting systems to tighten tax controls and cash management.
- Managed staff hiring, training, and performance reviews to maintain high visual merchandising standards.
ASSISTANT MANAGER – IT & OPERATIONS
NANSON OVERSEAS PRIVATE LIMITED
02.2008 - 09.2008
- Implemented and supported Retail POS systems across outlets.
- Coordinated with import and logistics teams for inbound product planning, ensuring timely availability of products for franchise outlets.
- Supported daily operations planning and coordination across franchise outlets.
- Conducted sales staff training programs to enhance team skills and ensure compliance with company standards.
- Conducted sales staff training programs and ensured adherence to company standards.
- Contributed to development of working systems and SOPs.
- Worked in fast-moving consumer goods (B2B) sector.
MANAGER – IT & WAREHOUSE
DEEMART RETAIL PRIVATE LIMITED
06.2007 - 02.2008
- Managed warehouse operations, inventory control, and retail IT systems to ensure seamless product availability.
- Oversaw inbound, storage, dispatch, and logistics coordination to retail stores, enhancing delivery timelines and operational efficiency.
- Implemented minimum and maximum stock norms to ensure uninterrupted supply.
- Created and maintained item masters, purchase orders, stock transfers, and vouchers in retail software to streamline inventory processes.
- Ensured accurate stock reconciliation, physical verification, and monthly inventory reporting.
- Provided Retail Pro POS technical support to company-owned and franchised outlets.
- Assisted customers with apparel selection in retail environment.
Education
Bachelor - Computer Science
University of Delhi
01-2006
Skills
- Merchandising Strategy
- Product Assortment
- Brand Positioning
- Stock Management
- Stock Control
- Replenishment Strategies
- Retail data Analysis
- Performance Metrics
- Category Management
- Vendor Collaboration
- SOP Management
- Strategic Development
- Inventory Optimization
- Data-Driven Decisions
Awards
- Winner of Book Presentation on “The Long Tail”, Times School
- Winner of Advertising Pitch on Honda Jazz, Times School
- Winner of Economics Presentation on “DTH Price Wars”
- Winner in Inter School Zonal Badminton Championships
- Winner in Inter School Zonal Table Tennis Championships
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 14/04/85
- Gender: Male
- Nationality: Indian
- Address: 103, Chitra Vihar, Delhi-110092
Timeline
MERCHANDISING MANAGER – MENS CATEGORY
HUSH PUPPIES, BATA INDIA LTD
12.2024 - Current
MANAGER – REPLENISHMENT
HUSH PUPPIES, BATA INDIA LTD
08.2012 - 12.2024
MANAGER – OPERATIONS & FRANCHISEE
VI-GA, MAHTANI FASHION PRIVATE LIMITED
08.2009 - 08.2012
ASSISTANT MANAGER – IT & OPERATIONS
NANSON OVERSEAS PRIVATE LIMITED
02.2008 - 09.2008
MANAGER – IT & WAREHOUSE
DEEMART RETAIL PRIVATE LIMITED
06.2007 - 02.2008
Bachelor - Computer Science
University of Delhi