Vaishnavi CJ

Strategic retail leader with 10+ years of experience across fashion and lifestyle sectors. Expert in OTB management, assortment planning, and inventory optimization to drive category growth. Advanced proficiency in SAP HANA, Power BI, and Excel for data-driven KPI management and supply chain efficiency. Skilled in vendor negotiations, cost control, and cross-functional leadership. Dubai-based and available for an immediate start. 

Regional Merchandiser, 08/2023 - 11/2025
Fabindia - Bengaluru, India
-Strengthened operational sustainability through inventory optimization across 46 stores, decreasing overstocks of slow-moving SKU’s by 25% and stock outs by 30%, minimizing waste and enhancing capital efficiency.
-Collaborated with central buying teams to customize fashion and home assortments according
to regional demand, customer preferences, and seasonal trends, enhancing category sales.
-Delivered data-driven insights for range planning and assortment selection derived from store- level sales analysis customer feedback, and regional demand patterns.
-Cultivated robust relationships with store teams, promoting open communication channels for
feedback and enhancements regarding stock issues through bi-weekly meetings and store visits.
-Coordinated with cross-functional teams to achieve successful new store launches, festive
campaigns, and corporate gifting initiatives.
 

Retail Merchandiser, 06/2021 - 08/2023
Go Native Retail LLP - Bengaluru, India
-Established sustainable sourcing frameworks through identification and incorporation of
vendor network, focusing on supporting emerging brands to enhance sustainable credentials.
Spearheaded brand development and market integration, significantly enhancing sustainable product:portfolio.
-Facilitated and oversaw direct collaborations with local artisans and craftsmen, delivering exceptional, valuedriven products that highlighted traditional crafts while maintaining ethical supply chain standards.
-Finalized vendor agreements securing at least 40% margin while maintaining superior product quality standards and guaranteeing prompt delivery.
-Oversaw full product life cycle from initiation to launch, emphasizing circular principles and sustainable endof-life strategies.
-Optimized product catalogue to enhance omni-channel visibility and developed festive
Catalogue s featuring personalized assortments, driving seasonal sales and boosting customer engagement.
 

Fashion Lecturer, 07/2019 - 06/2021
ICAT Design & Media College - Bengaluru, India
-Delivered curriculum on textile science and merchandising while mentoring students on sustainable production and industrial practices.
 

Tattoo & Henna Artist, 10/2018 - 06/2019
Self Employed - Bengaluru & Mysuru, India
-Established client base while managing small creative business, enhancing entrepreneurial and client engagement skills.
 

Personal Shopper/ Personal Stylist, 02/2017 - 10/2018
Shopper's Stop - Bangalore, India
-Refined customer experience via personalized styling, driving sales growth.
-Applied strategic insights into brand positioning for luxury and premium products among cosmopolitan clientele.
 

Technical Assistant, 06/2015 - 12/2016
Chamundi Silks & Textiles - Mysore
-Managed QA assessments and production processes, including weaving and finishing, to ensure technical compliance.
 

Export Merchandising Assistant, 06/2014 - 03/2015
Birdy Exports - Bangalore
-;Handled export logistics and supply chain documentation while liaising between production and shipping partners.

Master of Science: Textiles & Apparel Design , 2014
Bharathiar University - Coimbatore
Bachelor of Science: Fashion & Apparel Design , 2012
Acharya College - Bangalore