The role demands someone with vision, good taste, fashion knowledge, persistence and a talent for innovation.

• Plan, develop, source and select merchandise for assigned product category or brands to achieve or exceed sales and stock-turn objectives.
• Monitors business trends, evaluates competition and interacts with store personnel.
• Analyzes sales statistics, market trends, colors, styles and sizes as well as anticipates future trends to create appropriate product strategies.
• Negotiates lowest possible costs to meet quality standards, quantity and delivery according to schedules.
• Manages product replenishment and returns to vendors.
• Understands each store’s market in order to buy and allocate product to maximize profit and company image.
• Develop and manage procurement processes.
• Review product lines and source new suppliers.
• Ensure appropriate inventory lines and volume are purchased to meet demand according to different store profiles.
• Effective liaison with vendors, district supervisors and stores

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Are you tired of your old boots and dying for a new pair but you’re tight on cash? 2 Bandits to the rescue and they have the perfect product to sass up your boots without putting a hole in your wallet.

The Riders ($70/pair) are cleverly designed leather and chain accessories for your boots. Simply harness these on your plain Jane booties and give them an instant face lift. They come available in brown, camel and black and you have a choice between gold or silver hardware.

Get a new look without having to drop $200+ on a new pairs of boots.

Sunny Shum, Your Industry Insider

*Related Articles: Biker Boots,  Take On Those Puddles

Yes, the 80’s are coming back in full force. As this decade’s fashion trends start to penetrate the market again, look forward to one of my favourite trends in footwear - pointy toes.

Although difficult to wear for some women, a beautifully fitted pointed toe silhouette can make all the difference to a drab outfit. It instantly slims and brings sex appeal to the foot and the legs.

Tip: Just make sure you give yourself enough room in the toes when purchasing your points. Purchase a half size larger if needed and wear a cushion sole to provide extra comfort. Remember, if they are too tight in the store, they will be too tight when you bring them home.

The Roberto Vianni boot at Sterling Shoes is a fresh update to … more …

Wing tips, also known as brogues, are traditionally worn by men. Most times you’ll see them in either black or brown and almost always laced up. With the rise of menswear styling in women’s fashion apparel, it’s no surprise to see the trend creep into footwear.

The wing tip silhouette is not for everyone because of it’s masculine undertone and some women just prefer to be in heels. But if you decide you’d like to give the trend a try, I suggest a slightly slimmer look as well as a more modern color like taupe. Pair it with a short bubble skirt and some ankle socks or a cigarette pant - You’ll instantly look dapper.

$65 at www.aldoshoes.com

Sunny Shum, Your Industry Insider

I have no idea how I ran into the Omelle website (pronounced ahm’elle), but I am sure glad that I discovered them.

Omelle is the brain child of two shoe obsessed ladies who graduated from LA’s prestigious Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Chreise Angelle and Nicole LaFave. Together they have created this luxury footwear line that has a distinctive and imaginative voice.

I saved my pretty pennies for this pair of shoes. Please join me in welcoming ‘Drew’, the new addition to my footwear family. Finished by hand, it’s made with a baby smooth calf leather with a distinctive cylinder wood stacked heel. Because of the fine craftsmanship of the shoes, they feel like butter on my feet.

For more information and to SHOP, visit www.omelle.com

Sunny Shum, Your Industry … more …