- Certified Pilates Instructor / Balanced Body
- Cycling Without Age / Bike Pilot
Karen E. Tomassetti
Vernon Hills,IL
Summary
Results-driven Product Manager with a strong track record of success in both international and domestic markets. Skilled in retail merchandising and strategic partnerships, consistently delivering significant sales growth and successfully launching product strategies. Ability to optimize vendor relationships across global markets instrumental in driving business success. Expertise in assortment planning, process improvement, and customer-centric analysis, well-equipped to enhance company\'s performance and drive continued growth.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Merchant Textiles
CRATE & BARREL
07.2024 - Current
- Assisted in developing and executing product assortment, pricing, and merchandising strategies to achieve sales, margin, turnover, and flow goals
- Conducted in-depth sales analysis to identify growth opportunities and provided actionable recommendations for increased sales and margins
- Contributed to strategic pricing decisions, including negotiating product costs, terms, and subsidies, and implementing effective exit strategies
- Cultivated and maintained strong vendor partnerships by providing analytical metrics and influencing supplier management strategies
- Developed and managed assortment plans and SKU counts to optimize product mix and inventory levels
- Synthesized market research and competitive intelligence to provide strategic recommendations for seasonal and long-term buying plans
- Analyzed business trends and identified key items for testing to maximize sales and profitability
- Facilitated cross-functional communication and led product sequencing, including layout and copy edits
- Utilized financial acumen and negotiation skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, to drive business results
- Analyzed sales performance data for actionable insights, leading to informed business decisions and improved results.
- Implemented process improvements that streamlined operations within the department, resulting in reduced costs and increased efficiency.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of merchandise strategies across all channels.
International Product Specialist
CRATE & BARREL
01.2016 - 01.2024
- Drove $88.8M in brand sales through strategic assortment guidance and local sourcing
- Managed vendor partnerships across 11 countries, negotiating terms and resolving performance issues
- Launched and guided Crate&Kids assortments in Singapore and Dubai, developing tailored market strategies
- Led international hindsight analyses and presented performance results to executive leadership
- Developed and delivered merchandise presentations to international franchise partners
- Increased sales by 20% through targeted lighting and kitchen/housewares assortment recommendations
- Developed a company-wide product characteristic guide, reducing customer service issues
Canada Product Specialist
CRATE & BARREL
09.2013 - 01.2016
- Drove $9.1M in kitchen sales through targeted marketing and assortment optimization
- Contributed to the $5.8M e-commerce launch in Canada
- Managed catalog development, achieving $133.8M in retail sales and a 62.1% GM%
- Onboarded 10 new vendors, expanding the Canada-specific assortment
Product Manager Assistant
CRATE & BARREL
03.2007 - 09.2013
- Supported product launches for key collections (Paola Navone, Aaron Probyn)
- Analyzed sales reports, managed markdown strategies, and ensured product quality
- Worked directly with designers to communicate design changes to vendors
- Developed product documentation to communicate upcoming features and products to internal teams.
- Analyzed metrics to measure product performance.
- Collaborated with sales, marketing, and support teams to launch products on time and within budget.
- Managed full product lifecycle, from ideation through post-launch support, ensuring consistent quality control measures were in place.
Merchandising Assistant
CRATE & BARREL
07.2005 - 03.2007
- Managed SKU creation, purchase orders, and vendor setup
- Aided in the development of new product categories
- Monitored shipping schedules
Education
Criminal Justice
MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD COLLEGE
Moorhead, MNSkills
- Merchandising strategies
- Pricing strategy
- Marketing coordination
- E-commerce management
- Competitive analysis
- Category management
- Teamwork and collaboration
Interests
Timeline
Associate Merchant Textiles
CRATE & BARREL
07.2024 - Current
International Product Specialist
CRATE & BARREL
01.2016 - 01.2024
Canada Product Specialist
CRATE & BARREL
09.2013 - 01.2016
Product Manager Assistant
CRATE & BARREL
03.2007 - 09.2013
Merchandising Assistant
CRATE & BARREL
07.2005 - 03.2007
Criminal Justice
MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD COLLEGE
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