Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Katie Fischer

Downers Grove

Summary

Results-driven Buyer with over 5 years of retail experience, specializing in home textiles, toys, and general merchandise. Expertise in assortment planning, vendor management, and pricing strategy to enhance category performance. Proven ability to execute promotional plans and lead teams effectively in fast-paced environments.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience

Work History

Buyer

Collections Etc. / Winston Brands Inc.
Elk Grove Village
12.2024 - 12.2025

Promoted into Buyer role after demonstrating strong execution, product judgment, analytical support, and increasing ownership across assigned merchandise categories. Managed categories primarily in home textiles and toys, supervised an Assistant Buyer, and reported directly to the Head of Merchandising in a value-focused retail organization serving catalog and ecommerce customers.

Associate Buyer

Collections Etc. / Winston Brands Inc
Elk Grove Village
09.2022 - 12.2024

Continued supporting buying and merchandising team while taking ownership of assigned merchandise categories. Collaborated with suppliers to negotiate pricing and delivery schedules. Reviewed product samples for quality and compliance with company standards. Communicated with cross-functional teams to streamline purchasing processes. Provided guidance and support to assistant buyers within the department.

Assistant Buyer

Collections Etc. / Winston Brands Inc.
Elk Grove Village
07.2020 - 09.2022

Supported buying and merchandising team in the execution of assigned product categories, contributing to assortment planning, reporting, purchase order support, vendor communication, and product lifecycle coordination. Built strong foundational experience in retail merchandising operations and category analysis, leading to promotion to associate buyer.

Education

School of Art & Art History

University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

Art & Design

Columbia College
Chicago, IL

Skills

  • Buying & merchandising
  • Product sourcing
  • Assortment planning
  • Pricing strategy
  • Supplier negotiation
  • Category management
  • Market & cost analysis
  • Competitive market research
  • Vendor relationships
  • SKU Setup & maintenance

Timeline

Buyer

Collections Etc. / Winston Brands Inc.
12.2024 - 12.2025

Associate Buyer

Collections Etc. / Winston Brands Inc
09.2022 - 12.2024

Assistant Buyer

Collections Etc. / Winston Brands Inc.
07.2020 - 09.2022

School of Art & Art History

University of Iowa

Art & Design

Columbia College
Katie Fischer