ABIGAIL WITTEN

Lead execution of the Reebok apparel and accessories strategy in alignment with business and brand objectives across retail, ecomm and wholesale channels.

Own range architecture, assortment planning and pricing strategy to ensure commercially balanced, market-relevant product portfolios.

Drive seasonal forecasting, OTB management, budgeting and post-seasonal financial analysis to achieve profitability targets.

Lead the end-to-end buying and product lifecycle process - from concept and local development through procurement, QA, production and go-to-market execution.

Spearhead locally developed ranges and strategic collaborations to enhance brand relevance and market differentiation.

Negotiate supplier trade terms, costings and delivery timelines with local and international vendors, ensuring on-time-in-full execution and quality compliance.

Conduct weekly and seasonal trade analysis, identifying performance drivers and implementing proactive trading, markdown and replenishment strategies.

Present monthly and quarterly business reviews, delivering deep-dive performance insights and future strategic recommendations.

Collaborate cross-functionally with Planning, Retail Operations, Marketing and Supply Chain to ensure aligned execution and operational excellence.

Mentor and develop team members, strengthening capability and succession readiness within the buying function.

Continuously refine processes to improve speed to market, margin optimisation and risk management.

Portfolio: Mens & Ladies Sleepwear, Mens Accessories, Swimwear

Develop and execute product strategies informed by historical sales data, trend forecasting and market analysis to drive category growth.

Manage international sourcing across China and Mauritius, negotiating cost prices, managing critical paths and ensuring import compliance.

Own margin architecture and RSP strategy across full-price and value-led assortments.

Partner with Marketing to deliver impactful product launches, promotional strategies and in-store execution.

Conduct weekly, monthly and seasonal sales analysis to inform turn on's, exit strategies and assortment refinements.

Lead cross-functional collaboration across Planning, Imports and Operations to support aligned category execution.

Coach and mentor Buyers Assistants and Trainees, supporting professional development and strengthening team performance.

• June 2018-Aug 2021 Buyer for Edition Athleisure & Swimwear & 3rd Party Brands - Levi & Guess.
• Jan 2015-May 2018 promoted to Buyer in Soft Accessories portfolio.
• Aug 2013-Dec 2014 Assistant buyer in accessories buying Leather Handbags, Purses & Belts.
• Key Achievements:
  
  Launched Woolworths’ first Athleisure range (AW21), driving new category growth and winning a WW Difference Award.
  
  Selected as part of the Womenswear CENTRIC PLM Pilot Team and appointed Super User.
  
  Managed branded partnerships, assortment strategy and financial performance across multiple categories.

• Sourced and developed product aligned to buying strategies and supplier capabilities across Eastern markets.
• Travelled internationally to build ranges and strengthen supplier relationships.
• Allocated product to appropriate suppliers based on technical capability, cost and lead time.
• Managed order placement, tracking and critical path adherence.

• Managed showroom set-up and customer selections for the Men’s Division.
• Negotiated pricing with foreign offices and third-party suppliers.
• Coordinated sampling, QA approvals and order management.