1. LOUIS BLOUNT
4513 The Landings Court || Frisco, Texas 75033 || (704) 840-8894
louis4th2001@yahoo.com || www.linkedin.com/in/louisblountiv
SUMMARY
A highly strategic and forward-thinking senior purchasing manager and buyer with expertise in item selection, vendor
negotiation, product development, stock management, floor plan creation, open-to-buy management, financial
planning, inventory management, training, and team leadership. Leverages relationships with vendors and key
industry figures to identify the most lucrative products for a company. Possesses solid organizational skills and ability
to effectively prioritize and manage a broad range of responsibilities. Adaptable and pragmatic, driven to achieve
results and exceed expectations to ensure the sustained success of an organization.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
 Earned JCP $2,000,000 in gross profit savings through negotiations and vendor relationships.
 Achieved second best sales results in relation to plan out of 13 buying offices in JCP home store during tenure.
 Ensured GP improvement by strategically editing assortments and leveraging relationships to partner with key players to buy
into vision for JCP future.
 Recognized for number one ranking in May company in launch of two major introductions in 2004 (Calphalon One and
Cuisinart Cookware) by securing product early and negotiating exclusive deals.
EXPERIENCE
JC PENNEY Frisco, Texas
Senior Buyer and Director 2013-present
Cookware, Cutlery, Bakeware, Storage, Gadgets, As Seen On TV, Food, Exercise
Carried out all buying responsibilities for cookware, bakeware, cutlery, and food prep for stores and website, including item selection,
vendor negotiation, product development, stock management, profitability of department, creation of floor plans, and open-to-buy
management. Oversaw training and development of staff, aiding in recruitment of internal and external candidates and traveling to
stores and/or trade shows as necessary. Recognized as leader in division and led short- and long-term planning of department
regarding vision, execution, and articulating vision to senior management.
 Earned 25% comp sales growth in areas of responsibility during tenure.
 Achieved 450 basis point gross profit improvement during this time frame by strategically crafting well-balanced assortment
between private and national brands that appealed to all target customers.
 Traveled to China to work with overseas partners to understand and leverage their knowledge of marketplace to ensure best
product offering possible.
 Achieved highest retention rate of any buyer in company during tenure.
BELK Charlotte North Carolina
Buyer 2007-2013
Cookware, Cutlery, Bakeware, Storage, Gadgets, and Beverageware
Oversaw multiple business categories, including item selection, vendor negotiation, product development, stock management, and floor
plan creation. Managed additional categories, such as luggage, glassware, flatware, silver, and dinnerware. Directed private brand team
to develop exclusive merchandise at higher gross profits. Launched online presence and achieved highest penetration of all buyers
during inception.
 Strategically edited out tertiary vendors and gained market share to top vendors, which increased revenues.
 Achieved 15% comp sales growth in areas of responsibility for 30 consecutive months by strategically crafting well-rounded
assortment featuring products appealing to all target customers.

2. Louis Blount, Page 2
 Raised GM 500 hundred basis points by strategically editing assortments and developing well-rounded assortment to exploit
low-margin traffic drivers while balancing out with high-margin classifications to improve profitability of departments.
Traveled to China to negotiate source of exclusive products.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
LINENS-N-THINGS, Clifton, New Jersey, Buyer, Area Rugs, 2006-2007. Achieved 45% store for store sales growth in Area Rugs in 2007
vs. 2006 YTD by introducing value sets never tried previously at company at full margin. Rebuilt fragmented vendor relations and
transitioned 70% of total inventory in order for company to compete with its competitors with updated looks, styles, and colors.
HECHT’S, Arlington, Virginia, Buyer, Cookware and Cutlery, 2003-2006. Oversaw sales, product assortment, inventory management,
gross margin, store support, and promotional strategies for $25,000,000 cookware, cutlery, gadget, and bakeware business. Achieved
planned gross margins every year as buyer through up-front price negotiations, initiating strategies to protect bottom line and
anticipating impact of changing trends. Exceeded fourth quarter sales plan by $500,000 in 2003 by securing power items with biggest
vendor and growing second largest vendor 10% and developing and editing focused product assortment for 81 stores.
Buyer, Area Rugs, 2001-2003. Achieved sales growth despite double-digit decrease by number one vendor (Karastan) by offsetting
with double-digit sales increases with numbers two, three, and four vendors by anticipating, planning, and executing sales generating
ideas. Earned number one ranking in company for entire tenure as buyer in sales and margin. Recognized as only buyer to achieve
sales growth (+11% vs. company average -8%) in 2002.
Buyer In Training and Assistant Buyer, Crystal and Gift Housewares, 1997-2000. Acquired, implemented, and marketed new and
existing merchandising programs. Planned, organized, and implemented successful re-merchandising strategies for Waterford signing
event, leading to 10% sales increase after first month of implementation. Analyzed vendor performances, participated in vendor
meetings and presented layout and advertising ideas, leading to seven percent higher sales trend than total office.
Area Sales Manager, Men’s Furnishings and Shoes, 1995-1997. Exceeded sales plan every season by ensuring great merchandising,
excellent customer service, and continuity in sales staff.
EDUCATION
HAMPTON UNIVERSITY, Hampton, Virginia
B.A., Advertising, 1995