Arizona State University

Vice President of Marketing & Merchandising at La-Z-Boy Arizona I LZBFG of Arizona, Inc.

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Marketing• Create interest among potential buyers in the market place for La-Z-Boy Furniture• Manage advertising/marketing budget to maximize traffic flow while maintaining a positive overall image of the 10 Arizona store locations.• Plan advertising and determine media mix, such as radio, television, print, online media to maximize market opportunity• Negotiate with all ad vendors to arrive at the best value for the budgeted dollars spent.• Direct the hiring of advertising, promotions, and marketing staff and oversee their daily activities.Merchandising• Establish pricing strategies to generate consumer appeal while maximizing profitability for organization.• Determine seasonal product line up and coordinate efforts with vendors and visual display team.• Monitor and predict product trends to maximize profitability and inventory turns.• Manage inventory levels and product flow to meet customer expectations and ensure company stability.• Manage maintenance of all showroom display for consumer appeal and within guidelines of the La-Z-Boy Corporation.• Direct the hiring of merchandising staff and oversee their daily activities.2005 -2009​Merchandising Manager• Increased company profit margin and inventory turns, while significantly decreasing inventory shrink – year over year.• Expanded product category offerings to enhance in-home design services (Bedroom & Dining Room).2003 – 2005​General Store Manager (Tempe/ Chandler)• Chandler – achieved top 10 store designation in North America – La-Z-Boy System

La-Z-Boy Arizona I LZBFG of Arizona, Inc.

Vice President of Marketing & Merchandising

- Completed comprehensive financial training curriculum, Certified Financial Manager designation- Merrill Lynch.• Increased assets over $10 Million between 2001 to 2002• Series 7, Series 66, and Life/Health/Insurance licenses (not active).

Merrill Lynch

Financial Advisor - Private Client Group

Responsible for daily operations of the Scottsdale location, while assisting the District Manager in the overseeing of two other Arizona locations• Trained numerous store managers and key personnel for Z Gallerie operations outside the Arizona market• Assisted in launch of new store locations (Atlanta, GA) and inventory procedures (Chicago, IL).• Number one ranking inventory accuracy and control 1998 to 2000.

Chris Bates