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Hannah Du
Chief Merchandising Officer at Free People
Professional Background
Hannah Du is a prominent figure in the retail and merchandising sector, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to her current role as the Chief Merchandising Officer at Free People, a subsidiary of URBN. With a rich tapestry of leadership roles in various esteemed companies within the fashion and e-commerce industries, her career path showcases her exceptional skills in strategic buying, merchandising, and e-commerce management.
Before taking the helm as Chief Merchandising Officer at Free People, Hannah showcased her knack for driving e-commerce growth and innovative merchandising strategies at Boardriders. There, she served as the Head of Buying and Planning of E-commerce, where she succeeded in integrating a customer-centric approach to online retail, ensuring that the shopping experience was both intuitive and fulfilling for consumers.
Hannah's impressive trajectory also includes a significant tenure at Billabong, one of the leading global surf lifestyle brands, where she held the position of Global Director of Ecommerce. In this role, she was pivotal in implementing global e-commerce strategies that expanded Billabong's online presence and enhanced customer engagement across different markets. Her visionary approach contributed immensely to the company's successful navigation through a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Prior to her roles at Boardriders and Billabong, Hannah honed her expertise at Free People, where she initially joined as a Senior Buyer and progressed to become the Divisional Merchandise Manager. Her deep understanding of the Free People brand, combined with her keen insight into consumer preferences, allowed her to develop product assortments that resonated with Free People’s unique target audience. This ability to align merchandising with brand ethos and customer expectations was further exemplified during her time at Swell, where she served as the Divisional Merchandise Manager for Women’s products, and at Levi Strauss & Co., where she contributed as a Women’s Tops and Accessories Merchant.
With each role, Hannah demonstrated a profound ability to lead high-performing teams, analyze market trends, and drive sales growth through informed decision-making and strong supplier relationships. Her past experience as a Buyer at Pacific Sunwear equipped her with foundational skills in product selection, inventory management, and multi-channel retail strategy.
Education and Achievements
Hannah Du studied at the prestigious University of California, Santa Barbara, where she developed a solid educational foundation that has supported her career in the competitive world of merchandising and e-commerce.
Her significant contributions to the industry have established her as not only a leader but also a mentor for aspiring professionals in retail. Hannah possesses a deep understanding of market dynamics and customer behavior, enabling her to navigate complex retail environments successfully.
Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her innovative thinking and ability to develop merchandise strategies that maximize brand visibility, profitability, and customer satisfaction. Her leadership style encourages collaboration, creativity, and a shared vision, inspiring teams to achieve excellence and embrace change in a fast-paced retail landscape.
Achievements
Some of Hannah's most notable achievements include:
- Successful launch and growth of e-commerce platforms across multiple brands, enhancing customer experience and engagement.
- Development and execution of merchandising strategies that significantly boosted sales and brand loyalty.
- Leadership in cross-functional teams that collaborated on innovative product development and marketing initiatives, ensuring alignment with market trends.
- Mentoring and developing talent within her teams, fostering a culture of growth and professional development.
Overall, Hannah Du's career reflects an unwavering commitment to excellence in merchandising and e-commerce. Her ability to blend strategic thinking with creative problem-solving makes her an invaluable asset in any organization she is part of, driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the retail industry.
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