I am a merchandising and operations professional with a strong track record in driving sales growth, optimizing stock management, and delivering profitable range planning for both startups and established retailers. I have hands-on experience across customer relations, event planning, and e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, with a proven ability to forecast, manage margins, and collaborate across stakeholders to deliver measurable business results. I thrive in fast-paced environments and lead cross-functional teams to scale operations, refine workflows, and boost profitability. My toolkit includes advanced Excel, SAP, and data-driven decision making, and I am open to freelance opportunities that help startups scale efficiently while maintaining exceptional customer experiences.

Kalpna Barber

I am a merchandising and operations professional with a strong track record in driving sales growth, optimizing stock management, and delivering profitable range planning for both startups and established retailers. I have hands-on experience across customer relations, event planning, and e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, with a proven ability to forecast, manage margins, and collaborate across stakeholders to deliver measurable business results. I thrive in fast-paced environments and lead cross-functional teams to scale operations, refine workflows, and boost profitability. My toolkit includes advanced Excel, SAP, and data-driven decision making, and I am open to freelance opportunities that help startups scale efficiently while maintaining exceptional customer experiences.

Available to hire

I am a merchandising and operations professional with a strong track record in driving sales growth, optimizing stock management, and delivering profitable range planning for both startups and established retailers. I have hands-on experience across customer relations, event planning, and e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, with a proven ability to forecast, manage margins, and collaborate across stakeholders to deliver measurable business results.

I thrive in fast-paced environments and lead cross-functional teams to scale operations, refine workflows, and boost profitability. My toolkit includes advanced Excel, SAP, and data-driven decision making, and I am open to freelance opportunities that help startups scale efficiently while maintaining exceptional customer experiences.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Head of Merchandising and Operations at Peachaus
October 1, 2023 - Present
Spearheaded comprehensive sales forecasting and budgeting across all channels; managed in-season trading, meticulous range planning, and stock management; led procurement and supplier coordination for timely stock replenishment; oversaw B2B orders, warehouse coordination, and customer service enhancements; maintained Shopify e-commerce operations and supported pop-up events; analyzed sales performance to inform strategy and drive growth.
Retail Merchandising Manager at French Connection
October 1, 2014 - October 1, 2023
Accountable for all categories and departments within Europe (approx. 50 stores and concessions, 6 outlets and e-commerce). Developed seasonal planning documents, built merchandising plans aligned with company strategy, improved old stock clearance, managed in-season OTB and stock, and led a merchandising team while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships with buying, regional managers, and finance.
Junior Merchandiser at Gap Europe
September 1, 2011 - September 1, 2013
Range planning, WSSI management, and hindsight reports. Attended New York showings and analyzed product performance to inform assortments and strategy.
Assistant Merchandiser at TJX Europe
June 1, 2008 - September 1, 2011
Forecasting sales, in-season trading, and managing OTB with international buyers; supported merchandising decisions across multiple markets.
Assistant Merchandiser E-commerce at Evans, Arcadia Group
February 1, 2003 - June 1, 2008
Managed range planning, trading, stock distribution, and team workload for ecommerce and new store openings; progressed from Allocator to a key merchandising role.

Education

BA (Hons); Business and Management (2:1) at Middlesex University
January 11, 2030 - December 9, 2025

Qualifications

ECDL
January 11, 2030 - December 9, 2025
Advanced GNVQ Business and Finance
January 11, 2030 - December 9, 2025
Level 2 NVQ Young Enterprise
January 11, 2030 - December 9, 2025

Industry Experience

Retail, Software & Internet, Professional Services