Available to hire
I’m Raghu Ramayya, a retail buyer and merchandising leader with over 20 years in apparel and footwear across international and domestic markets. I specialize in vendor negotiations, assortment planning, and demand forecasting to drive double-digit growth while strengthening margins.
I leverage technology to optimize allocations, inventory, and price realization, using tools like Power BI, PLM, and ERP to turn data into actionable decisions. I enjoy building strong supplier partnerships and leading cross-functional teams from design through production to store execution.
Experience Level
Work Experience
Senior Manager Merchandising at VNH Naidu Hall
December 1, 2023 - October 1, 2025Led development of 7 private brands from design to production, achieving 10% annual sales growth. Introduced new categories and vendors, expanding sales offline and online. Implemented PowerBI-based performance tracking by category/style/size. Currently overseeing 20 stores in Tamil Nadu and online channels.
Senior Manager Merchandising at VNH Naidu Hall, Chennai India
December 1, 2023 - October 1, 2025Led merchandising for 7 private brands from design through sampling and production, delivering 10% year-over-year sales growth. Introduced new categories and vendors, expanding sales volume across offline and online channels. Implemented Power BI dashboards for granular daily/weekly performance tracking by category, style, and size. Managed 20 stores in Tamil Nadu and online sales, coordinating cross-functional teams across design, sourcing, and production.
Planning Manager at Reliance Retail Ltd
June 1, 2022 - November 1, 2023Managed buying, planning and allocation for Lee Cooper across Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop, Pantaloons (nearly 300+ stores nationwide). Ensured 100–110% base stock availability by optimizing allocation and replenishment. Analyzed ROS, Sell-through, and CD to maintain healthy inventory. Coordinated with channel partners for orders/buys.
Planning Manager at Reliance Retail Ltd, Bengaluru India
June 1, 2022 - November 30, 2023Managed buying, planning, and allocation for Lee Cooper across Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop, Pantaloons (nearly 300 stores pan India). Ensured 100–110% base stock availability by optimizing allocation and warehouse replenishment. Analyzed KPIs (ROS, Sell-through, CD) to maintain optimal inventory levels. Coordinated with channel partners in roadshow for punching in orders/buys.
Planning Manager at Universal Sportsbiz
February 1, 2021 - May 1, 2023Implemented Increff Iris module for allocation & replenishment for LFR stores (nearly 250+ stores), reducing markdowns and increasing full-price sell-through. Owned OTB planning by analyzing sales history and aligning with growth targets. Optimized buy quantities/values through data-driven analysis; 5% YoY growth for L2L stores in LFR channel (Pantaloons).
Planning Manager at Universal Sportsbiz, Bengaluru India
February 1, 2021 - May 31, 2023Implemented Increff Iris module for allocation & replenishment for LFR stores (nearly 250 plus stores pan India), reducing markdowns and increasing full-price sell-through. Owned OTB planning by analyzing sales history and aligning with organizational growth targets. Optimized buy quantities and values through data-driven analysis. Grown 5% YoY for L2L stores in LFR channel (Pantaloons).
Business Development Manager at Dignity Innovations
March 1, 2018 - February 1, 2020Built a startup apparel brand from scratch, registered trademarks and hired designers from NIFT. Negotiated with manufacturers across Asia for cost-effective production. Conducted market research with WGSN reports to forecast trends and define target categories. Set up distribution sales channel across India.
Business Development Manager at Dignity Innovations, Chennai India
March 1, 2018 - February 29, 2020Built a startup apparel brand from scratch, registering trademarks and hiring designers from NIFT. Negotiated with manufacturing units across Asia for cost-effective production. Conducted market research with WGSN reports to forecast trends and define target categories. Arranged to setup distribution sales channel through vide network across India.
Retail Operations Manager at Comfy Shoemakers Pvt Ltd
October 1, 2016 - July 1, 2017Managed 23 Adidas franchise stores across Tamil Nadu, achieving sales targets through team motivation and KPI tracking. Monitored daily staff KPIs (UPT, AUR, ASP) and store KPIs (conversion, SPSF), implementing corrective actions. Collaborated with brand teams to improve VM and marketing support. Attended roadshows and assisted in season buying.
Retail Operations Manager at Comfy Shoemakers Pvt Ltd, Chennai India
October 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017Managed 23 Adidas franchise stores across Tamil Nadu, achieving sales targets through team motivation and KPI tracking. Monitored daily staff KPIs (UPT, AUR, ASP) and store KPIs (conversion, SPSF), implementing corrective actions. Collaborated with brand teams to improve VM and marketing support. Attended roadshows and assisted in season buying.
Retail Merchandiser at MH Alshaya Co WLL
January 1, 2012 - June 1, 2016Handled buying and allocation for American Eagle across 30 stores in 7 Middle East countries. Prepared OTB and assortment buys using seasonal hindsight reports for attribute-level analysis. Published weekly WSSI reports and executed pricing promotions to maximize in-season sales. Used Bamboo Rose PLM for seasonal buys.
Retail Merchandiser at MH Alshaya Co WLL, Shuwaikh, Kuwait
January 1, 2012 - June 30, 2016Handled buying and allocation for American Eagle across 30 stores in 7 Middle East countries. Prepared OTB and assortment buys using seasonal hindsight reports for attribute-level analysis. Published weekly WSSI reports and executed pricing promotions to maximize in-season sales. Used Bamboo Rose (PLM) login for punching in seasonal buys.
Retail Merchandiser at Paris Group LLC
November 1, 2007 - December 1, 2011Key contributor to Microsoft Navision ERP implementation for luxury brands (Versace, Canali, Hugo Boss, Ferre, Cerruti 1881, Camper). Coordinated retail backend module customization with the business solutions team and supported Versace Dubai Mall grand opening. Managed cross-functional teams in brand liaison, logistics, sales, and warehouse coordination.
Retail Merchandiser at Paris Group LLC, Dubai UAE
November 1, 2007 - December 31, 2011Key contributor to Microsoft Navision ERP implementation for luxury brands (Versace, Canali, Hugo Boss, Ferre, Cerruti 1881, Camper). Coordinated retail backend module customization with business solutions team and supported Versace Dubai Mall grand opening. Managed cross-functional teams in brand liaison, logistics, sales team, warehouse coordination.
Purchase Manager at eShakti.com Pvt Ltd
September 1, 2005 - April 1, 2007Oversaw sourcing of fabrics, trims, and raw materials for customized apparel ecommerce to US customers. Led Amazon order fulfillment operations, restructuring costing to include packaging materials. Recognized by director for operational efficiency improvements.
Purchase Manager at eShakti.com Pvt Ltd, Chennai India
September 1, 2005 - April 30, 2007Oversaw sourcing of fabrics, trims, raw materials for customized apparel ecommerce to US customers. Led Amazon order fulfillment operations, restructuring costing to include packaging materials. Recognized by company director for operational efficiency improvements.
Purchase Executive at Ambattur Clothing Ltd
December 1, 2003 - July 1, 2005Sourced fabrics from vendors across Asia & Europe for Diesel brand, ensuring OTIF delivery at target costs before PCD. Negotiated bulk order costs with Hong Kong mills and received recognition from the business head. Coordinated FPT & GPT testing with SGS/ITS to ensure compliance.
Purchase Executive at Ambattur Clothing Ltd, Chennai India
December 1, 2003 - July 31, 2005Sourced fabrics from vendors across Asia & Europe for Diesel brand, ensuring OTIF delivery at target costs before PCD. Negotiated cost for bulk orders with Hong Kong mills & got recognized by business head. Coordinated FPT & GPT testing with SGS/ITS to ensure compliance.
Education
Bachelor of Engineering (Textile Technology) at University of Madras
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2003Bachelor of Engineering (Textile Technology) at University of Madras
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2003Honors Diploma in Web Computing at NIIT
January 1, 2002 - December 23, 2025Qualifications
Honors Diploma in Web Computing
January 1, 2002 - December 23, 2025Honors Diploma in Web Computing
January 1, 2002 - December 23, 2025Industry Experience
Retail, Consumer Goods, Manufacturing, Wholesale & Distribution, Professional Services
Experience Level
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