AJ Majumdar

Founded and grew AREA STARS into a multi-category contemporary fashion lifestyle brand. Recruited and managed a sales team across North America; led end-to-end buying, e-commerce assortment, product development, photography, marketing, and markdown cycles; created seasonal line plans by SKU and category for four categories; managed sample development for 25+ wholesale market periods; sourced factories and nurtured supplier relationships to meet deadlines and price targets; oversaw brand engagement across logos, merchandising, wholesale, PR, and events.

Launched multi-line consultancy focused on brand management: launches, wholesale and retail distribution, PR, marketing, merchandising, sourcing and special events. Recruited and managed reps across the world. Grew business to have secondary revenue division—wholesale sales agency, now representing 12-15 brands on a regular basis. Found, developed and launched new contemporary and designer fashion brands in women’s RTW, resort wear, handbags, jewelry and accessories. Pitched brands to boutique and national accounts; grew sales and margins at all accounts per brand; identified special events to enhance brand awareness; managed all aspects of brand engagement from logos to actual merchandise based on guidance from retailers.

Responsibility for Havaianas, Jules Smith, Butterfly Twists, and Cia Maritima brands. Successfully launched all brands in top retail accounts; drove sales at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Von Maur, The Buckle, and Macy’s; recruited and managed merchandisers; merchandised and planned retail assortments customized by account; minimized margin risks through replenishment strategies while negotiating markup, receipts and marketing budgets with key accounts.