Hi, I’m Shanali Perera—a development merchandiser with a proven track record in driving product development from concept to market. I excel in trend analysis, supplier collaboration, and project management to deliver on-trend merchandise that strengthens brand positioning in competitive fashion and retail environments. I’ve collaborated with international buyers and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless development, costing, and production, while maintaining quality, safety, and social compliance. I thrive in fast-paced settings, mitigate risks proactively, and am passionate about creating high-quality baby and kids wear and other apparel through strong communication and problem-solving.

Shanali Perera

Hi, I’m Shanali Perera—a development merchandiser with a proven track record in driving product development from concept to market. I excel in trend analysis, supplier collaboration, and project management to deliver on-trend merchandise that strengthens brand positioning in competitive fashion and retail environments. I’ve collaborated with international buyers and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless development, costing, and production, while maintaining quality, safety, and social compliance. I thrive in fast-paced settings, mitigate risks proactively, and am passionate about creating high-quality baby and kids wear and other apparel through strong communication and problem-solving.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Shanali Perera—a development merchandiser with a proven track record in driving product development from concept to market. I excel in trend analysis, supplier collaboration, and project management to deliver on-trend merchandise that strengthens brand positioning in competitive fashion and retail environments.

I’ve collaborated with international buyers and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless development, costing, and production, while maintaining quality, safety, and social compliance. I thrive in fast-paced settings, mitigate risks proactively, and am passionate about creating high-quality baby and kids wear and other apparel through strong communication and problem-solving.

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Experience Level

Expert
Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent
Sinhala, Sinhalese
Advanced

Work Experience

Development Merchandiser - Executive at Norlanka Manufacturing Limited
November 1, 2024 - Present
End-to-end product development and production for baby and kids wear (knit & woven) for leading international brands, ensuring on-time delivery, quality compliance, and margin targets. Led seasonal development processes by reviewing buyer packs and coordinating with design, sourcing, sampling, and technical teams to ensure alignment and execution. Managed fabric and trim sourcing, costing, price negotiations, and sample approvals while proactively identifying and mitigating risks to prevent delays. Ensured compliance with quality standards (AQL), safety regulations, testing protocols, and social audits across all production stages. Acted as the key contact for international buyer River Island, maintaining strong relationships and smooth communication. Resolved development challenges efficiently with cross-functional coordination. Strong expertise in baby & kids garment construction (knit & woven) and fabric sourcing, with a solid grasp of washing techniques and garment embellishments.
Development Merchandiser - Executive at Inqube Global (Pvt) Ltd
March 1, 2024 - November 30, 2024
Supported end-to-end product development and production as a Development Merchandiser, coordinating with design, sourcing, sampling, and technical teams; assisted in buyer communications and schedule management; contributed to fabric/trims sourcing, costing, and sample approvals; helped mitigate risks to ensure on-time delivery and quality.
Trainee Merchandiser at Hela Apparel Holdings Ltd
October 1, 2022 - February 29, 2024
Gained hands-on experience in merchandising activities, supporting product development, supplier coordination, and sample tracking to ensure production readiness.
Internship at Hela Apparel Holdings Ltd
March 1, 2022 - September 30, 2022
Supported merchandising processes, assisted with supplier coordination, data entry, and documentation to support daily operations.

Education

BSc (Hons) International Business Management at Northumbria University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2026
Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Marketing at Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2025
GCE A/L Examination at Lyceum International School – Nugegoda
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2021

Qualifications

ACIM UK
January 11, 2030 - June 4, 2026

Industry Experience

Retail, Manufacturing, Consumer Goods