Nicole Ethier
About Nicole Ethier
Nicole Ethier serves as the Director of Planning, specializing in trend analysis and overseeing planning for various fashion categories. With extensive experience in buying and merchandise planning, she has held multiple roles in the retail industry, including positions at Rue La La and Rue Gilt Groupe.
Current Role at Rue Gilt Groupe
Nicole Ethier serves as the Director of Planning at Rue Gilt Groupe, a position she has held since 2021. In this role, she oversees planning for various product categories, including Women's Footwear, Beauty, Jewelry & Watches, and European Luxury Fashion. Her responsibilities include managing inventory levels and ensuring that buying and merchandising strategies align with current fashion trends.
Previous Experience in Retail
Nicole Ethier has a substantial background in the retail industry, having held several key positions. She worked at Rue La La as a Merchandise Planner from 2015 to 2018 and as a Buyer from 2014 to 2015. At Rue Gilt Groupe, she served as a Senior Merchandise Planner from 2018 to 2020 and as a Planning Manager from 2020 to 2021. Additionally, she worked as an Allocation Analyst at The TJX Companies for one year in 2002.
Expertise in Trend Analysis
Nicole Ethier possesses expertise in Trend Analysis, which involves identifying and forecasting fashion trends. This skill is crucial for informing buying and merchandising strategies, allowing her to effectively align inventory with consumer demand and market trends.
Education and Qualifications
Nicole Ethier earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Merchandising from Wayne State College, where she studied from 1997 to 2001. This educational background provides her with a solid foundation in the principles of fashion and retail management.
Skills in Open to Buy Management
Nicole Ethier has strong skills in Open to Buy Management, a critical aspect of retail planning that focuses on managing inventory levels. This expertise helps optimize sales and minimize markdowns, contributing to the overall financial health of the retail operations she oversees.