Retail
10 retail buying experts
These ten professionals have held retail buying roles at retail chains, from buyer and senior buyer to divisional merchandise manager. A reader can learn how retail buying teams are organized and how buyers run their categories.
Professionals to explore
01—10Alexandra Chapman
LinkedInExperience: Senior Buyer · Burlington Stores, Inc.
Senior Buyer at Burlington Stores, Inc. since April 2023, and Buyer there from July 2021 to April 2023. Former Buyer - Handbags at Ross Stores, Inc. from October 2017 to July 2021, Buyer at Groupon (2015–2016) and Associate Buyer Sears Women's Footwear at Sears (2013–2015).
Amanda Landsman (Carpenter)
LinkedInExperience: Divisional Merchandise Manager · Ross Stores, Inc.
Divisional Merchandise Manager at Ross Stores, Inc. since March 2014; the profile says this person is accountable for missy dress volume, gross margin and turnover in over 1100 stores, with responsibilities including vendor strategy, negotiations, trend identification and maximizing open to buy. Former Merchandise Manager (2012–2014) and Buyer (2009–2012) at Ross Stores, Inc., and Lead Buyer and Buyer at Mervyns (2006–2008).
Jessica Flanigan
LinkedInExperience: VP DMM Girls Apparel · Ross Stores, Inc.
VP DMM at Burlington Stores, Inc. since January 2025. Former VP DMM Girls Apparel at Ross Stores, Inc. from February 2020 to January 2024. At BEALLS OUTLET the roles were Divisional Merchandise Manager (2018–2019), Merchandise Manager (2017–2018) and Buyer (2015–2017).
John Feliton
LinkedInExperience: Divisional Merchandise Manager, Men's and Kid's Shoes · Ross Stores, Inc.
Divisional Merchandise Manager, Men's and Kid's Shoes at Ross Stores, Inc. since March 2022; the profile describes developing strategic assortments, including closeout and upfront product, with West Coast footwear resources and merchandising men's and kid's footwear for approximately 1700 stores. Former Senior Merchant, Men's Omni Sportswear Tops, Elevated Brands, and Store of the Community at Walmart (2020–2021).
Kathy Siegrist
LinkedInExperience: Vice President Divisional Merchandise Manager · Ross Stores, Inc.
Vice President Divisional Merchandise Manager at Ross Stores, Inc. since February 2019, and Buyer there (2008–2019). Former Buyer at DXL Group (2005–2008), Assistant Buyer at The Filene's Department Store, Boston (2002–2005) and Weekend Sales Manager at Jari A. Boutique (2003–2006).
Martha Seager
LinkedInExperience: VP Divisional Merchandise Manager Ladies Shoes · Burlington Stores, Inc.
VP Divisional Merchandise Manager Ladies Shoes at Burlington Stores, Inc. since March 2020. Other Burlington Stores, Inc. roles include VP Divisional Merchandise Manager Kids (2015–2020), Merchandise Manager Girls Apparel (2014–2015) and Buyer Girls Apparel (2013–2014). Former Buyer kids at DD's Discounts (2009–2013).
Nicole Puccino
LinkedInExperience: VP Divisional Merchandise Manager · Burlington Stores, Inc.
VP Divisional Merchandise Manager at Burlington Stores, Inc. since November 2022. Other Burlington Stores, Inc. roles include Merchandise Manager (2021–2022), Senior Buyer (2018–2021), Buyer (2016–2018) and Associate Buyer (2015–2016), all at the same retailer.
Sonia Suh
LinkedInExperience: Buyer · DD's (Division of Ross Stores)
Buyer at DD's (Division of Ross Stores) since July 2010. Former Buyer at Deb Shops, Inc. (2003–2010), where the profile says this person was responsible for buying and distribution of merchandise to 347 Junior and 239 Plus stores, and Assistant Buyer at Burlington Stores, Inc. (2002–2003).
Tim Byrket
LinkedInExperience: Divisional Merchandise Manager · Meijer
Divisional Merchandise Manager at Meijer since February 2016; the profile describes managing the merchant staff responsible for buying and procuring product for areas including women's, kid's, athletic and men's shoes, fine and fashion jewelry and handbags. Former VP Divisional Merchandise Manager at Payless (2011–2014), VP Divisional Merchandise Manager at Saks Inc/Parisian (1997–2007) and Director of Merchandising at QVC (2007–2011).
Valerie Waller
LinkedInExperience: Sr Buyer · Walmart
Former Sr Buyer (2016–2020) and Buyer, Girls Active and Bottoms (2013–2016) at Walmart. Other Walmart roles include Omni Sr Merchant, Ladies Accessories (2020–2022), Merchandise Director, Handbags and Backpacks (2022–2024) and Senior Director, Merchandising since October 2024.
Choose the right perspective
Match the person's retail format and category to yours, since off-price, department store, mass and specialty buying work with different vendors, buying calendars and margin models. Also consider whether you need someone who bought a category hands-on or someone who managed a team of buyers as a divisional merchandise manager.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01How do you decide how deep to buy into a new item or trend before you have sales data?
- 02How do you prepare for and run a vendor negotiation for an upcoming season?
- 03How do you manage open-to-buy during the season when sales run well ahead of or behind plan?
Reaching retail buying experts
How can I contact one of these retail buying experts?
Pick one of the 10 people on this page and choose "Book a paid call", or describe your project to find others. You offer a fee for a 15-minute call or a written answer, Instant Expert finds the person's work email and sends the invitation, and they decide whether to accept. The list covers 5 companies, including Burlington Stores, Inc.; Ross Stores, Inc. and DD's (Division of Ross Stores), based on profile data retrieved on October 4, 2026. Being listed here doesn't mean someone has agreed to take calls.
How much does it cost to reach retail buying experts?
You choose the offer, starting at $5 per person. It includes Instant Expert's 20% fee, so an offer that pays the person $100 costs you $125. You're charged only when the person books the call or sends the answer.
What if they don't reply?
You pay nothing. Instant Expert sends follow-up reminders, and if the person hasn't booked or answered within 7 days, the request expires and any hold on your card is released. You can invite several of the 10 people on this list at once and cap your total spend, so you pay only for the ones who accept.
About this directory
This is a professional research starting point based on business profile data retrieved on . Titles and companies reflect that source snapshot and may describe past or present roles. Check the linked profiles for current details. Inclusion does not imply Instant Expert membership or availability.
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