Retail
10 retail merchandise planning experts
These ten professionals have led merchandise planning at retailers, in titles from director of merchandise planning to senior vice president. A reader can learn how retail merchandise planning teams set and manage inventory plans.
Professionals to explore
01—10Ana Palacios
LinkedInExperience: Director of Merchandise Planning and Inventory Management, RTW Sportswear · Macy's
Director of Merchandise Planning and Inventory Management, RTW Sportswear at Macy's since 2021. Former Director, Omni Merchandise Planning Michael Kors, Kate Spade and Vera Bradley Handbags (2015–2016) and Director, Omni Merchandise Planning Better Collections, Junior and Seasonal Shoes (2012–2015) at Macy's. The profile describes developing pre-season financial plans at department and vendor level for Men's Underwear, Lounge and Hosiery.
Connie Boerkoel
LinkedInExperience: Sr. Director Merchandise Planning · Dollar General
Sr. Director Merchandise Planning at Dollar General since 2025. Former Director Merchandise Planning & Inventory - Kay's Jewelers at Signet Jewelers (2020–2025), and former Associate Vice President Planning & Allocation (2015–2019), Director of Planning & Allocation (2007–2014) and Manager of Merchandise Planning (2004–2006) at Bath & Body Works.
Diane Phillips
LinkedInExperience: Vice President Merchandise Planning & Allocation · Victoria’s Secret & Co.
Former Vice President Merchandise Planning & Allocation at Victoria’s Secret & Co. (2018–2022), Director Demand Forecasting & Deployment (2011–2018) and Planning Manager (2007–2011) there. The profile describes experience and accountability in launching new brand and store concepts into the domestic and international marketplace, including PINK for Victoria's Secret.
Elizabeth Pereira
LinkedInExperience: Director, Merchandise Planning (Chico's Brand) · Chico's FAS, Inc.
Former Director, Merchandise Planning (Chico's Brand) at Chico's FAS, Inc. (2018–2020) and Vice President, Omni Planning and Allocation there (2023–2024). Senior Vice President, Planning and Allocation at KnitWell Group since 2024. The profile describes leading merchandise planning and allocation for a $2B omni-channel business across 3 brands and translating strategy into operating plans that optimize assortment, inventory and margin.
Ingrid Retto
LinkedInExperience: Divisional Vice President of Merchandise Planning and Distribution · Spencer's
Divisional Vice President of Merchandise Planning and Distribution at Spencer's since 2019, and former Senior Director of Planning and Allocation there (2010–2019). The profile says the current role is responsible for Spencer's division planning and allocation supporting 700+ brick and mortar stores. Former Planning Manager at kate spade new york (2007–2008).
Jennifer Armstrong Csigo
LinkedInExperience: SVP Merchandise Planning · Spencer's
SVP Merchandise Planning at Spencer's since 2024. Former VP of Merchandise Planning and Allocation at rue21 (2023–2024) and Senior Director-Merchandise Planning at Bed Bath & Beyond (2018–2022). The profile describes leading merchandise planning, analytics and allocation for Spencer's, overseeing the teams and strategies that cover forecasting, inventory management and collaboration with buyers.
Julianne Hobbs
LinkedInExperience: Senior Director Merchandise Planning · White House Black Market
Former Senior Director Merchandise Planning at White House Black Market (2023–2026), and Senior Director Merchandise Planning , Chico's Brand at Chico's FAS, Inc. since 2026. Former Omni Merchandise Manager at White House Black Market (2019–2021). The profile describes partnering with executive teams to turn insights into strategic actions across merchandising, financial planning and forecasting.
Kristina Trickett
LinkedInExperience: Senior Vice President of Merchandise Planning · Burlington Stores, Inc.
Senior Vice President of Merchandise Planning at Burlington Stores, Inc. since 2025. Former Vice President of Merchandise Planning (2021–2025) and Director Of Merchandise Planning (2017–2021) at Burlington Stores, Inc. The profile describes an analytical manager with leadership skills in developing and managing highly effective teams.
Rochak Bhatia
LinkedInExperience: Director of Merchandise Planning · Burlington Stores, Inc.
Former Director of Merchandise Planning at Burlington Stores, Inc. (2021–2023) and Senior Director, Merchandise Planning and Inventory Mgmt at Gap (2018–2020). Former Associate Director, Merchandise Planning (2014–2015) and Merchandise Planning Manager (2012–2014) at Ross Stores, Inc. The profile describes building and executing merchandising planning strategies for multi-brand Fortune 500 global retail corporations.
Sinead McElligott
LinkedInExperience: Senior Director, Merchandise Planning · Crate & Barrel
Senior Director, Merchandise Planning at Crate & Barrel since 2025, and former Director Of Merchandise Planning (2021–2022) and Senior Director, Business Planning & Operations (2024–2025) at Crate & Barrel. Former Director Merchandise Planning and Inventory Management at Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (2017–2021).
Choose the right perspective
Match the person's retail format and categories to yours, since planning for an off-price chain, a department store and a specialty apparel brand work differently. Also decide whether you need someone who planned individual departments or someone who led planning and allocation across a whole brand or division.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01How do you build a seasonal sales and inventory plan for a category, and how often do you revisit it?
- 02How do you manage open-to-buy when sales run ahead of or behind plan?
- 03How do planning and allocation teams split responsibility for getting inventory into the right stores and channels?
Reaching retail merchandise planning experts
How can I contact one of these retail merchandise planning 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 8 companies, including Macy's, Dollar General and Victoria’s Secret & Co., 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 merchandise planning 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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