Sydney Christenson
Bloomington
Summary
Strategic retail professional with expertise in assortment planning, SKU analysis, and vendor collaboration to drive category growth and profitability. Experienced in visual merchandising, product lifecycle management, and cross-functional project execution. Skilled at leveraging sales insights and trend analysis to support buying decisions and deliver impactful customer experiences.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Product Manager
Jostens
Edina, MN
12.2025 - Current
- Analyzed sales performance and category trends to identify opportunities for assortment optimization and revenue growth.
- Evaluated SKU performance and product assortment effectiveness to support data-driven merchandising decisions.
- Managed product portfolios by recommending assortment updates, discontinuations, and new product additions to enhance category profitability.
- Supported product development by coordinating with sourcing and manufacturing teams on specifications, timelines, and vendor submissions.
- Assisted cross-functional teams—including marketing, sales, operations, and finance—to execute product launches and promotional initiatives.
- Provided product insights and issue resolution to sales teams, ensuring accurate information and support for customer-facing activities.
Sr. Merchandise Specialist
Target
Minneapolis, MN
01.2021 - 11.2025
- Analyzed sales performance, customer insights, and market trends to support data-driven merchandising and assortment planning decisions.
- Partnered with vendors to manage pricing negotiations, purchase orders, and delivery schedules to ensure consistent product availability.
- Conducted competitive market analysis on pricing, promotions, and product assortments to inform merchandising strategy.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with marketing and store operations teams to execute promotional initiatives and drive product visibility.
- Maintained accurate merchandise and inventory records by managing order tracking, shipment documentation, and system data entry.
- Evaluated daily and seasonal sales performance to identify opportunities for inventory optimization, improved sell-through, and reduced excess stock.
Sales Manager & Bridal Stylist
Davids Bridal
Richfield, MN
08.2021 - 12.2022
- Advised clients on bridal gown selection using trend analysis, product knowledge, and fit considerations to align customer preferences with current market styles.
- Influenced purchasing decisions and increased average transaction value by recommending complementary products, including bridal party attire, accessories, and styling options.
- Analyzed customer preferences and feedback to identify emerging style trends and inform merchandising insights for the sales team.
- Coordinated closely with alterations, customer service, and inventory teams to ensure accurate order fulfillment and a seamless customer experience.
- Assisted with custom gown consultations, translating client specifications into detailed design and product requirements.
- Demonstrated leadership by mentoring team members on styling techniques, customer engagement strategies, and maintaining high service standards.
Retail Service Specialist
Sigma Beauty
Mendota Heights, MN
04.2021 - 09.2021
- Analyzed sales trends, customer preferences, and market insights to support merchandising decisions and optimize product assortment.
- Executed visual merchandising strategies, including seasonal floor sets and promotional displays, to align with brand standards and drive product visibility.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with marketing, alterations, inventory, and customer service teams to ensure seamless product availability and customer experience.
- Influenced purchasing decisions and increased transaction value through consultative selling, styling expertise, and product recommendations.
- Coordinated with vendors and internal teams to manage product orders, pricing, and delivery timelines while maintaining accurate inventory tracking.
- Monitored competitor pricing, promotions, and assortments to inform merchandising strategies and maintain market competitiveness.
- Trained and mentored retail associates on merchandising standards, product knowledge, and customer engagement strategies to improve team sales performance.
- Reviewed sales reports and customer feedback to identify opportunities for improved sell-through, promotional effectiveness, and inventory optimization.
Visual Merchandiser
Target
Minnetonka, MN
03.2020 - 04.2021
- Led visual merchandising operations by establishing and maintaining consistent display standards aligned with brand and merchandising strategies.
- Enhanced product presentations by integrating current retail trends and innovative merchandising techniques to improve visual impact and customer engagement.
- Developed and maintained compelling visual displays through proactive floor set adjustments and strategic problem-solving to address merchandising challenges.
- Mentored and trained team members, including style consultants and merchandising staff, to strengthen visual merchandising knowledge and execution across the store.
- Planned and prioritized daily and weekly merchandising workloads to support business priorities, inventory changes, and sales goals.
- Executed visual merchandising initiatives for in-store events, promotions, and seasonal campaigns to maximize product visibility and customer engagement.
Education
Bachelor of Science: Fashion Design and Merchandising, Communications -
Illinois State University
Normal, ILSkills
- Assortment Planning & SKU Analysis
- Category Management & Product Line Optimization
- Vendor Relations & Sourcing Coordination
- Visual Merchandising & Floor Set Execution
- Product Lifecycle Management & Backlog Oversight
- Sales Reporting & Data-Driven Decision Making
- Project Management & Workload Planning
- Cross-Functional Collaboration (Marketing, Sales, Operations)
- Customer Engagement & Consultative Selling
- Employee Training & Team Leadership
- POS & Inventory Management Systems
- Trend Analysis & Market Research
Timeline
Associate Product Manager
Jostens
12.2025 - Current
Sales Manager & Bridal Stylist
Davids Bridal
08.2021 - 12.2022
Retail Service Specialist
Sigma Beauty
04.2021 - 09.2021
Sr. Merchandise Specialist
Target
01.2021 - 11.2025
Visual Merchandiser
Target
03.2020 - 04.2021
Bachelor of Science: Fashion Design and Merchandising, Communications -
Illinois State University