Ajit Kumar

Dynamic and results-driven Retail Buyer & Category Manager with over 29 years of experience in apparel, footwear and accessories. Proven expertise in merchandising, product development, vendor management and retail operations across international markets including India, Kuwait, Hong Kong, and Bangladesh. Recognized for driving sales growth, ensuring quality excellence, and building high-performing teams in fast-paced retail environments.

Fashion Commercial Coordinator - City Hypermarket, Kuwait - Kuwait

(2023-01 - 2025-10)

• Plan and execute promotional campaigns to boost sales and enhance customer engagement.
• Direct retail operations to ensure exceptional guest experience and service quality.
• Manage recruitment, training and performance of store teams.
• Coordinate quarterly inventory audits and maintain accurate stock levels.
• Assist in setting up of sales and revenue objectives for the Department and ensure its achievement in entire country.
• Ensure proper implementation of marketing/promotion and merchandising program, including distribution of POS materials, product launches, etc.
• Recommend, secure and negotiate strategic merchandising space to achieve high impact and cost-effective merchandising.
• Develop, maintain and ensure achievement of all performance parameters in entire country.
• Conduct regular meeting with the distributor's/suppliers (local, Dubai)

Fashion Buyer - City Hypermarket, Kuwait - Kuwait

(2011-01 - 2022-12)

• Lead buying and merchandising strategy for apparel and accessories across multiple outlets.
• Develop seasonal buying plans, forecast budgets, and manage supplier negotiations.

Category Manager – Apparel, Footwear & Jewelry - Lal Mahal Retail Ltd, Delhi - Delhi

(2008-01 - 2010-12)

• Spearheaded retail setup for 23 outlets across Delhi within one year.
• Managed sourcing, pricing, and quality control across multiple product categories.
• Designed and implemented vendor selection, audits and training processes.

Manager – Quality - Birla VXL Ltd (Universal Clothing)

(2004-12 - 2007-12)

• Supervised a team of 50+ quality personnel ensuring international quality standards.
• Led audits for major brands including Levi's, Nautica, and Pantaloons.
• Granted authority to conduct final audits for Levi's and Nautica shipments — zero buyer complaints to date.

Senior QC - New Times Hong Kong Ltd - Hong Kong

(2002-11 - 2004-11)

• Oversaw quality assurance for leading global clients such as Guess, Fila and Jones Jeans.
• Managed 12 styles from sampling to shipment same time.

QA Manager - Atraco Industrial Enterprises, Kuwait - Kuwait

(2001-11 - 2002-10)

• Directed QA operations for 4 manufacturing units with 200+ quality staff.
• Supported production for top US retailers including Walmart, Kmart, and GAP

Assistant Manager - Vikram Overseas Ltd, Delhi - Delhi

(2000-01 - 2001-10)

• Established quality systems approved by GAP, JC Penney, and Oxford.
• Managed 20 lakh + pcs shipped with zero rejections.

Finishing Incharge - Lenny Fashions Limited, Dhaka, Bangladesh - Dhaka, Bangladesh

(1999-06 - 1999-12)

Finishing Incharge - Niryat Sam Apparel, Noida - Noida

(1996-02 - 1999-05)

Bachelor of Science (Hons) - Physics - Magadh University, Patna, Bihar, India