Karan Shakti

Strategic Apparel Merchandising Leader with 16+ years of experience managing international apparel industry businesses exceeding ₹250 Cr annually. Proven expertise across product development, sourcing, merchandising, costing, production planning, quality management and team leadership. Managed a flagship account worth ₹100 Cr, Strong focuses on margin optimization, on-time delivery and long-term Buyer partnerships.

Merchandising Manager at Richa Global Pvt. Ltd. (2025-02 – Present)

Key Accounts: Chico’s, Madewell, AEO

• Lead end-to-end ownership of strategic global accounts from development through final shipment.
• Manage buyer relationships, ensuring alignment on product, costing, quality and delivery expectations.
• Drive sourcing, costing and product development initiatives to improve commercial success and order conversion.
• Manage complex categories involving garment dyeing, printing, embroidery and value-added finishes.
• Support business growth through proactive product development and sourcing opportunities.
• Monitor factory readiness, delivery performance and capacity utilization while mentoring team members.

Divisional Merchandising Manager at Modelama Exports Pvt. Ltd. (2020-02 – 2025-01)

Key Accounts: Macy’s, Ann Taylor, AEO

• Managed annual business portfolio exceeding ₹200 Cr across major international retail customers.
• Led a merchandising organization of 15 professionals across development and production functions.
• Oversaw execution of 350+ styles annually across woven product categories.
• Consistently achieved 95-100% on-time delivery performance through structured T&A governance.
• Served as primary commercial and operational interface for key customer accounts.
• Developed sourcing strategies aligned with buyer expectations, factory capabilities and cost targets.
• Led supplier negotiations and costing initiatives to maximize profitability and competitiveness.
• Managed vendor performance, capacity planning and production risk mitigation.
• Worked closely with overseas buying offices to support seasonal development and business expansion.
• Strengthened customer confidence through consistent achievement of quality, cost and delivery objectives.

Assistant Merchandising Manager at Pearl Global Ltd. (2016-09 – 2020-01)

Key Accounts: Old Navy, Kohl’s

• Managed high-volume product development and bulk execution programs across woven and knit categories.
• Led costing, feasibility assessments and commercial negotiations to achieve customer target prices.
• Coordinated sourcing, fabric, trims, planning, production and quality teams for seamless execution.
• Partnered with overseas buyer teams on product development, vendor selection and manufacturing strategies.
• Drove sample approvals, production readiness reviews and risk mitigation plans.

Senior Merchandiser at Eastern Base (2014-12 – 2016-10)

Key Accounts: George, Esprit, Morrison & EWM.

• Managed end-to-end product development and costing activities.
• Coordinated sample approvals and production follow-up.
• Maintained critical timelines and delivery schedules.
• Supported buyer relationships through consistent execution.

Merchandiser at Li & Fung (2013-09 – 2014-11)

Key Accounts: Belk

• Managed buyer-vendor coordination for development and production.
• Prepared costings and monitored production status.
• Supported shipment execution and delivery tracking.

Assistant Merchandiser at Pearl Global Ltd. (2009-09 – 2013-08)

Key Accounts: Gap, Old Navy, Kohl’s

• Supported sampling, sourcing and trims development activities.
• Assisted costing, production planning and shipment coordination.
• Maintained development timelines and sample approvals.
• Built a strong foundation in merchandising and supply chain operations.

Bachelor’s Degree – Delhi University

Diploma in Fashion Designing – JD Institute of Fashion Technology

Senior Secondary – NIOS

Secondary – CBSE