Alex van Leeuwen
Junior Merchandiser | Inventory Allocation & Retail Analytics
Rotterdam
Professional Summary
Detail-oriented junior merchandiser with hands-on experience in retail stock allocation, sales trend reporting, and supply chain coordination across omnichannel apparel and lifestyle networks. Proficient in optimizing inventory distribution to maintain high on-shelf availability and healthy gross margins.
Work Experience
VanderMeer Retail Concepts
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Junior Merchandiser
Mar 2024 – Present
- Monitor weekly sell-through rates, stock turn, and gross margin performance across 18 retail stores in the Netherlands.
- Execute weekly replenishment orders and re-balance stock levels between regional hubs to prevent stockouts on top-performing product lines.
- Collaborate with category buyers and supply chain coordinators to schedule promotional deliveries and track intake calendars.
- Prepare weekly trade reports and category KPI dashboards using Excel and retail ERP software for monthly merchandising reviews.
Assistant Merchandiser
Sept 2022 – Feb 2024
- Maintained core product catalogue data, purchase orders, and supplier delivery schedules across three seasonal collections.
- Investigated order discrepancies and delivery delays with European suppliers and distribution center managers.
- Supported seasonal sales forecasting and allocation planning across 240 active SKUs.
Noordkade Living & Apparel
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Inventory and Retail Assistant
Feb 2021 – Jun 2022
- Audited warehouse stock receipts and maintained floor stock levels for high-turnover apparel and home goods.
- Assisted the store manager with visual merchandising layouts and promotional display changeovers based on head-office guidelines.
- Conducted weekly inventory cycle counts and reconciled physical counts against store POS records.
Education
Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
Bachelor of Business Administration · Fashion and Retail Management · Rotterdam, Netherlands · 7.6 / 10 · Sept 2018 – Jul 2022
Specialized in omnichannel retailing, demand forecasting, and inventory flow management.
Completed a graduation project analyzing markdown timing strategies for multi-brand retail chains across the Benelux region.
Projects
Seasonal Allocation Simulator
Aug 2023 – Nov 2023
- Designed dynamic stock model templates in Excel to simulate safety stock thresholds and replenishment lead times.
- Reduced hypothetical clearance stock liability by 14% across simulated retail seasonal transitions.
Skills
Merchandise Planning
Inventory Allocation
Demand Forecasting
Sell-Through Analysis
Stock Replenishment
Range Planning
ERP Systems
Advanced Excel
Markdown Strategy
Supplier Coordination
Languages
Dutch
C2
English
C1
German
B1
Certifications
Certificate in Merchandise Planning and Stock Optimization
Retail Excellence Institute Europe · May 2024
Volunteer Experience
Rotterdam Community Wardrobe Initiative
Rotterdam, Netherlands · Oct 2022 – Dec 2023
- Logistics and Sorting Volunteer
- Organized incoming textile donations, categorized items by condition, and coordinated seasonal clothing distribution for local community initiatives.