Truworhs Total sport Moresport PumaBuyer Merchandiser buying manager
Dec. 2025Liz Surber
Senior Apparel Buyer & Merchandise Manager & Sourcing specialist
📞 072 571 6078 | ✉️ [email protected] | Stellenbosch, South Africa
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PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Senior Apparel Buyer and Merchandise Manager with over 25 years’ experience across sportswear, ladies’, menswear and kidswear. Proven track record in leading large buying teams, driving profitable growth, developing own-brand strategies, and managing local and international sourcing across Asia and Africa. Strong commercial acumen, trend interpretation expertise, and supplier relationship management. Experienced in end-to-end retail cycles, from concept and sourcing through to marketing execution.
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CORE COMPETENCIES
• Talented in market analysis and trend analysis to engage and capture the needs of the target market in the given sector
• Apparel Buying & Merchandising Strategy
• Team Leadership & Development
• Local & International Sourcing (China, India, Bangladesh, Mauritius South Africa)
• Own-Brand & Private Label Development
• Range Building & Trend Analysis
• Supplier Negotiation & Cost Management
• Budgeting, Planning & KPI Management
• Retail & Wholesale Supply Chain Management
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
PUMA SPORTS LTD | Apparel product Developer and Merchandiser
March 2022 – Dec 2025 – Developer of Puma Teamsports.
Appointed as Merchandiser for the Team Sports department for both local and international range selections, assuming additional responsibility as the local sourcing expert for Core and Replica sportswear strategy and execution.________________________________________
SELF-EMPLOYED | Apparel Consultant & Supplier
March 2020 – 2021 - Develop and supply ladies’ formalwear ranges for JET using local production - Source fabrics and trims; manage CMTs to ensure quality and on-time delivery - Oversee production and quality assurance processes - Develop and supply licensed character socks and underwear for multiple retailers - Manage design, sourcing, packaging, and licensor compliance
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GOODHOPE SALES (CHOICE CLOTHING) | Senior Ladieswear Buyer
Sept 2017 – March 2020 - Led a buying team of 5, delivering balanced and trend-driven ladieswear ranges - Implemented improved buying tools and processes - Managed local and international sourcing with direct factory engagement - Conducted international buying travel and fast-turn stock decisions
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MORESport (Sportsmans Warehouse & Outdoor Warehouse) | Merchandise Manager – Apparel
May 2011 – Oct 2016 - Led an 18-member buying and merchandising team - Drove growth across performance, technical and athleisure categories - Developed and executed departmental strategies aligned to group objectives - Managed branded and private label supplier relationships - Oversaw pricing, margins, budgeting and seasonal launches - Played a key role in marketing communication and product storytelling
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SHOPRITE GROUP | Senior Buyer – Clothing Division
Feb 2007 – Apr 2011 - Managed growth strategy for menswear, ladieswear and kidswear categories - Led sourcing across local manufacturers and Far East suppliers - Negotiated costs, managed buying cycles, budgets and import logistics - Drove product development initiatives and trend-led ranges - Worked closely with marketing and stores on launches and merchandising
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RENEWAL CLOTHING | Merchandiser
Feb 2004 – 2007 - Managed key retail accounts including Foschini and Reebok Ladies - Oversaw product development from concept through production - Coordinated sourcing and manufacturing in China and Thailand - Controlled budgets and sample development processes
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UNITRADE 304 | Merchandiser
2000 – Nov 2004 - Introduced and grew a new sportswear category within the business - Achieved over 200% of budget within one year
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TOTALSPORTS | Buyer / Apparel Manager
1994 – 2000 - Grew apparel contribution from 19% to 27% - Developed private label brands and managed promotional strategies - Played a role in store expansion from 44 to 90 stores
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TRUWORTHS | Buyer – Ladieswear, Knitwear & Swimwear
1990 – 1994 - Progressed from trainee to Buyer within 18 months - Successfully grew specialist apparel categories
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EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
• ITEC & CIDESCO Diplomas – Beauty Therapy & Make-up Artistry
• SA Academy of Clothing – Patternmaking & Garment Construction
• Tygerberg High School – Matric (University Exemption)
• Truworths In-House Training: Negotiation & Presentation Skills
• Textile Training: Da Gama Textiles, BMD Knitting Mills
• Covey Management Training
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• Languages: English & Afrikaans
• Nationality: South African
• References available on request
