The July 17 issue of HOMEWORLD BUSINESS® features the 18th annual Impact Merchants special report. Housewares suppliers, representing the categories that HomeWorld covers, once again were asked to nominate buyers and merchandisers believed to have made a significant impact during the past year.
The selection of the 21 Impact Merchant winners is not intended as a definitive list of the best merchants in housewares retailing. Votes went to several more merchandisers than those featured. This year’s honorees represent buyers in given categories that received the majority of votes by vendors polled.
Voters were asked to give added weight to merchandising creativity, trend and marketing astuteness, attention to detail, openness to risk, flexibility, relationship building and the ability to deliver a profitable program for both the vendors and retailer while providing value to consumers. One thing this year’s Impact Merchants share is a vote of respect by their vendors. In today’s unpredictable retail environment, that vote really counts.
Tamara Rosenkranz, Williams Sonoma, Buyer, Cookware
According to vendors, Tamara Rosenkranz’s passion about Williams Sonoma and growing the brand has been instrumental in the success of both her and her vendor partners. This, they said, is what makes her a 2017 HOMEWORLD BUSINESS® Impact Merchant.
“She shows a sincere interest in the quality of the products and makes sure that she is offering the best products for her customers,” said a vendor. “And she is constantly looking for new innovation and unique products to stay ahead of the category trends.”
Rosenkranz began her career with Williams Sonoma as an assistant buyer, cookware and books in 2012 and quickly made her way up the ranks. In May 2015, she was promoted to associate buyer, cookware and outdoor. She received another promotion in May 2016 to the post of glassware buyer for the company and was recently named to the position of cookware buyer.
Williams Sonoma’s strategy has included specialty, exclusive and private-label goods in an effort to differentiate itself from other chains and online e-tailers. According to vendors, Rosenkranz has helped to build this side of the business by her responsiveness, openness to new ideas and her continued follow-up.
“Even with less than a full year as the Williams Sonoma cookware buyer, she has been a delight to work with,” said one vendor.
2017 HomeWorld Business Impact Merchants (click on name for profile):
- Jennifer Cotreau, Wayfair
- Liz Anderson, Sam’s Club
- Jason Kloster, Walmart
- Tamara Rosenkranz, Williams Sonoma
- Melissa Cameron, Tuesday Morning
- Alison Alness-Richmond, Target
- Dan Williams, Best Buy
- Carol Nakauchi, Dollar General
- Natalia Goncalves, BrandsMart
- Jason Perez, Costco
- Tracy Godshall, Bed Bath & Beyond
- Kanani McNerthney, Kroger/Fred Meyer
- Jason Rogers, Walmart
- Karen & Brad Hughes, Artichoke
- Kim Kimbriel, The Container Store
- Alison Fosbenner, Lowe’s
- Harry Jacobs, HomeGoods
- Amy Eshuys, Christmas Tree Shops
- Sean Le Deit, Houzz
- Brad Wiesner, Bed Bath & Beyond
