Nancy Burkhart

Specialty Store Retail Marketing Expert

Nancy Burkhart is a 20+ year veteran of the retail industry. For 12 years she worked at Combi International Corporation, a manufacturer of children’s products . Her early roles included human resources management, marketing management and operations management, and her last 7 years at the company were spent as Vice President and General Manager. At Combi, Nancy sold and marketed the company’s products to over 500 specialty stores throughout the country as well as many mass merchants. She traveled to client stores and advised retailers on successful point of purchase merchandising, sales techniques and promotions.

In 2002 Nancy left Combi to open her own specialty store selling women’s sleepwear and loungewear. In 2003 the store expanded and added a children’s department, and in 2005 expanded again adding a maternity and a bridal department. The store was a destination draw with its unique concept, remarkable décor, impeccable merchandising and talented sales staff. In 2008 the successful business was sold in preparation for a family relocation. Later that year, Nancy became a partner in her current business, Cotton Deco, with her longtime business associate Lynne Ball.

Nancy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication from Eastern Illinois University, where she also completed some post-graduate study. She taught a speech communication course at Lakeland Community College in Mattoon, Illinois as well as a continuing education course on interviewing & hiring at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois. Nancy co-founded and served on the Board of Young Hearts, a non-profit organization for young heart patients. She has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal and published in various places including SPN (Screenprinting) Magazine, Baby Shop Magazine, and Lifeline newsletter. She is currently writing a book entitled How to be a Retail Rock Star. Nancy is a partner in the firm Cotton Deco (www.cottondeco.com) which wholesales crystal tee shirts and other decorated apparel to retail stores, non-profit organizations and corporations, and Mink Deco, Ltd., which manufactures luxury throws and wholesales them to the home décor market.

Nancy has been married since 1986 to Kevin Burkhart, a partner in a technology consulting firm. They have one very spoiled Yorkie named Bentley.

An accomplished and engaging speaker, Nancy would welcome the opportunity to address your organization. Please inquire via email.