Jeannie Barsam (Founder, Gifting Brands)
Jeannie is the Founder and CEO of Gifting Brands. Jeannie’s mission is to help solve excess inventory for private label and luxury brands, create a fun and fulfilling shopping experience for consumers while giving back to charities that are making a difference in the world.
Jeannie is also the SVP of Merchandise Operations at Michaels and has held held leadership roles at Gap Inc, Talbot’s, and Zales Jewelers. Barsam set out to create a business model that combined her passion for retail with the opportunity to give back to her community. Recalling her time at Zales, where there was excess inventory, but no nonprofit partners in which to donate fine jewelry, thus Gifting Brands was born.
Through Gifting Brands, Barsam is now focused on creating a social enterprise that elevates the way luxury and upscale brands will make an impact in the world. Barsam is committed to helping nonprofits, retailers, and consumers make a difference through inventory philanthropy and shopping.
Jeannie serves as an advisory board member for S5 Stratos which uses leading-edge technology to help retailers better plan and forecast their inventory assortment.