Sarah Wilson
Sevierville
Summary
Experienced with strategic planning, team leadership, and operational excellence. Utilizes forward-thinking approach to drive business growth and streamline processes. Track record of fostering collaborative environments and achieving measurable results.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Shady Rays
Pigeon Forge, TN
05.2024 - Current
- Led operational strategies to enhance store performance and profitability.
- Developed and implemented training programs to improve team productivity and customer engagement.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing shrinkage and optimizing stock levels.
- Cultivated strong relationships with vendors to secure favorable terms and enhance product offerings.
- Facilitated offsite events to grow brand awareness and increase profit margins
- Worked in the community and donated to multiple schools, EMS, Fire, and Police Dept.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends, driving strategic decision-making for merchandising initiatives.
- Mentored department managers, fostering leadership skills and improving cross-functional collaboration.
- Executed marketing campaigns that elevated brand awareness and increased foot traffic in stores.
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring alignment with organizational goals while maximizing resource allocation.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
- Directed comprehensive sales efforts to exceed revenue targets consistently while maintaining customer satisfaction levels.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives that enhanced operational performance across all departments.
- Drove the successful execution of numerous large-scale events/promotions while closely managing costs/budgetary constraints associated with event planning/management activities.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, minimizing waste and ensuring optimal stock levels for uninterrupted operations.
- Led team to exceed sales targets, implementing motivational incentives and comprehensive training programs.
- Addressed customer complaints and feedback with immediate action, turning dissatisfied customers into loyal patrons.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, introducing regular review sessions that boosted team performance and morale.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
General Manager
Banana Republic
Sevierville, TN
06.2022 - 05.2024
- Established comprehensive employee training programs to develop skills, improve productivity, and maintain compliance with industry regulations.
- Implemented robust inventory management systems to optimize stock levels and minimize waste/costs associated with excess product storage.
- Provided thoughtful guidance to personnel in navigating and resolving snags in productivity.
- Enhanced team collaboration and communication by introducing new project management tool, leading to more efficient project completions.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
- Developed and implemented training programs to improve team productivity and customer engagement.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing shrinkage and optimizing stock levels.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends, driving strategic decision-making for merchandising initiatives.
Brand Representative
Ulta Beauty
Sevierville, TN
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Cultivated strong customer relationships to enhance brand loyalty and drive repeat business.
- Delivered product knowledge training to team members, improving service quality and customer satisfaction.
- Assisted in visual merchandising strategies, enhancing store aesthetics and engaging customers effectively.
- Monitored inventory levels, ensuring optimal stock availability for popular beauty products and promotions.
- Implemented promotional campaigns, increasing brand visibility and attracting new clientele to the store.
- Analyzed sales trends to identify opportunities for improvement in product offerings and marketing initiatives.
- Led cross-functional teams in executing successful events that promoted brand awareness within the community.
- Developed training materials for new hires, fostering a knowledgeable workforce focused on achieving brand standards.
- Completed floorsets, filled floor, and rang up customers.
- Provided excellent customer service, resulting in positive feedback and repeat business.
- Enhanced sales performance through effective communication of product features and benefits.
- Assisted with daily opening and closing tasks to maintain clean, neat, and professional store.
- Participated in regular sales meetings, contributing valuable insights for improving overall team performance.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, enabling informed recommendations to clients on product selection.
- Established strong relationships with store management, ensuring ongoing support for the brand''s presence.
- Contributed to the development of engaging visual merchandising displays that showcased products effectively while attracting customer attention.
- Increased brand awareness by conducting product demonstrations and engaging with customers.
- Organized and stocked merchandise to keep necessary levels for sales demand.
- Showed understanding of customer's personal style and preferences when offering product advice.
- Achieved consistent sales targets by actively engaging with potential customers and addressing their specific needs.
- Assisted in organizing promotional events, boosting brand visibility and attracting new customers.
- Supported the launch of new products by coordinating training sessions for fellow representatives on key selling points and techniques.
- Communicated product value, quality, and style to educate and entice potential customers.
- Collaborated with team members to develop innovative marketing strategies for promoting the brand.
- Monitored inventory levels closely, ensuring adequate stock availability during peak periods or promotions.
- Approached strangers and interacted in natural conversation with goal of developing brand loyalty.
- Engaged, educated, and befriended customers to deliver amazing shopping experience.
- Designed, filled, and arranged eye-catching product floorsets to increase sales.
- Provided exceptional customer service to drive satisfaction.
- Educated customers on product features and answered questions regarding product use.
- Increased sales by effectively communicating product benefits.
- Maintained knowledge of current promotions and product features.
Store Manager
Michael Kors
Sevierville, TN
08.2020 - 01.2022
- Directed daily operations to optimize store performance and enhance customer experiences.
- Trained and mentored staff, fostering a collaborative team environment focused on sales goals.
- Implemented visual merchandising standards, elevating brand presentation and attracting customers.
- Analyzed sales trends to develop strategies that improved overall profitability and customer engagement.
- Monitored employee performance, providing feedback to drive productivity and professional growth.
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
- Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
- Improved customer satisfaction through staff training in customer service and product knowledge.
- Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation.
- Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
- Mentored new hires during their onboarding process, ensuring they were well-equipped to excel in their roles from day one.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Maximized sales by creating innovative visual merchandising displays and store layouts.
- Conducted regular performance reviews for staff members, providing constructive feedback and opportunities for growth.
- Approved regular payroll submissions for employees.
- Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
- Fostered a positive work environment by cultivating strong relationships between team members through team-building activities and consistent recognition of individual achievements.
- Supervised guests at front counter, answering questions regarding products.
- Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge, and service requirements.
- Managed financial aspects of store operations, including budget planning, expense tracking, and accurate record-keeping to maintain fiscal responsibility.
- Optimized labor scheduling according to store needs while adhering to budget constraints, maximizing productivity without compromising service quality.
- Promoted team collaboration, performance, and efficiency by fostering healthy environments focused on mutual success.
- Oversaw loss prevention efforts, minimizing shrinkage by implementing effective security measures and training staff on proper procedures.
- Organized special events such as seasonal sales promotions to drive foot traffic into the store and increase sales opportunities.
- Developed a successful employee retention plan, reducing staff turnover rates significantly.
Pink Store Manager
Victoria's Secret
Sevierville, TN
09.2020 - 08.2021
- Led store operations, ensuring compliance with brand standards and operational procedures.
- Trained and mentored staff to improve performance, productivity, and service quality.
- Managed inventory levels, optimizing stock availability while minimizing excess through effective merchandising practices.
- Fostered a positive work environment by promoting teamwork and motivating employees to achieve goals.
- Executed visual merchandising strategies that aligned with seasonal promotions to enhance the shopping experience.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and maintain effective communication channels within the store.
- Increased store profitability by implementing cost-saving measures and efficient inventory management strategies.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies by regularly reviewing store procedures and taking corrective measures when necessary.
- Maintained open lines of communication with corporate headquarters, sharing pertinent information about store performance and requesting support when needed.
- Collaborated with other managers to develop company-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall performance across all locations.
- Coordinated in-store events to increase foot traffic, partnering with local businesses and community organizations for mutual benefit.
- Fostered culture of excellence and accountability among staff, resulting in higher employee morale and lower turnover rates.
- Improved efficiency and accuracy of inventory management by implementing new stock control system.
- Streamlined communication between staff and management, ensuring that all team members were informed of policy changes and promotions.
- Implemented loss prevention strategies, significantly reducing shrinkage.
- Managed inventory levels to minimize waste and ensure product availability, supporting customer satisfaction and sales efficiency.
- Reduced employee turnover by creating supportive work environment and recognizing outstanding performance.
- Cultivated strong team by hiring motivated individuals and fostering collaborative workplace, leading to improved store performance.
PRESTIGE SALES MANAGER-RETAIL SALES MANAGER
ULTA BEAUTY
Sevierville, TN
01.2018 - 09.2020
- Performance: Achieve store budget and goals, and positive comparative (year-over-year) results; Analyze reporting to develop/implement growth strategies; Own and react to mass-related visit results; Execute the GEM program flawlessly: Delivering and leading an exceptional guest experience, achieving store sales, and payroll budgets, support the achievement of loyalty program goals, read and react to company communication & tasks.
- People: Attract, retain, and develop top talent; participate in succession planning, educate associates on mass product knowledge and ensure available trainings complete (self and team); create synergy between all departments; create strong partnership with brand partners and ensure Ulta Beauty culture and brand standards are met; motivate by sharing results and goals through chat-ins, manage timekeeping process and schedule.
- Process: Plan and lead mass department store events; ensure all merchandise standards are maintained in mass: testers, facing, pricing, and signing; ensure mass inventory accuracy and replenishment; own and react to mass related company communication.
STORE MANAGER
PANDORA JEWELRY
Sevierville, TN
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Responsible for monitoring and improving performance and daily store operation; achieving sales targets; and managing store staff. Also responsible for keeping the store in compliance with all supplementary guidelines, procedures, and policies, including new policies and procedures when implemented. Further responsible providing excellent guest service, maintaining operational excellence, as well as managing, developing, and coaching store employees. Areas of responsibility: Achieve retail targets set annually, translate, and bring to life brand values to the store level operating the store in accordance with the brand and standards. Follow the system for talent, brand, and operations. Posses in depth knowledge of product and services. Offer highest level of service. Adhere to brand image. Recruiting, training, and managing staff. Actively participate in all marketing programs and activities.
GENERAL MANAGER, AARON'S SALES AND LEASE OWNERSHIP
SARAH THOMAS
Greeneville, TN
01.2007 - 01.2016
- Utilize management abilities for store with profit and loss liability. Must exceed company values, and be held liable for any, and all goals set by the sales and account division. Vital areas of this position comprise of asset management, customer maintenance, revenue production, guidelines and policies. Maintaining inventory control is a necessity by performing a weekly reconciliation, demonstrate complete supervision over all store associates. The general manager is responsible to recruit, hire, and train all associates.
Education
DIPLOMA -
Gatlinburg-Pittman HighSchool
Gatlinburg, TN05.1999
Skills
- Succession Planning
- Asset Management
- Profit & Loss
- Recruiting
- Retail Management
- Performance Management
- Pricing
- Merchandising
- Operations Management
- Management
- Budgeting
- Change Management
- Guest Services
- Sales Management
- Team Management
- Leadership and team building
- Problem resolution
- Operations management
- Team player
- Efficient multi-tasker
- Training and coaching
- Staff management
- Training and development
- Inventory control
- Goal setting
Timeline
General Manager
Shady Rays
05.2024 - Current
General Manager
Banana Republic
06.2022 - 05.2024
Brand Representative
Ulta Beauty
01.2022 - 06.2022
Pink Store Manager
Victoria's Secret
09.2020 - 08.2021
Store Manager
Michael Kors
08.2020 - 01.2022
PRESTIGE SALES MANAGER-RETAIL SALES MANAGER
ULTA BEAUTY
01.2018 - 09.2020
STORE MANAGER
PANDORA JEWELRY
01.2016 - 01.2018
GENERAL MANAGER, AARON'S SALES AND LEASE OWNERSHIP
SARAH THOMAS
01.2007 - 01.2016
DIPLOMA -
Gatlinburg-Pittman HighSchool