Aaron Johnson
Washington DC-Baltimore Area
Summary
Results-driven retail leader with 13+ years of progressive management experience and a passion for delivering elevated client experiences. Experienced in leading and developing high-performing teams, executing sophisticated visual and merchandising strategies, and maintaining exceptional standards of brand presentation and operational excellence. MBA-prepared with a strategic approach to business leadership, talent development, and relationship building. Poised to bring a strong combination of commercial acumen, service excellence, and refined brand stewardship to a leadership role within luxury retail.
Overview
1
1
Certification
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager, Visual Merchandising
Macy's
Annapolis, MD
01.2024 - Current
- Enhanced in-store visual merchandising in a $32M store, contributing to increased traffic, conversion, and overall sales performance through compelling displays and seasonal floor sets.
- Implemented visual merchandising strategies, leading to a notable improvement in customer survey scores related to in-store visual inspiration and overall shopping experience year over year.
- Led cross-functional coordination of merchandise and fixture changes, ensuring visual consistency, proper execution of brand standards, and efficient use of floor space.
Manager, Style Merchandise Execution
Macy's
Hyattsville, MD
07.2022 - 01.2024
- Led end-to-end merchandise execution, from product receipt to sales floor readiness, enhancing in-store visual appeal, and driving sales performance with an annual volume of $32M.
- Drove a $200K year-over-year sales increase by optimizing visual presentation and merchandise execution, resulting in a new volume peak.
- Aligned merchandise and visual execution initiatives with brand standards to increase the in-store experience, positively influenced customer behavior, and elevated key campaign performance by 12% YTD.
- Directed a cross-functional team of 10 merchandising colleagues and a visual supervisor to deliver compelling visual presentations and drive product placement strategies.
Manager, Sales & Customer Service
Macy's
Annapolis, MD
07.2021 - 07.2022
- Directed operations and sales strategies for specialized selling areas, including Fine Jewelry, Big Ticket, and Beauty, achieving category growth and customer satisfaction with an annual volume of $31M.
- Achieved year-over-year sales growth of +13% by implementing strategic selling plans and enhancing team performance.
- Provided leadership and sales coaching to a sales team of 27 commission-based sellers and a support supervisor, fostering a high-performance culture through targeted coaching and development.
- Spearheaded unique grassroots initiatives that strengthened local brand presence and cultivated customer loyalty, contributing to specialty business sales growth.
Sales Manager
Macy's
Waldorf, MD
05.2019 - 07.2021
- Accountable for $13M in annual sales performance across diverse categories such as Men’s, Big Ticket, Kids, Intimate Apparel, Plus Sizes, and Soft Home within a $25M store.
- Led a team of 23 sales colleagues, fostering a high-performance sales culture through hands-on training, daily coaching, and operational leadership.
- Coached and developed two commission-based colleagues to achieve over $1M in annual big-ticket sales through targeted coaching and performance development.
- Drove product performance through strategic floor planning and inventory management.
- Implemented customer experience strategies that boosted key engagement metrics, driving a significant increase in overall customer satisfaction, and elevating the store to a top-performing location within the DCMV division.
Manager, Visual Merchandising
Hennes & Mauritz (H&M)
Waldorf, MD
07.2017 - 05.2019
- Delivered trend-right, commercial visual displays aligned with H&M standards, significantly increasing foot traffic and sales.
- Trained and coached in-store teams in visual standards, led in-store teams in planning and executing seasonal floor sets, window displays, and in-store visuals, ensuring consistency with brand standards and sales objectives.
- Improved sell-through by 18% by optimizing product placement, traffic flow, and visual displays based on customer behavior and trend analysis.
Business Operations Manager
Gap Inc.
California, MD
08.2016 - 06.2017
- Collaborated with leadership to analyze business performance and implement strategies for maximizing profitability.
- Directed retail operations, aligning sales strategies and merchandising to enhance customer experience.
- Led staffing, scheduling, and expense management initiatives, resulting in improved productivity and cost savings.
Product & Marketing Manager
Gap Inc.
California, MD
11.2014 - 07.2016
- Executed shipment, replenishment, marketing, and backroom operations efficiently.
- Oversaw daily store activities, including opening/closing procedures and cash handling tasks.
- Coached teams on the floor to achieve measurable improvements in performance.
- Managed signage strategy for promotional events to ensure accuracy and brand alignment.
Lead Brand Associate/Loss Prevention Expert
Gap Inc.
California, MD
09.2013 - 10.2014
- Achieved high conversion rates and repeat clientele through exceptional customer experiences.
- Recognized as top-performing associate for outstanding sales and service metrics.
- Led loss prevention strategy to mitigate shrink and enhance store safety.
- Trained associates on loss prevention procedures to ensure compliance.
- Exceeded brand credit card goals, receiving recognition for driving customer engagement.
- Drove program participation through effective strategies that boosted engagement.
- Maintained strong focus on operational excellence to support team objectives.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT10-2026
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NHSkills & Competencies
Store Operations & Business Leadership Customer Experience & Service Strategy
Sales Growth & Profitability Merchandising & Visual Execution
Team Leadership & Talent Development Strategic Planning & Business Analysis
Certification
- Notary Public, Commonwealth of Virginia (Expires July 2028)
Leadership Essentials Certificate — Cornell University (2022)
Professional Business Writing Certificate — DePaul University (2022)
Corporate Communication Certificate — Cornell University (2020)
Timeline
Manager, Visual Merchandising
Macy's
01.2024 - Current
Manager, Style Merchandise Execution
Macy's
07.2022 - 01.2024
Manager, Sales & Customer Service
Macy's
07.2021 - 07.2022
Sales Manager
Macy's
05.2019 - 07.2021
Manager, Visual Merchandising
Hennes & Mauritz (H&M)
07.2017 - 05.2019
Business Operations Manager
Gap Inc.
08.2016 - 06.2017
Product & Marketing Manager
Gap Inc.
11.2014 - 07.2016
Lead Brand Associate/Loss Prevention Expert
Gap Inc.
09.2013 - 10.2014
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Western Governors University
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Southern New Hampshire University