ASHLEY CRESS
Minneapolis,MN
Summary
Efficient Visual Merchandiser with strong commitment to IKEA Concept in order to drive sales and better customer experience. Contributes unwavering work ethic and commitment to quality through simplicity. Passionate building strong relationships with commercial partners and leading by example.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Visual Merchandiser
IKEA Minneapolis
08.2023 - Current
- Investigated current trends and innovative techniques to create range presentation solutions focused on growing the business and maximize profitability.
- Presented store update suggestions and layouts to commerical management.
- Enhanced HFB 01, 02, and 03 by applying careful consideration to product and display locations using layout as a commercial tool.
- Analyzed sales data and customer feedback to develop creative solutions to improve customer experience.
- Worked with Shopkeepers to implement new displays, promotions, and store layout changes.
- Partnered with Sales Team and SSS during remodels to ensure seamless project phasing into new layouts to optimize customer flow and sales potential.
- Managed the implementation of department remodels with speed and simplicity.
- Acted as a team leader in group projects/remodels by delegating tasks and providing feedback.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
Customer Operations and Payments Leader
IKEA Minneapolis
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Developed and implemented process improvements that streamlined customer service operations and improved customer experience
- Monitored customer service performance and conducted regular performance reviews to ensure that customer service goals were met
- Lead a team of customer service coworkers to ensure that customer inquiries were handled in a timely and professional manner
- Ensured that all coworkers received the proper training and resources to perform their jobs effectively
- Developed and monitored key performance indicators (KPIs) for operations, leading to improved efficiency.
Customer Service Coworker II
IKEA Minneapolis
05.2022 - 08.2022
- Resolved customer complaints and inquiries in a timely and professional manner
- Processed returns and exchanges in accordance with store policies, resulting in improved customer satisfaction
- Collaborated with colleagues to ensure efficient workflow and customer service
- Used multiple programs and software proficiently in order to provide customers with solutions.
Executive Office and Administrative Specialist
University of Minnesota
01.2021 - 04.2022
- Processed purchase orders, received invoices, and made other purchases for a large academic department
- Served as the first point of contact for academic department via phone calls, email communication, and in-person inquiries
- Provided clerical assistance for staff and faculty and general office support including ordering supplies, helping with technical maintenance, and managing office equipment
- Maintained all department list-servs, as well as logs of records for the department
- Collaborated with external vendors to ensure successful integration of third-party solutions.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History, Art History
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
River Falls, WI05.2013
Skills
Leadership
Project Coordination
Visual Merchandising
IKEA Concept
Customer Experience
Communication
Problem Solving
Fast Learner
Critical Thinking
Microsoft Office
Autodesk Software
Accomplishments
- Increased BESTA revenue per 1000 customers by 3.5% (from $1453 per 1000 customers to $1551 per 1000 customers)
- Increased KALLAX revenue per 1000 customers by 10.2% (from $3216 per 1000 customers to $3903 per 1000 customers)
- Grew BESTA sales share from 9.7% to 11.6% of HFB02 sales
- Grew KALLAX sales share from 21.5% to 29.1% of HFB02 sales
- Through sales steering and sales mix, increased BESTA GM0 by 1.9% (from 55.4% to 57.3%)
- Through sales steering and increasing insert options, increased KALLAX GM0 by 0.9% (from 33.3% to 34.2%)
Successfully planned and implemented HFB02 remodel quickly and with limited resources, resulting in a boost in revenue, sales share, and gross margin (numbers from Nov 2023 compared to Feb 2024)
Revenue:
Sales Share:
Gross Margin:
Timeline
Visual Merchandiser
IKEA Minneapolis
08.2023 - Current
Customer Operations and Payments Leader
IKEA Minneapolis
08.2022 - 08.2023
Customer Service Coworker II
IKEA Minneapolis
05.2022 - 08.2022
Executive Office and Administrative Specialist
University of Minnesota
01.2021 - 04.2022
Bachelor of Arts - History, Art History
University of Wisconsin-River Falls