ASHLEY MERKEL
Tampa,FL
Summary
Experienced and committed retail management executive with a demonstrated history of achievement in the apparel sector. Proficient in diverse operational facets encompassing merchandising, personnel oversight, sales planning, client relations, HR administration, and inventory management. Adept at cultivating a driven and high-caliber workforce, consistently surpassing sales objectives. Well-versed in spearheading new store launches, managing overall operations, and propelling advancement via efficient marketing and sales approaches. Demonstrated proficiency in team leadership and development, yielding heightened sales performance and enhanced operational efficacy.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources Assistant
Psycho Bunny
08.2023 - Current
- Improved employee satisfaction by developing and implementing new HR policies and procedures.
- Streamlined the recruitment process for efficiency, reducing time-to-fill job vacancies.
- Enhanced onboarding experience for new hires by creating comprehensive orientation materials and training programs.
- Developed strong relationships with employees through consistent communication and support, leading to increased retention rates.
- Assist with recruiting tasks such as reviewing resumes, conducting and scheduling interviews, hiring, and following up with candidates
- Schedule and coordinate onboarding assignments and training sessions
- Compile and process employee documentation and records, and keep the employee database up to date
- Assist the HR manager with formulating policies, procedures, and changes, as well as communicating all updates to employees
- Maintain the departmental email account, responding to employee questions and complaints in a timely and professional manner
- Track employee attendance, PTO, and leaves, and assist with payroll processing and documentation
New Store Opening Manager
PSYCHO BUNNY
04.2022 - 08.2023
- Conduct a six-week training program for the management team, a four-week program for key holders, and a two-week program for sales associates concurrently
- Coordinate and execute team-building exercises centered on the company's mission, vision, objectives, and the significance of each team member within the organization across all locations
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty
- Manage the process of establishing new international store locations, encompassing recruitment, training, sales floor and backroom setup, inventory management, and meticulous visual merchandising
- Supervise and lead a team of 15-20 staff members, including other supervisors and the store manager
- Established processes to ensure efficient workflow throughout the organization
- Coached, mentored and trained team members in order to improve their job performance
- Created monthly reports for senior management summarizing operational performance metrics.
Store Manager
PSYCHO BUNNY
07.2021 - 04.2022
- Achieved the target of reaching a $2M store within the first year of opening
- Monitored workflow to identify labor needs and created work schedules aligned with peak hours
- Established customer service standards and monitored staff compliance
- Spearheaded the implementation of the I-9 process, while diligently tracking all store employees
- Led store operations by overseeing staff, sales tracking, implementing workplace enhancements, and prioritizing scheduling to ensure optimal customer service at all times
- Managed internal processes within the team to guarantee compliance with the highest customer care standards
- Monitored inventory levels and placed orders to restock shelves
- Conducted daily store operations, including opening and closing procedures and cash handling.
Store Manager
TRUE RELIGION
10.2015 - 07.2021
- Oversee the daily activities of a retail establishment yielding $1.5M in yearly earnings
- Set a target for a 5% weekly increase in Black Book client sales for the store
- Recruit, train, guide, and oversee a team of 13-18 individuals
- Ensure consistent provision of exemplary customer service
- Manage two assistant managers, offering guidance and fostering accountability for both store outcomes and staff achievements
- Devise and execute tactical merchandising strategies to meet revenue targets, minimize costs, and uphold payroll constraints
- Attract customers through creative display ideas, following display schedules, and constructing display properties in windows and on the sales floor
- Maintain inventory by monitoring merchandise levels and anticipating customer demand to support business goals
- Achieve personal weekly sales goal of $4-5K and meet black book client sales goal of 5%
- Conducted daily store operations, including opening and closing procedures and cash handling
- Monitor and manage store budget including supplies, payroll hours, and work orders
- Established customer service standards and monitored staff compliance
- Monitored inventory levels and placed orders to restock shelves.
Education
BA-Human Resource Management -
Saint Leo University
Tampa, FL01.2022
Associates of Arts - General Studies/Business -
VALENCIA COLLEGE
Orlando, FL01.2018
CNA Certificate -
HARPER COLLEGE
Palatine, IL01.2013
Phlebotomy Certificate -
HARPER COLLEGE
Palatine, IL01.2012
Skills
- Performance Management
- Performance Evaluation
- Compliance Management
- Marketing and Community Engagement
- Leadership
- Team Building
- Sales Strategy
- Financial Management
- Business Development
- Strategic Planning
- Microsoft Office and Docusign
- Recruitment
- Effective Planning
Timeline
Human Resources Assistant
Psycho Bunny
08.2023 - Current
New Store Opening Manager
PSYCHO BUNNY
04.2022 - 08.2023
Store Manager
PSYCHO BUNNY
07.2021 - 04.2022
Store Manager
TRUE RELIGION
10.2015 - 07.2021
BA-Human Resource Management -
Saint Leo University
Associates of Arts - General Studies/Business -
VALENCIA COLLEGE
CNA Certificate -
HARPER COLLEGE
Phlebotomy Certificate -
HARPER COLLEGE