AZIM NAYANI
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Store manager with over 25 years of experience leading high-volume retail operations, driving consistent sales growth, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Demonstrates expertise in leadership, team management, and innovative visual merchandising strategies, resulting in significant increases in foot traffic and conversion rates. Passionate about leveraging advanced communication and problem-solving skills to foster a dynamic sales culture, and achieve future aspirations in expanding retail management responsibilities.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Store Manager
Ahilaya (Designer Clothing Store)
Mumbai, India
03.2020 - 01.2025
- Directed all aspects of daily store operations for a high-volume fashion retail location, achieving consistent year-over-year sales growth, and maintaining customer satisfaction scores above 95%.
- Recruited, trained, and supervised a team of 12+ stylists, assistant managers, and sales associates, cultivating a high-performance sales culture centered around fashion expertise and personalized service.
- Implemented dynamic visual merchandising strategies that aligned with seasonal trends, brand identity, and customer preferences, resulting in a 20% increase in foot traffic, and improved conversion rates.
- Spearheaded quarterly inventory audits and optimized stock replenishment processes, reducing out-of-stock incidents by 30%, and minimizing inventory shrink through proactive loss prevention measures.
- Collaborated with marketing and regional management to plan and execute successful in-store events and product launches, contributing to a 25% sales increase during promotional periods.
- Analyzed store performance metrics, including sales per square foot, UPT (units per transaction), and ATV (average transaction value), and leveraged insights to drive daily coaching and tactical adjustments.
- Maintained operational efficiency by managing controllable expenses, such as payroll, supplies, and store maintenance, within or under budget, directly contributing to profit margin improvements.
- Cultivated a loyal customer base through a strong emphasis on clienteling, fashion consultation, and a personalized in-store experience that aligned with evolving consumer preferences.
Store Manager and Working Partner
Dior's Leather Apparels
Mumbai, India
05.2011 - 02.2020
- Co-own and manage the day-to-day operations of a boutique specializing in high-quality leather bags, purses, and accessories, serving a diverse clientele, including tourists, professionals, and fashion-forward shoppers.
- Increased overall store revenue by 40% over three years through focused marketing, improved product assortment, and personalized service initiatives.
- Oversaw product curation, merchandising, and supplier relationships, ensuring the store consistently featured premium, trend-relevant collections.
- Trained and mentored a diverse team of sales associates, empowering them with strong product knowledge and sales techniques that increased confidence, performance, and team morale.
- Managed inventory ordering cycles, seasonal stock rotations, and custom product offerings, while maintaining healthy stock turnover and reducing excess inventory by 25%.
- Handled budgeting, payroll, purchasing, and daily cash reconciliation, ensuring financial discipline, and profitability across all operations.
- Developed and maintained the store’s online presence, including product photography, social media marketing (Instagram and Facebook), and coordinating with third-party marketplaces.
- Led in-store events and pop-up collaborations with local artisans, attracting new customers, and enhancing brand visibility in the community.
Store Manager
Starz - Kin (Gift Corner)
Congo - Kinshasa, Africa
10.2005 - 04.2011
- Drove total sales exceeding USD 1,000,000 over six years by optimizing the product mix, managing imports, and enhancing the in-store customer experience.
- Delivered a record-breaking monthly sale of USD 108,000 in December 2010, capitalizing on holiday demand with high-margin gift items, and efficient inventory turnover.
- Manage all aspects of day-to-day operations for a busy gift and souvenir store, catering to tourists, event-goers, and seasonal shoppers.
- Lead the product purchasing strategy with a focus on importing from suppliers in China, handling order placement, shipping logistics, customs coordination, and product quality control.
- Maintained relationships with multiple overseas vendors to ensure timely deliveries, negotiated favorable pricing, and introduced new trend-based products to stay competitive.
- Trained and supervised a team of 10 to 15 employees, implementing customer service standards and sales training that improved upselling and customer satisfaction.
- Oversaw inventory levels and implemented a stock control system that reduced overstock and shrinkage by 20%.
- Designed and updated attractive store displays to match holidays and special events, increasing walk-in traffic and sales.
- Handled all purchasing, vendor communication, expense tracking, and financial reporting, alongside daily sales targets and customer interaction.
Sales Manager
Aldo Shoes
Mumbai, India
04.2005 - 04.2005
- Lead a team of five associates in a high-traffic fashion footwear store, driving daily sales performance, and ensuring exceptional customer interactions.
- Consistently achieved and exceeded monthly sales targets.
- Conduct ongoing product training to ensure that staff are knowledgeable about new arrivals, materials, sizing, and trend alignment.
- Implemented visual merchandising updates in line with ALDO brand guidelines, boosting conversion rates, and average transaction value.
- Supported inventory management and minimized shrink through effective stock organization, audits, and team accountability.
- Fostered a positive and fashion-focused sales culture, coaching staff on upselling, cross-selling, and delivering personalized styling advice.
Store Manager
Al-Noor, Imitation Jewels
Mumbai, India
07.1999 - 03.2005
- Oversee all daily operations of a high-volume imitation jewelry store, consistently achieving sales targets, and driving store revenue growth of 45% year-over-year.
- Lead, train, and motivate a team of 12 sales associates, ensuring that each team member provides exceptional customer service and has in-depth knowledge of the jewelry collections.
- Manage store inventory, including ordering new merchandise, conducting regular stock audits, and ensuring proper stock levels to meet customer demand, without overstocking.
- Implement visual merchandising strategies to showcase best-selling items, seasonal collections, and high-margin products, resulting in a 20% increase in sales during promotional periods.
- Develop and execute sales promotions and events, such as in-store styling sessions, to drive foot traffic, and increase sales during key retail periods.
- Monitor key performance metrics, such as sales per square foot, and average transaction value, and implement adjustments to ensure store goals are met.
- Foster strong customer relationships through personalized service and regular follow-up, contributing to a loyal customer base, and high repeat business.
- Ensure store cleanliness and organization, creating a visually appealing environment that aligns with the brand’s image.
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Commerce
University of Mumbai
03-2005
Skills
- Leadership and Team Management
- Sales and Revenue Growth
- Customer Service Excellence
- Inventory management
- Visual merchandising
- Financial and Budget Management
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Marketing and Promotion
- Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
- Technology Proficiency
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
French
Limited
Lingala-African
Limited
Hindi
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Store Manager
Ahilaya (Designer Clothing Store)
03.2020 - 01.2025
Store Manager and Working Partner
Dior's Leather Apparels
05.2011 - 02.2020
Store Manager
Starz - Kin (Gift Corner)
10.2005 - 04.2011
Sales Manager
Aldo Shoes
04.2005 - 04.2005
Store Manager
Al-Noor, Imitation Jewels
07.1999 - 03.2005
Bachelor's Degree in Commerce
University of Mumbai
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