Carol Carlin

• Led daily operations of an 8,000 square foot retail store in a high-traffic tourist area, overseeing marketing, sales, inventory, staffing, and customer relationships to drive business growth
• Reorganized and remerchandised the entire sales floor to optimize product placement, enhance customer flow, and improve engagement. This included redesigning product displays, adjusting layouts for better visibility, and creating strategic product zones, which directly increased customer interaction and boosted sales
• Developed and implemented marketing strategies both online (via social media) and in-store (promotional displays and retail messaging) that contributed to increased sales and more efficient inventory turnover
• Managed financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and ensuring consistent cash flow through peak seasons and slow periods
• Traveled to major trade shows to source new products, build strong vendor relationships, and negotiate better pricing to keep offerings aligned with current trends and customer preferences
• Created and enforced comprehensive rules, policies, and procedures for employees, streamlining workflows, boosting morale, and creating a productive, well-structured environment
• Recruited, trained, and managed a team of 15-20 employees, including handling job postings, interviews, and terminations as needed

Key Achievements

• Increased revenue by 130%, from $600,000 in 2018 to over $1.4 million in 2023, through effective store management, remerchandising, and strategic marketing initiatives
• Successfully navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, transitioning from a brick-and-mortar store to an online sales model, maintaining sales goals, and retaining most of the staff
• Established strong vendor partnerships that secured volume discounts and favorable payment terms, enhancing profitability
• Reduced employee turnover by 30% through improved training and stricter hiring processes, which also allowed for increased wages while maintaining operational efficiency
• Implemented a new POS system, improving inventory and financial oversight, leading to greater control over the business's revenues and expenses
• Revamped the sales floor layout, boosting customer engagement and product visibility, directly increasing sales and enhancing the overall shopping experience
• Led the business's recovery efforts after multiple hurricanes, rebuilding the store and resuming operations within four weeks, while improving post-crisis operations

• Delivered exceptional customer service in a high-energy, fast-paced theme park environment, managing large crowds during peak hours and ensuring guest satisfaction
• Maintained a positive and energetic atmosphere, going above and beyond to ensure every guest had a memorable experience in line with Universal’s commitment to entertainment and guest satisfaction
• Managed high-volume transactions, processed payments accurately, and maintained organization in the bar area, ensuring smooth operations even during busy park events
• Collaborated with a team of bartenders and staff to handle large crowds, remain efficient under pressure, and deliver fast service while maintaining the quality and enjoyment of each guest's experience
• Quickly addressed customer concerns or complaints, providing effective solutions and ensuring that all guests felt valued and appreciated in a dynamic and bustling setting