Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Cheryl Russo

Rochester,New York

Summary

Dynamic General Merchandise Category Merchant at Wegmans Food Markets, Inc., recognized for enhancing customer satisfaction and driving sales through strategic pricing and effective negotiation. Proven ability to mentor teams and implement innovative merchandising strategies, resulting in improved store performance and a competitive edge in the market.

Qualified Category Merchant with comprehensive background in retail and merchandising. Demonstrated expertise in inventory management and product selection, contributing to increased sales and customer satisfaction. Proven ability to leverage market trends and consumer insights to drive business growth and profitability.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

General Merchandise Category Merchant

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc
03.2022 - Current
  • Mentored junior team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth within the organization.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and product knowledge.
  • Performed regular competitor analysis to stay informed about industry trends and adjust strategies accordingly.
  • Utilized excellent communication skills to resolve customer complaints promptly and professionally.
  • Implemented effective merchandising strategies to maximize sales and profitability.
  • Currently manage the Greeting Card and Gift Card business.
  • Have vendor contractual experience.


Specialty Cheese Category Merchant

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc
12.2013 - 03.2022
  • Streamlined inventory management tasks for increased efficiency and accuracy.
  • Increased overall store performance through proactive inventory control measures.
  • Improved store ambiance with thoughtful visual merchandising, attracting more customers and encouraging longer visits.
  • Managed inventory levels effectively, reducing overhead costs and minimizing waste.
  • Increased sales by negotiating favorable terms with suppliers, ensuring competitive edge in market.
  • Traveled Europe working with suppliers and importing specialty cheese from many countries to enhance our selection of high end cheeses and broad assortment.
  • Worked with Wegmans Affineur in the Wegmans Cheese caves where soft ripened and washed rind cheeses are ripened.
  • Enhanced merchandising strategies in store to create focused selections of our best cheeses quarterly.

Tabletop Category Merchant

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc
01.2002 - 11.2013
  • Analyzed sales data to identify underperforming products, making strategic decisions on inventory.
  • Adapted quickly to changing market conditions, maintaining competitive pricing and product offerings.
  • Conducted market research to identify trends, enabling introduction of in-demand products.
  • Traveled the US, working with Vendor Creative teams to design exclusive tabletop items.
  • Managed merchandising strategies within stores to enhance the customer buying experience within the tabletop categories.

Education

Basic Course Studies

Nazareth Academy
Rochester, NY
06-1982

Skills

  • Pricing strategy
  • Negotiation expertise
  • Brand awareness
  • Marketing techniques
  • Customer relationship
  • Goal orientation
  • Contract management
  • Sales reporting
  • Sales presentations
  • Business development and planning
  • Competitor analysis
  • Market trend analysis
  • Relationship building

Interests

  • Cooking
  • Music
  • Crafting and DIY Projects
  • Interior Design
  • Gardening
  • Kayaking

Timeline

General Merchandise Category Merchant

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc
03.2022 - Current

Specialty Cheese Category Merchant

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc
12.2013 - 03.2022

Tabletop Category Merchant

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc
01.2002 - 11.2013

Basic Course Studies

Nazareth Academy

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