Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Christina Sharpe

Tampa,FL

Summary

Retail Designer and Leader with over 15+ years of experience curating profitable retail environments and display solutions for major retail brands while leading teams of highly skilled designers. Specializing in strategic store layouts and visual presentations derived through market research and interdepartmental collaboration.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Sr Global Store Design and Presentation Manager

Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc
07.2020 - Current
  • Optimized company growth by identifying emerging design trends and formulating innovative approaches to capitalize on opportunities.
  • Developed improved in-store presentation strategies through market and customer analysis, identifying areas of opportunities within current state operations
  • Reduced design budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating for more cost effective FF&E solutions with new and established vendors.
  • Managed agile workload of 100+ new and revised store designs per year amongst 3 design teams consisting of 3 managers and 20 designers
  • Managed high-pressure deadlines, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality presentations to executives and stakeholders.
  • Analyzed customer feedback and shopper trends to inform display designs.
  • Researched industry trends to both challenge and refine Ashley's store design and visual strategies
  • Built and motivated stellar teams using sound judgment and decision-making, resulting in minimal turnover and superior performance.
  • Enhanced design department efficiency by streamlining project management processes and implementing innovative technology solutions.
  • Liaised effectively between senior leadership stakeholders, ensuring alignment of strategic priorities with day-to-day operations within design department.
  • Coordinated with vendors and suppliers to source materials and equipment needed for production.

Lead Store Designer

Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc
10.2017 - 07.2020
  • Lead development of Ashley Outlet store environment and operational strategies, estimated to become $5 billion business model in 10 years
  • Developed space planning concepts, color palette selections, and visual brand expectation presentations for both the Ashley Store and Outlet
  • Maintained project budget trackers avoid cost overruns and identify design value-engineering opportunities
  • Utilized computer-aided design (CAD) software to create furniture, finish and signage plans for Ashley store design concepts
  • Developed key executive relationships, providing design solutions that met needs and budgets without compromising quality or design intent
  • Presented design proposals to store owners to establish clear project expectations and goals
  • Researched and stayed current on industry trends to incorporate fixtures and finishes into designs
  • Worked closely with store owners and vendors to improve project coordination, completing projects on time and within budget
  • Oversaw installation of finishes, furniture and other design elements to quality control final product
  • Developed and implemented visual standards and training documents to ensure brand execution excellence

Visual Merchandising Leader

Target
01.2015 - 08.2017
  • Increased team productivity by streamlining communication and implementing effective project management techniques
  • Led cross-functional teams to achieve company-wide initiatives, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation
  • Developed and executed strategic plans for business growth, resulting in increased 15% YOY store revenue growth
  • Managed budgets and resources, ensuring optimal allocation towards achieving organizational objectives
  • Championed change initiatives, successfully navigating teams through periods of transition while maintaining morale and engagement levels
  • Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns
  • Assisted with new hire processing and existing training programs
  • Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows

Visual Merchandising Manager

IKEA
01.2011 - 01.2015
  • Managed and developed 17 highly effective Visual Merchandisers
  • Increase design process efficiencies by 15% resulting improved interdepartmental communication and decreased display implementation timeframes
  • Developed visual merchandising plans and strategies to promote store offerings based on local and national initiatives
  • Proposed new ideas and concepts to enhance merchandise displays to improve regional relevancy
  • Monitored store traffic and customer engagement to determine display sales effectiveness
  • Conducted research analysis on visual merchandising trends
  • Adapt spaces to accommodate merchandise within spatial constraints and inventory storage availability
  • Presented store update suggestions and layouts to management and stakeholders

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Interior Architecture

University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI
05.2007

Skills

  • Strategic Planning
  • Business Analysis and Reporting
  • Retail Brand Development
  • Team Leadership
  • Staff Development
  • Agile Project Management
  • Global Client Management
  • Vendor Procurement
  • Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
  • Executive Presentations
  • PO Management
  • AutoCAD

Timeline

Sr Global Store Design and Presentation Manager

Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc
07.2020 - Current

Lead Store Designer

Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc
10.2017 - 07.2020

Visual Merchandising Leader

Target
01.2015 - 08.2017

Visual Merchandising Manager

IKEA
01.2011 - 01.2015

Bachelor of Arts - Interior Architecture

University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point

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Christina Sharpe