Darcy Abram
Plymouth,CT
Summary
Proactive and versatile professional with a dedication to quickly adapting to new challenges. Strong problem-solving abilities and a proven track record of fostering strong relationships with customers and team members. Focused on supporting team success and achieving positive results.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant General Manager/Senior Merchandiser
Old Navy
Meriden, Connecticut
10.2019 - 03.2023
- Managed daily operations of the store, including scheduling and supervising staff.
- Ensured that customer service standards were met or exceeded at all times.
- Developed and implemented effective strategies to maximize sales and profits.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for employees to ensure quality standards were maintained.
- Analyzed financial data and prepared reports for senior management.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while maintaining a professional demeanor.
- Provided training, guidance, and support to staff members on proper procedures and policies.
- Implemented safety protocols to protect both customers and employees from potential hazards.
- Maintained accurate records of employee attendance, payroll information, sales figures.
- Evaluated current processes within the store environment to identify areas of improvement.
- Assisted in the recruitment process by conducting interviews with prospective candidates.
- Motivated and led team members to work together to achieve targets.
- Managed store cash intake with high accuracy and prepared daily bank deposits.
- Managed and mentored staff to carry out operational directives with high productivity and accuracy.
- Disciplined and maintained staff to deliver hospitable, professional service reflecting business initiatives.
- Applied knowledge of coverage needs and individual employee strengths to produce successful team schedules.
- Enhanced team engagement and performance with daily updates and informational meetings.
- Identified customer needs and delivered relevant product solutions and promotions.
- Controlled business inventory to keep numbers beneath targets through expert oversight and usage monitoring.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Prepared staff work schedules and assigned team members to specific duties.
- Completed thorough opening, closing and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
- Reviewed financial statements and sales or activity reports to measure productivity or goal achievement.
- Implemented campaigns and promotions to help with developing goods and services.
- Analyzed sales data to identify opportunities for growth and expansion into new markets.
- Forecasted future sales trends based on past performance, current economic conditions and other factors.
- Prepared detailed reports outlining financial results from each season's sales activity.
- Maintained accurate records of all purchases made by the company including invoices, receipts, shipping documents.
- Improved staff awareness of markdowns, promotions and price changes by regular posting of print and online memoranda.
- Trained sales team to fully participate in sales campaigns by engaging, informing and motivating customers.
- Planned and managed installation of store fixtures and setup of merchandise for remodeled stores and new store locations.
- Identified and eliminated weaknesses in point-of-purchase display to drive impulse purchases.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and policies relating to procurement activities.
- Monitored Average Unit of Retail (AUR) and other retail metrics to evaluate and optimize pricing, purchasing and display and to provide actionable insight to product design and production teams.
- Analyzed market trends to plan successful product ranges and seasonal merchandising strategies.
- Devised merchandising strategy used in stores for introducing and promoting supplemental products boosting overall sales revenue.
- Regularly assessed effectiveness of store layout and product display by analyzing sales figures and observing customer movement and reaction.
- Stocked and rotated shelves and built displays to deliver results for stores and suppliers.
- Monitored stock to maintain sufficient quantity of featured product.
- Arranged items in favorable positions and areas of store to attract customers and optimize sales.
- Built product displays and placed appropriate signage for merchandise.
- Assisted in gathering and moving materials and equipment for assigned displays.
- Organized engaging front-facing displays to capture customer interest and drive revenue growth.
- Printed labels and tags for for-sale merchandise.
- Displayed appropriate signage for products and sales promotions.
- Communicated and coordinated planogram execution with store management.
- Scanned shelves and product cases for expired stock to discard outdated items.
- Followed prepared sketches and planograms to arrange consistent shelves, racks and bins across various locations.
- Examined stock to verify conformance to quality specifications and took pride in products being distributed.
- Collaborated with suppliers, manufacturers and retailers to properly execute merchandising plans.
- Analyzed sales figures and market trends to anticipate product needs.
- Kept work areas clean, neat and organized for optimal productivity and worker safety.
- Restocked shelves with current merchandise in attractive displays to promote sales.
- Cleaned and organized display cases, shelves and aisles.
- Placed prices and descriptive signage to enhance displays and promote items.
- Helped customers locate desired items and assisted with carrying heavy loads.
- Enhanced store and display appearance utilizing seasonal promotions and trends to drive strategy.
- Created retail displays to highlight particular products and drive sales according to corporate strategy.
- Changed or rotated window displays, interior display areas or signage to reflect changes in inventory or promotion.
- Established and maintained proper high-traffic displays, resulting in increased sales.
- Monitored weekly, monthly and quarterly achievement goals.
- Restructured merchandising strategy to promote high value and products.
- Consulted with management and advertising teams to plan optimal promotions.
- Developed creative visual merchandising campaigns to focus on selling older inventory.
- Presented updated floor plans and design strategy to store management.
- Taught sales staff to properly coordinate clothing racks and counter displays to maximize promotional effectiveness.
Department Manager
Old Navy
Meriden, CT
08.2016 - 10.2019
- Lead and manage a team of 15 employees in the Department, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and on time.
- Developed strategies to improve customer service and increase sales by 10% within 6 months.
- Coached and trained new staff members, providing guidance on department policies and procedures.
- Ensured compliance with all safety regulations in the workplace.
- Conducted regular performance reviews to monitor progress of individual employees.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives throughout the Department while maintaining high standards of quality assurance.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally in order to maintain good relationships with clients.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure smooth flow of operations across multiple teams.
- Monitored daily sales figures to track trends in customer buying behavior.
- Worked closely with sales associates to complete tasks.
- Followed safety protocols and company processes and procedures.
- Kept department on-target to meet sales and profit objectives by minimizing waste and pursuing revenue generation opportunities.
- Executed targeted merchandising and promotional plans to meet department sales goals.
- Supported shrinkage and safety awareness, reviewed sales and inventory data, identified trends and prepared reports for management.
- Modeled supportive leadership qualities, motivating staff to achieve department goals and promote staff participation and team building.
- Enforced safety rules and other policies to protect employees and minimize company liability.
- Performed opening and closing duties as part of management team and handled cash management.
- Exercised discretion and judgment in managing fast-paced environment adapting to change with sense of urgency.
- Cultivated talented team of departmental employees through outstanding mentoring, coaching and teaching skills.
- Utilized excellent math skills to maintain accurate inventory levels.
- Oversaw storewide merchandising benchmarks to maintain operational excellence.
- Grew department's team and technical capabilities with hiring and training of talented individuals.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
- Recruited and trained new employees to meet job requirements.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Reviewed completed work to verify consistency, quality and conformance.
- Completed thorough opening, closing and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Reviewed employee performance and provided ongoing feedback and coaching to drive performance improvement.
- Assigned work and monitored performance of project personnel.
- Held regular one-on-one meetings with employees to review performance and priorities and provide feedback.
- Planned and led team meetings to review business results and communicate new and ongoing priorities.
- Planned and delivered training sessions to improve employee effectiveness and address areas of weakness.
- Mediated conflicts between employees and facilitated effective resolutions to disputes.
- Evaluated individual and team business performance and identified opportunities for improvement.
- Produced thorough, accurate and timely reports of project activities.
- Analyzed business performance data and forecasted business results for upper management.
- Proposed or approved modifications to project plans.
Merchandising Specialist
Old Navy
Meriden, CT
01.2014 - 08.2016
- Developed and implemented merchandising strategies to maximize product sales.
- Conducted market research and analyzed customer preferences to optimize product placement.
- Created visual displays for store shelves, counters, and windows to attract customers.
- Planned promotional events and coordinated with marketing team on advertising campaigns.
- Organized inventory of merchandise in stockroom, including labeling and tracking items.
- Assisted customers with selecting appropriate products based on their needs.
- Monitored sales trends and adjusted pricing accordingly to increase profitability.
- Maintained accurate records of inventory levels, purchases, receipts, returns.
- Resolved conflicts between customers and store personnel regarding purchase issues.
- Performed regular audits of store shelves to ensure accuracy of pricing labels.
- Analyzed consumer feedback data to identify areas for improvement in the merchandising process.
- Maintained a safe working environment by adhering to safety regulations at all times.
- Trained new employees on proper procedures for stocking merchandise.
- Ensured compliance with corporate policies related to merchandising operations.
- Reported any discrepancies or damages in merchandise shipments promptly.
- Provided excellent customer service by responding quickly to inquiries or complaints.
- Assisted in gathering and moving materials and equipment for assigned displays.
- Created merchandise displays based on planogram.
- Displayed appropriate signage for products and sales promotions.
- Communicated and coordinated planogram execution with store management.
- Returned items to shelves and maintained organized appearance.
- Monitored stock to maintain sufficient quantity of featured product.
- Organized engaging front-facing displays to capture customer interest and drive revenue growth.
- Followed prepared sketches and planograms to arrange consistent shelves, racks and bins across various locations.
- Consistently put customers first by handling needs with sense of urgency and compassion.
- Arranged items in favorable positions and areas of store to attract customers and optimize sales.
- Configured and arranged up-to-date advertising and marketing displays, creatively placed merchandise on counters or tables to promote visibility and sales.
- Printed labels and tags for for-sale merchandise.
- Planned product displays to increase sales.
- Featured product promotions to reflect special deals.
- Recommended merchandise to customers based on needs and preferences.
- Updated seasonal displays for windows and mannequins to highlight current product lines.
- Discussed merchandise needs with shift supervisors.
- Created visual marketing and styled window displays.
- Ran weekly and monthly strategy reports to analyze business trends and provide recommendations.
- Conducted staff meetings with sales personnel to introduce new merchandise.
- Stocked and rotated shelves and built displays to deliver results for stores and suppliers.
- Built product displays and placed appropriate signage for merchandise.
- Scanned shelves and product cases for expired stock to discard outdated items.
- Collaborated with suppliers, manufacturers and retailers to properly execute merchandising plans.
- Analyzed sales figures and market trends to anticipate product needs.
- Stayed abreast of market trends and anticipated consumer needs and purchasing habits.
- Collaborated with company managers regarding product pricing, promotions and markdowns.
- Assessed condition of shipped products upon arrival to meet quality standards.
- Analyzed buying trends at each store location to identify appropriate mix of inventory items for top-tier sales.
- Explained product features and benefits to company staff members and customers.
- Monitored product margins and managed product resales.
Education
High School Diploma -
Mark T. Sheehan High School
Wallingford, CT06-1995
Some College (No Degree) - Travel Advisor
The Sawyer School
Hamden, CTSkills
- Hiring and recruitment
- Business operations background
- Training and development skill
- Team leadership strength
- Business operations knowledge
- Workflow Coordination
- Employee Scheduling
- Sales Techniques
- Budgeting and cost control
- Process Improvement
- Sales Coaching
- Operations Oversight
- Financial Reporting
- Procurement
- Budget Control
- Training and development
- Staff Management
- Sales Forecasting
- Leisure travel
- Travel Arrangements
- Hotel Accommodations
- Administrative tasks
- Retail Sales
- Team Oversight
- Marketing
- Credit card payments
- Mentoring and training
- Customer Service
- Travel Coordination
- Data Entry
- Scheduling
- Payroll Processing
- Event preparation
- Schedule Management
- Social media knowledge
- Self-starter
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Dedicated Team Player
- Employee training and development
- Project Management
- Strong Problem Solver
- Payment Processing
- Supply Restocking
- Professional and mature
- Maintains confidentiality
- Verifying data accuracy
- Data accuracy
- Word Processing
- Customer Service-Oriented
- Pleasant demeanor
- Order Processing
- Understands grammar
- Sorting and labeling
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Stock replenishment
- POS
- Floor set design
- Marketing and advertising
- Visual displays
- POS systems knowledge
- Friendly and outgoing
- Active listener
- Stock Rotation
- Pricing and Signage Updates
- Reliable and punctual
- Visual Merchandising
- Shipping and packaging
- Picking and processing
- Product identification
- Storage Organization
- Stock management
- Retail Merchandising
- Shipping and receiving
- Loss Prevention
- Loading and unloading
- Product Merchandising
- Order Fulfillment
- Quality Control
- Product pricing
- Order Filling
- Product Organization
- Stocking
- Stockroom Maintenance
- Dependable and reliable
- Inventory Replenishment
- Product Packaging
- Equipment monitoring
- Sales Support
- Decision-Making
- Merchandise restock
- Shipment Processing
- Cleaning and Sanitizing
- Product Sales and Promotion
- Purchase Order Review
- Shelf restocking
- Inventory Audits
- Store planning and display design
- Data Processing
- Merchandising and Display
- Product Signage and Labeling
- Organization and Categorization
- Inventory Management
- Attention to Detail
- Merchandise Stocking
- Inventory Management and Planning
- Product forecasting
- Display building
- Shipment Preparation
- Adaptive team player
- Staff Training
- Quick Learner
- Product Labeling
- Goal Setting and Prioritization
- Stockroom procedures
- Product displays
- RF scanning devices
- Forecasting skills
- Shipping oversight
- Critical Thinking
- Shipment Receiving
- Warehouse Coordination and Support
- Records Management
- Workload priorities
- Records Updating
Timeline
Assistant General Manager/Senior Merchandiser
Old Navy
10.2019 - 03.2023
Department Manager
Old Navy
08.2016 - 10.2019
Merchandising Specialist
Old Navy
01.2014 - 08.2016
High School Diploma -
Mark T. Sheehan High School
Some College (No Degree) - Travel Advisor
The Sawyer School