Deanna Hicks-Sunkins
Virginia Beach,VA
Summary
Results-driven and analytical retail operations professional with experience leading pricing execution, promotional initiatives, inventory workflows, and operational accuracy within high-volume environments. Proven ability to support cross-functional pricing processes, resolve issues through fact-based analysis, manage complex workflows against critical timelines, and drive execution with a focus on pricing integrity and profitability. Strong foundation in merchandising strategy, retail analytics, and process improvement aligned to Pricing Operations and Merchant Services.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
Kohls Department Store
Virginia Beach, VA
09.2024 - Current
- Execute and audit weekly price changes, markdowns, promotional signage, and ticketing to ensure pricing accuracy and support margin integrity at store level.
- Monitor sales, inventory, and sell-through trends to prioritize replenishment, adjust merchandise flow, and support data-informed operational decisions.
- Identify and resolve pricing, inventory, and execution discrepancies through root cause analysis to maintain operational accuracy and customer price confidence.
- Partner with merchandising, visual, and operations teams to execute seasonal sets, promotional events, and floor changes within established deadlines.
- Coordinate high-volume merchandise processing from receipt through floor placement, aligning product availability with demand trends and promotional priorities.
- Manage multiple concurrent operational workflows while maintaining execution accuracy in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Support profitability through operational decisions tied to replenishment prioritization, pricing execution, inventory accuracy, and sales trends.
- Train associates on pricing compliance, merchandising standards, operational procedures, and execution accuracy to ensure consistency.
- Analyze business performance metrics and operational reporting to identify opportunities for process improvement and execution efficiency.
- Adjust staffing priorities and workload distribution based on customer traffic, sales volume, and workload demands to support service and execution goals.
Store Leadership Trainee
Kohls Department Store
Virginia Beach, Virginia
06.2024 - 09.2024
- Reviewed sales and inventory reports to identify trends, support merchandise decisions, and improve in-stock execution.
- Supported execution of promotional pricing, markdown activity, and merchandising initiatives while maintaining pricing and signage accuracy.
- Assisted in analyzing consumer demand patterns and inventory movement to support product placement and assortment decisions.
- Monitored competitive pricing and promotional activity to identify market opportunities and inform merchandising conversations.
- Supported operational planning, reporting, and execution of sales-driving initiatives tied to profitability goals.
Assistant Merchant
Diane’s Treasure Closet
Norfolk, Virginia
05.2022 - 05.2024
- Developed pricing strategies for merchandise based on demand, competitive positioning, and profitability considerations.
- Analyzed product trends and resale opportunities to inform purchasing and assortment decisions.
- Managed inventory tracking, order fulfillment, and product-level pricing updates across online selling channels.
- Supported merchandise selection and sourcing decisions using trend awareness and product performance insights.
Front Desk Receptionist
Old Dominion University's CCLD
Norfolk, Virginia
10.2020 - 05.2024
- Maintained databases, records, and high-volume data entry with strong emphasis on accuracy, documentation integrity, and efficient information management.
- Coordinated schedules, meetings, and administrative workflows for supervisors and teams while managing competing priorities and deadlines.
- Prepared correspondence, reports, and documentation supporting internal communication and operational processes.
- Researched inquiries, analyzed information, and provided fact-based responses and documentation support to students, staff, and external stakeholders.
- Managed records and filing systems to support compliance, document retrieval efficiency, and organized workflow execution.
- Supported process improvement initiatives and special projects through research, administrative analysis, and operational coordination.
- Assisted with onboarding and training support by preparing materials, guiding colleagues on procedures, and supporting process consistency.
- Resolved service issues and responded to inquiries by assessing needs, identifying solutions, and escalating concerns when appropriate.
Store Management Intern
Kohls Department Store
Chesapeake, Virginia
06.2023 - 07.2023
- Analyzed operational reports, sales performance, and inventory data to support profitability decisions, merchandise planning, and demand forecasting.
- Supported pricing execution through price verification, ticketing accuracy, promotional signage updates, and merchandise pricing activities.
- Validated shipment accuracy by reconciling manifests, invoices, and inventory records, helping ensure product and data accuracy.
- Assisted with inventory flow and replenishment processes, including shipment handling, stock movement, and merchandise readiness for sales floor execution.
- Partnered with store leadership on merchandising strategies, promotional displays, and visual presentation updates aligned with inventory and promotional priorities.
- Monitored customer demand and competitive activity to support decisions related to assortment focus, product placement, and sales-driving initiatives.
- Supported store operations through sales reporting, record-keeping, and process execution tied to operational efficiency and service performance.
- Contributed to pricing and promotional execution by supporting markdowns, product pricing identification, and advertising-related activities.
- Assisted in training and directing associates on operational procedures, merchandising execution, and service standards.
- Supported online merchant functions including order management, invoicing processes, product fulfillment, and promotional material execution.
Sales Associate
Coach
Norfolk, Virginia
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Monitored customer preferences and buying behaviors to identify product demand patterns and support merchandising priorities.
- Supported pricing integrity through accurate ticketing, promotional execution, and adherence to brand pricing standards.
- Supported inventory presentation and product placement strategies designed to optimize customer experience and sales performance.
- Contributed insight on consumer trends and product performance to support merchandise focus and selling strategies.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VASkills
- Pricing Execution & Accuracy
- Retail Analytics & Data Analysis
- Inventory & SKU Management
- Cross-Functional Workflow Coordination
- Promotional Pricing & Markdown Management
- Root Cause Analysis & Problem Resolution
- Process Improvement & Workflow Optimization
- Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, Reporting)
- Project / Timeline Management
- Merchandising Operations Support
Timeline
Operations Manager
Kohls Department Store
09.2024 - Current
Store Leadership Trainee
Kohls Department Store
06.2024 - 09.2024
Store Management Intern
Kohls Department Store
06.2023 - 07.2023
Assistant Merchant
Diane’s Treasure Closet
05.2022 - 05.2024
Sales Associate
Coach
05.2021 - 08.2021
Front Desk Receptionist
Old Dominion University's CCLD
10.2020 - 05.2024
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising
Old Dominion University