Ellen Elaut
Myrtle Beach,SC
Summary
Driven retail professional with top-notch sales abilities, service-oriented nature and analytical approach to resolving customer problems. Sells wine while adapting to new industry trends and changing customer desires. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Wine Advisor
Colruyt Group Belgium
Dendermonde, Belgium
05.2018 - 08.2021
- Greeted customer and helped with wine related questions, selections and purchases
- Organized tastings for customers with respect for the company's blueprint
- Offered each customer top-notch, personal service to boost sales and customer satisfaction.
- Educated team members on new wines, wine regions and wine styles
- Planned and developed strategies to increase sales
- Maintained a strong customer friendly environment
- Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to region and styles
- Monitored sales floor and merchandise displays for presentable condition, taking corrective action such as restocking or reorganizing products
- Used POS system to process sales, returns, online orders and gift card activations
- Informed customers of current store promotions to encourage additional sales purchases
- Volunteered for extra shifts during holidays and other busy periods to alleviate staffing shortages
- Worked closely with shift manager to solve problems and handle customer concerns
Consulent
Het Poetsbureau
Londerzeel, Belgium
03.2018 - 05.2018
- Recruited new employees
- Organized job fairs
- Matched employee to customer
- Set up work schedules
- Prepared govern related work documents for employees
- Prepared documents for billing department
- Worked close together with social security offices and government in connection with new and existing employees
- Maximized customer retention by resolving issues quickly.
Sales Associate
Colruyt Group Belgium
Dendermonde, Belgium
03.2015 - 03.2018
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers and promote specific merchandise.
- Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new and potential customers.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Answered customer questions regarding sizing, accessories and proper care for merchandise.
- Engaged with customers to effectively build rapport and lasting relationships.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Solved customer challenges by offering relevant products and services.
- Increased sales by offering advice on purchases and promoting additional products.
- Maintained customer satisfaction with quick and professional handling of product returns.
- Processed product returns and assisted customers with other selections.
- Achieved perfect attendance and on-time record.
- Implemented up-selling strategies such as recommending accessories and complementary purchases to boost revenue.
- Trained and developed new hires in company processes, product knowledge, customer service and selling techniques.
- Maintained records related to sales, returns and inventory availability.
- Boosted sales by conferring with customers to evaluate purchase requirements and recommend best-fit company offerings.
- Trained and developed new sales team associates in products, selling techniques and company procedures.
- Completed orders and organized product deliveries to meet customer timetables.
- Tracked stock using company inventory management software.
- Loaded and unloaded merchandise using ladder and pallet jack.
- Evaluated inventory and delivery needs and optimized strategies to meet customer demands.
- Prepared large cash deposits with zero discrepancies.
- Worked alongside retail representatives to enhance product presentations and advertising collateral.
- Grew sales and boosted profits, applying proactive management strategies and enhancing sales training.
Business Owner/Operator
Clecob
Dendermonde, Belgium
12.2003 - 03.2015
- Oversaw end-to-end business processes to maintain proficiency and profitability.
- Served as primary point-of-contact with suppliers and contractors to achieve inventory expectations.
- Monitored staff performance, providing final-say assessment over inquiries.
- Served as principal stakeholder over organization's complete operations
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions
- Oversaw business budget planning and administration, accounting functions, purchasing and bi-weekly payroll to handle financial needs
- Optimized team hiring, training and performance
- Provided outstanding coaching to employees to boost productivity
Education
French Wine Scholar Guild -
Enrolled on July the 6th 2022
American Wine Expert -
Currently enrolled
WSET 3 With Merit -
01.2022
Sommelier -
04.2019
- Entrepreneurship program of the Flemish agency for entrepreneurship training - Syntra Flanders
- In cooperation with the Universite du Vin in Suze-la-Rousse (France)
- Acknowledged by the Flemish Community of the Kingdom of Belgium
High School Diploma -
06.2002
Economics - Modern Languages
Skills
- Customer oriented
- Problem solver
- Decision maker
- Adaptable
- Good team player
- Public speaking and presentations
- Flexible
- Energetic
- Always in good mood
- Patient
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Fast learner
Languages
English
Full Professional
Dutch
Native or Bilingual
French
Limited Working
Timeline
Wine Advisor - Colruyt Group Belgium
05.2018 - 08.2021
Consulent - Het Poetsbureau
03.2018 - 05.2018
Sales Associate - Colruyt Group Belgium
03.2015 - 03.2018
Business Owner/Operator - Clecob
12.2003 - 03.2015
Wine Scholar Guild - French Wine Scholar Guild,
Napa Valley Wine Academy - American Wine Expert,
Vitis House - WSET 3 With Merit,
Flemish Wine Academy - Sommelier,
Royal Athenaeum - High School Diploma,
Member of the American Wine Society
- attending meetings of the local chapter of the American Wine Society
- presenting at meetings of the local chapter of the American Wine Society
Member of the American Wine Society
- attending meetings of the local chapter of the American Wine Society
- presenting at meetings of the local chapter of the American Wine Society
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