ERICA GEHLEN
Sit Still Kids Salon
Camas,WA
26
years of professional experience
Retail, merchandising and multi-unit operations leader with 20+ years of experience across apparel, fitness and service-based retail. Proven success leading regional teams, executing high-volume merchandising programs, managing key accounts and driving sales through strong brand execution. Combines corporate retail leadership with hands-on business ownership and P&L experience.
Work History
Regional Manager, West
2 Years 3 Months- Lead 77 Merchandise Coordinators across Southern California, setting priorities, coaching performance and holding teams accountable for execution quality and brand standards.
- Direct 900+ merchandising projects each month, using performance data and field insights to strengthen execution and support sales growth.
- Manage key-account programs for Nike, Adidas, Columbia and Arcteryx while partnering across clients, store teams and field leadership to resolve issues and deliver consistently.
Co-Owner | Multi-Unit Operations
5 Years 9 Months- Co-own two franchise locations, overseeing staffing, scheduling, training, customer experience, local marketing, sales initiatives and day-to-day operations.
- Translate franchise standards into practical team routines while balancing labor, service delivery, employee performance and the needs of two locations.
Co-Owner | Multi-Unit Operations
10 Years- Built and operated two boutique fitness studios for 10 years with responsibility for P&L, hiring, team development, sales, local marketing and member experience.
- Developed instructors and frontline teams, led community partnerships and promotions, maintained brand standards across both studios, and exited the business through a sale in 2025.
Merchandise Coordinator
1 Year- Executed Nike and multi-brand merchandising programs, identified inventory and presentation opportunities, and partnered with store teams to improve sell-through; promoted to Regional Manager within 12 months.
Department Manager, Activewear
6 Years- Managed daily operations and a six-person activewear team, overseeing team performance and department sales goals.
- Oversaw visual merchandising and product presentation within the department.
Buyer
3 Years- Selected apparel and accessories for the golf shop and placed orders with vendors.
- Managed inventory and markdowns for the golf shop's merchandise assortment.
Education
B.S. - Apparel Merchandising
Skills
Regional & Multi-Unit Operations
Visual Merchandising
Key Account Management
KPI Analysis
P&L & Budget Management
Sales Growth
Team Leadership & Development
Customer Experience
Local Marketing
Timeline
Regional Manager, West
Winston Retail
2024.07 - CurrentRead More
Merchandise Coordinator
Winston Retail
2023.07 - 2024.07Read More
Co-Owner | Multi-Unit Operations
Sit Still Kids Salon
2021.01 - CurrentRead More
Co-Owner | Multi-Unit Operations
StarCycle
2015.01 - 2025.01Read More
Department Manager, Activewear
Nordstrom
2004.01 - 2010.01Read More
Buyer
Columbia Edgewater Country Club
2001.01 - 2004.01Read More
Colorado State University
B.S. from Apparel Merchandising
Read More