Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Erika Koontz

Retail, Bartender, Kitchen, Child Care, Manager
Columbia,MD

Summary

Accomplished Retail Management professional with a proven track record at Kolhs, enhancing store operations through effective merchandise planning and visual merchandising. Skilled in fostering teamwork and collaboration, I have significantly improved sales conversion rates and customer satisfaction. Expert in performance analysis and problem-solving, ensuring quality service standards adherence and operational excellence.

Detail-focused retail merchandising professional with experience in leveraging strong organizational and communication skills to maximize profits and customer satisfaction. Skilled at creating product displays and managing inventory for optimum product placement and sales. Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Retail

Kolhs
Ellicott City, Maryland
10.2021 - 06.2024
  • Implemented loss prevention measures to minimize shrinkage and protect store assets.
  • Managed seasonal merchandise transitions smoothly, minimizing downtime during floor resets.
  • Established efficient processes for receiving shipments from vendors while ensuring accuracy in inventory documentation.
  • Optimized product placement within the store to maximize visibility, resulting in higher sales conversion rates.
  • Improved overall store appearance with regular maintenance, cleaning, and organization of product displays.
  • Streamlined inventory management process by organizing products for easy accessibility and restocking.
  • Increased sales performance by developing and implementing innovative merchandising strategies.
  • Analyzed sales data to determine best-selling items, leading to more effective merchandising decisions.
  • Maintained a safe shopping environment for customers through regular safety checks of fixtures and displays.
  • Removed damaged, out-of-code, not-in-set and discontinued items from displays.
  • Organized and maintained displays to achieve clean and appealing product layouts.
  • Reduced out-of-stock occurrences by consistently monitoring inventory levels and proactively ordering new merchandise.
  • Answered customer questions regarding store merchandise, department information, and pricing.
  • Arranged consistent shelves, bins, and racks by following established planograms.
  • Created hands-on training program for newly hired employees to acclimate each person to company policies and procedures and individual job duties.
  • Provided clerks with information to print on price tags such as price, mark-ups or mark-downs or style number.

Merchandiser

Bed Bath & Beyond
Arundel Mills, MD
11.2018 - 10.2020
  • Removed damaged, out-of-code, not-in-set and discontinued items from displays.
  • Verified products appeared at correct locations in proper quantities.
  • Updated pricing and signage to complete product displays and educate customers.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing product knowledge and recommending suitable items based on individual needs.
  • Inspected merchandise for quality and arranged proper display location on floor.
  • Monitored inventory levels and kept adequate stock in product displays on sales floor.
  • Answered customer questions regarding store merchandise, department information, and pricing.
  • Reduced out-of-stock instances by conducting regular audits, adjusting inventory counts, and communicating discrepancies to management.
  • Contributed to a safe and welcoming shopping environment by adhering to store policies, addressing potential hazards, and maintaining clean, orderly merchandise displays.
  • Trained new team members in merchandising best practices, ensuring a cohesive approach across the store.
  • Maximized floor space utilization by rearranging fixtures according to changing business needs and customer traffic patterns.
  • Improved product visibility by strategically organizing merchandise on showroom floors.
  • Facilitated training sessions for new merchandisers, improving team skills and performance.

Bartender Shift Manager

Hollywood Bowl
Lincoln, NE
03.2013 - 06.2017

Trained every new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.

  • Kept alcoholic beverages well-stocked and organized to meet expected demands.
  • Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
  • Managed bar inventory, restocked supplies and placed orders for spirits, beer, wines, and mixers.
  • Supervised and trained staff on preparing and delivering drinks, handling food, and money and setting up bar at beginning of shift and breaking down at end of shift to facilitate operations.
  • Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
  • Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
  • Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
  • Handled simultaneous customer, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
  • Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
  • Oversaw and monitored cash drawers and reconciled drawers against cash register reports at close of business.
  • Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
  • Ensured accurate cash handling procedures were followed consistently throughout each shift to maintain financial accountability.
  • Polished glassware, bussed tables, and removed debris to keep customer areas clean.
  • Promoted a positive work atmosphere through clear communication, teamwork encouragement, and recognition of employee achievements.
  • Reduced wait times for customers by optimizing bartender shifts during high-traffic periods.
  • Set up bar for operation, obtained cash bank, and stocked service bar.
  • Increased efficiency by creating streamlined processes for opening and closing procedures, reducing labor costs while maintaining quality standards.
  • Successfully resolved customer complaints, demonstrating strong conflict resolution skills and commitment to client satisfaction.

Childcare Provider

Kellys Kids
Lincoln, NE
01.2012 - 02.2015
  • Administered first aid when needed, adhering to established protocols to ensure child safety and wellbeing.
  • Utilized positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior.
  • Developed age-appropriate activities and crafts to engage children.
  • Assisted in potty training and other daily hygiene activities to support child development.
  • Improved language development through engaging storytelling sessions and age-appropriate book readings.
  • Provided emotional support and guidance to children during difficult times.
  • Facilitated naptime routines for toddlers to ensure adequate rest periods throughout the day for optimal growth and development.
  • Supported emotional well-being by addressing individual needs and providing a nurturing environment for growth.
  • Assisted children in developing fine motor skills through play-based learning activities such as puzzles and stacking blocks.
  • Communicated regularly with parents regarding their child''s achievements or concerns while offering guidance on home-based support strategies.
  • Facilitated learning through play, stories and outdoor activities for successful child outcomes.
  • Ensured child safety through vigilant supervision, maintaining proper ratios during indoor and outdoor activities.
  • Maintained clean facilities by following sanitation protocols, ensuring a healthy environment for all children.
  • Implemented daily routines to establish consistency, helping children transition smoothly between activities.
  • Sanitized dishes, tabletops, toys, and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spreading of germs.
  • Prepared healthy foods and beverages for children based on optimal dietary guidelines and individual restrictions.
  • Introduced children to educational games and activities to boost learning.
  • Developed strong relationships with families, providing regular updates on child progress and establishing trust.
  • Promoted physical fitness by incorporating active play into daily schedules, encouraging healthy habits from an early age.
  • Managed behavior issues effectively using positive reinforcement techniques, fostering a respectful atmosphere within the childcare setting.
  • Oversaw smooth drop-off/pick-up transitions by maintaining open communication with parents and ensuring a safe environment for children.
  • Increased parental satisfaction, providing detailed daily reports on child progress and activities.
  • Maintained clean and organized classroom, ensuring conducive learning environment.

Education

Certificate of Completing Class - Phlebotomy

Southeast Community College Area
Lincoln, NE
04.2024 - 06.2024

High School Diploma -

Pius X High School
Lincoln, Ne
05.2024 - 05.2024

Skills

Merchandise presentation

Window displays

Teamwork and Collaboration

Customer Service

Ordering and Purchasing

Time Management

Problem-solving abilities

Multitasking Abilities

Excellent Communication

Self Motivation

Organizational Skills

Attention to Detail

Professionalism

Retail Management

Timeline

High School Diploma -

Pius X High School
05.2024 - 05.2024

Certificate of Completing Class - Phlebotomy

Southeast Community College Area
04.2024 - 06.2024

Lead Retail

Kolhs
10.2021 - 06.2024

Merchandiser

Bed Bath & Beyond
11.2018 - 10.2020

Bartender Shift Manager

Hollywood Bowl
03.2013 - 06.2017

Childcare Provider

Kellys Kids
01.2012 - 02.2015
Erika KoontzRetail, Bartender, Kitchen, Child Care, Manager