Erin White
Columbus,OH
Summary
Strategic retail executive driving operational excellence across high-volume omni-channel environments. Achieved Top 5 ranking companywide for sales plan results while developing leadership pipelines and fostering high-performing teams. Expertly manage P&L performance, recruitment strategies, and employee engagement initiatives.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse
Columbus, Ohio
01.2018 - Current
- Lead operations and performance for a $10M+ flagship omni-channel store within a 38,000 sq. ft. environment, managing 60+ employees and leaders.
- Achieved Top 5 ranking companywide for sales plan and POS results through strategic operational leadership
- Manage P&L performance, payroll, KPI analysis, and productivity planning
- Promoted four leaders in 2025, strengthening internal leadership bench
- Lead full recruitment lifecycle including sourcing, hiring, onboarding, and development
- Oversaw Home Office Test Store as General Manager, piloting and evaluating effectiveness of company initiatives
- Act as Project Manager for store remodel initiatives, coordinating cross-functional execution
- Train Home Office and field leadership teams on operational best practices
- Led employee engagement initiatives emphasizing DEI and retention, fostering a more inclusive workplace culture
Midwest Regional Recruiter
DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse
COLUMBUS, OH
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Lead recruitment strategy for field leadership roles across the Midwest and Northeast regions, partnering with Market Leaders to strengthen talent pipelines.
- Manage full recruitment lifecycle for critical leadership roles across multiple markets
- Built talent pipelines via proactive sourcing, networking, and succession planning to meet regional hiring needs
- Identified high-potential leaders through application of company competency frameworks
- Serve as liaison between Market Leaders, Store Managers, and candidates
- Provided regional recruiting insights and workforce planning reports to inform talent acquisition strategies
General Manager
NORDSTROM & NORDSTROM RACK
Columbus, OH
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Led a 36,000 sq. ft. store generating $17M annually, managing 75 employees and 10 managers.
- Delivered +34% above sales plan in the inaugural year
- Led P&L management, payroll, hiring, and operational strategy
- Opened first Nordstrom store in Columbus, leading recruitment for all teams
- Managed $4M+ inventory comprising 850K units annually
- Presented business performance metrics to Executive Leadership Council
Midwest Regional Merchandising Manager
NORDSTROM
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Developed merchandising strategy for 18 stores, guiding 27 managers to enhance regional performance
- Oversaw merchandising performance across 18 stores representing $60M in regional sales.
- Collaborated with Nordstrom Seattle Buying Office to synchronize assortment strategy with regional merchandising goals
- Coached store leaders on optimizing sell-through performance and enhancing product storytelling techniques
- Achieved ranking of 2nd out of 24 stores in the Midwest region.
Department Manager
NORDSTROM
Michigan Avenue
01.2005 - 01.2012
- Drove #1 handbag volume companywide at Michigan Avenue flagship, enhancing brand visibility
- Managed $4.5M handbag business, achieving consistent sales growth year over year
- Managed daily operations and staffing for high-volume retail environment.
- Oversaw inventory management and restocking of merchandise on sales floor.
- Trained and mentored team members to enhance customer service skills.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Human Ecology, Textile & Apparel Science, Marketing
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH08-2004
Skills
- Retail operations leadership
- Multi-unit management
- P&L management
- Sales forecasting
- Customer loyalty
- Operational transformation
- Talent development
- Recruitment strategy
- Corporate partnerships
- Diversity leadership
Leadership And Industry Contributions
- Lead Instructor — Store Manager in Training Program (3 years)
- Trainer for Home Office leadership visits
- Educator for Future Nordstrom Leaders (FNL) internship program
- Promoted 63 employees into leadership roles over tenure
- Mentored numerous Nordstrom Pacesetters (top 5% companywide)
Community Leadership
- Field Diversity Council founding member and contributor— DSW
- MyFamily Co-Chair- Take your kids to work day Project Manager
- MyLife BRG | MySole BRG | Sole Connection CIG
- Volunteer: Sanctuary Night
- ISupport the Girls
- Human Rights Campaign
- First Presbyterian Church Food Pantry
- United Way
Awards
- Inspire Greatness Standout Award — DSW (2022) & (2024)
- Customer Service Book Award 9x Winner
- Chicagoland Department of the Month — 3x Winner
- Cash Call Award — 10x Winner
- Department Manager of the Year — 2008
- Nordstrom Pacesetter — 2006
Core Leadership Strengths
- Retail Operations Leadership
- Multi-Unit & Market Influence
- P&L Ownership & Financial Performance
- Talent Development & Succession Planning
- Recruitment Strategy & Leadership Hiring
- Customer Experience & Loyalty Growth
- Operational Transformation & Remodel Projects
- Corporate Partnership & Test Market Execution
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leadership
Executive Impact
- Top Performing Store Leader, Consistently ranked Top 5 companywide in sales plan and POS results while leading a $10M+ omni-channel flagship location.
- Talent Development Champion, Promoted 24 leaders into management roles, including four promotions in 2025, strengthening bench strength and succession planning.
- Enterprise Innovation Leader, Selected Home Office Test Store General Manager, piloting new initiatives and operational programs later expanded across the organization.
- High Potential Leadership Program, Chosen as 1 of 2 leaders across four regions to participate in the company’s High Potential Leader Program; served as Market Leader for three months, leading a small market and presenting insights to senior leadership.
- Large-Scale Operations Leadership, Lead a 38,000 sq. ft. flagship store with 60+ associates, overseeing P&L performance, recruitment, culture, and operational execution.
Timeline
Midwest Regional Recruiter
DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse
01.2022 - 01.2023
General Manager
DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse
01.2018 - Current
General Manager
NORDSTROM & NORDSTROM RACK
01.2013 - 01.2018
Midwest Regional Merchandising Manager
NORDSTROM
01.2012 - 01.2013
Department Manager
NORDSTROM
01.2005 - 01.2012
Bachelor of Science - Human Ecology, Textile & Apparel Science, Marketing
The Ohio State University