Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline

Gaylynn Taylor Kirkland

Bloomingdale’s
Westwood,NJ
Gaylynn Taylor Kirkland
35
years of professional experience

Dynamic, goal-oriented professional with deep experience in luxury retail, personal shopping, and brand management. Skilled in customer service, conflict resolution, and relationship building, with a proven ability to boost sales, maintain brand standards, and create memorable shopping experiences. Results driven leader with experience in sales management. & training skills.

Work History

Sales Associate & Cinq et Sept Brand Manager

8 Months
Bloomingdale’s | 02.2026 - Current
  • Built a loyal LUXE customer base, shopping across departments for them
  • Worked hand in hand with my manager to elevate customer experiences across the store.
  • Managed meetings with my AE from Cinq et Sept for merchandising, fashion shows, showroom visits & product development.
  • Delivered personalized customer service while matching product selections to client needs.
  • Achieved and exceeded sales goals for Cinq, bringing Bergen from number 13 to number 5 in company
  • Maintained organized sales floor displays
  • Recommended complementary merchandise to strengthen basket size and shopping experience.
  • Resolved service issues promptly while preserving brand standards and customer satisfaction.
  • Supported inventory replenishment and floor readiness for continuous selling operations.
  • Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
  • Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
  • Maintained a calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
  • Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new, and potential customers.
  • Rotated stock and restocked shelves to maintain product availability and store appearance.
  • Engaged with customers to build rapport and loyalty.
  • Solved customer challenges by offering relevant products and services.
  • Educated clients on current promotional offerings and products
  • Consistently achieved monthly sales targets by implementing effective sales strategies and maintaining a high level of product knowledge.
  • Managed conflict resolution with dissatisfied customers professionally, resulting in improved customer retention rates.
  • Provided personalized shopping experiences for repeat customers by remembering their preferences and offering tailored recommendations.
  • Coordinated order fulfillment, ensuring accurate item pickup, packing, and handoff to customers.
  • Selected merchandise aligned with customer preferences, size requirements, and budget constraints.

Manager, Welcomist Counter

1 Year
Bloomingdale's | 02.2025 - 02.2026

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  • Supervised sales floor activity, supporting associates with floor coverage and priority task execution.
  • Monitored visual merchandising standards, maintaining brand presentation across assigned departments.
  • Resolved customer concerns promptly, preserving service quality and supporting positive shopping experiences.
  • Was number one associate in sales and client goals in the cosmetic & fragrance department
  • 161% over sales plan goals
  • Built and executed a strong business plan with my manager to boost sales
  • Built loyal customer base, that included cross selling in all other departments
  • Personal shopping for LUXE customers
  • Brought new merchandise into store and trained customers how to use it effectively in their lives

Manager ON Running Shop

1 Year 2 Months
Bloomingdale's | 12.2023 - 02.2025
  • Directed sales floor operations, ensuring seamless client service and consistent merchandise presentation.
  • Trained associates on selling techniques, product knowledge, and Bloomingdale's service standards.
  • Monitored inventory levels and coordinated replenishment to maintain stock accuracy.
  • Resolved customer concerns promptly, supporting elevated shopping experiences and loyalty.
  • Supervised daily team assignments, driving accountability across opening, closing, and floor coverage.
  • Partnered with visual merchandising teams to execute promotional displays and seasonal floor changes.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Wrote reports for monthly Buyer meetings across 5 areas of business
  • Engaged in Buyer selections for business at our location
  • Was number one in sales for Bloomingdale's in Men's shoes, Kids shoes, Men's & Women's Active. Number 5 in Women's Shoes
  • Opened the new shop and set it up with ON Running corporate
  • Trained store Associates monthly on newness
  • Managed Women's, Men's, Kids, shoes & active wear stock across departments
  • Worked hand in hand with my manager & store manager to optimize ON Running at our location
  • Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.

Sales Associate

1 Year 8 Months
Bloomingdale’s Outlet | 04.2022 - 12.2023
  • Processed sales transactions accurately using POS systems and handled returns, exchanges, and adjustments.
  • Replenished stock, tagged inventory, and supported timely floor recovery during peak shopping periods.
  • Built product knowledge across apparel, accessories, and home departments to answer customer questions confidently.
  • Engaged with customers to effectively build rapport and lasting relationships.
  • Contributed to positive shopping environment by maintaining organized and welcoming store appearance.
  • Participated in visual merchandising, creating attractive displays that stimulated customer interest and sales.
  • Specialized in elevated Luxury shopping & merchandise
  • Set up ShopShops Experience & worked with their point person for successful shows
  • Offered each customer expert, top notch personal service to boost sales & satisfaction

Owner/Operator

27 Years 10 Months
HALO Productions | 05.1994 - 03.2022
  • Oversaw daily business operations.
  • Consult with clients to assess needs and propose optimal solutions
  • Private styling with customers for over 25 years
  • Planning styling for weddings and special events
  • Color corrective & long hair specialist
  • Provide expert advise on hair issues

Master Stylist

2 Years
Oribe | 04.1992 - 04.1994
  • Started as assistant & worked my way up
  • Styled & did make-up at NY, Paris & London fashion shows as part of a team
  • Contract with Atlantic Records
  • Worked with many famous musicians, models & executives to produce looks for advertising and promotion
  • Did photo film and TV work
  • Consulted clients on cut, color, and styling choices aligned with luxury salon standards.
  • Executed precision haircutting and advanced finishing techniques for varied hair textures.

Education

Associate of Arts - Radio, Television & Film (RTF)

Sam Houston State University | Huntsville, TX

Vocational Cosmetology - Cosmetology

Aveda Institute | Minneapolis, MN

Skills

Building strong customer relations with LUXE customers
Superior Customer service
Interpersonal communication
Customer engagement
Luxury customer relations
Teamwork and collaboration
Goal oriented
Excellent people skills
Active listening
Engaging demeanor

Timeline

Sales Associate & Cinq et Sept Brand Manager

Bloomingdale’s
02.2026 - CurrentRead More

Manager, Welcomist Counter

Bloomingdale's
02.2025 - 02.2026Read More

Manager ON Running Shop

Bloomingdale's
12.2023 - 02.2025Read More

Sales Associate

Bloomingdale’s Outlet
04.2022 - 12.2023Read More

Owner/Operator

HALO Productions
05.1994 - 03.2022Read More

Master Stylist

Oribe
04.1992 - 04.1994Read More

Sam Houston State University

Associate of Arts from Radio, Television & Film (RTF)
Read More

Aveda Institute

Vocational Cosmetology from Cosmetology
Read More
Gaylynn Taylor Kirkland