Gregory A. Sams
Multi-Store Leader, Store Manager, Assistant Manager
Tucker,GA
Summary
Dynamic retail leader with a proven track record at J.Crew, driving sales growth and enhancing customer experiences. Expert in inventory management and effective communication, I empower teams to achieve strategic goals while fostering a collaborative environment. Passionate about visual merchandising, I consistently elevate store performance and customer satisfaction.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Store Manager
DICK’S Sporting Goods
Buford, GA
06.2016 - Current
- Enhanced sales and profitability through customer engagement initiatives, feedback surveys, and creation of a shopper-friendly environment.
- Exhibited flexible leadership by empowering employee strengths, coaching for improvement, and establishing collaborative group goals.
- Ensured compliance with company policies while preparing daily work schedules for 85+ employees and resolving employee conflicts with emotional intelligence.
Market Director
J.Crew
Atlanta, GA
01.2011 - 12.2015
- Increased home store sales from $10.0 to $12.0 million through expansion and addition of Men’s Store.
- Opened 4 new stores (Lenox Men’s Shop, Westside, Avalon and Ponce City Market)
- Elevated client experience and controlled shrink to successfully remove 3 out of 4 stores from Target Store Program.
- Market responsibility consisted of 9 stores with a total volume of $30.0 million in sales.
- Managed 54 managers and 300 associates across 9 stores, ensuring effective team leadership and operational oversight.
Store Director
J.Crew
Atlanta, GA
01.2010 - 12.2011
- Increased business from $8.5 to $10.0 million at Lenox location; utilized monthly and quarterly events with outreach to drive results and partnered with local concierge and hotels to align staffing with traffic trends, maintaining core team of stylists generating 35% of store business.
- Directed daily operations to enhance store performance and customer satisfaction.
- Managed inventory levels to ensure product availability and minimize stockouts.
- Trained and mentored staff to improve service quality and operational efficiency.
Store Director
J.Crew
Atlanta, GA
12.2005 - 12.2010
- Trained and mentored team members on customer service best practices, improving customer satisfaction scores.
- Developed and optimized store schedules to meet expected coverage demands and maintain optimal service levels.
- Implemented strategies to minimize shrinkage losses from theft or inventory mismanagement, contributing to improved profitability.
- Fostered positive work environment through effective communication and team motivation, enhancing employee engagement.
ASM in the Operations and Human Resources DOR
J.Crew
Atlanta, GA
01.2002 - 12.2006
- Developed innovative ideas and solutions that improved team performance and outcomes.
- Coordinated support and guidance for colleagues to foster a collaborative work environment.
- Applied advanced technical skills to troubleshoot complex problems and implement effective solutions.
Store Manager
Ann Taylor Loft
Atlanta, GA
09.2001 - 08.2002
- Opened new store location at Stone Crest Mall, driving initial customer engagement and brand presence in the community
- Served as Recruiting Ambassador for the Atlanta District, enhancing talent acquisition efforts and fostering strong relationships with potential candidates
- Managed daily store operations and staff scheduling for efficient workflow.
- Trained and mentored team members to enhance customer service skills.
- Implemented visual merchandising standards to elevate store presentation.
Manager
Gap / Banana Republic
Atlanta, GA
07.1999 - 06.2001
- Opened new store location in Mall of GA, contributing to expanded market presence.
- Coordinated training classes for new associates and managers, improving onboarding experience.
- Led daily operations to ensure efficient store functionality.
- Trained and mentored staff on customer service best practices.
- Managed inventory levels to maintain product availability and organization.
Manager
Gap / Banana Republic
Atlanta, GA
12.1997 - 06.1999
- Developed business strategy that enhanced sales and streamlined operational structures across all district stores.
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure efficient store performance and customer satisfaction.
- Managed team schedules, aligning staffing levels with business needs and peak hours.
- Trained and developed staff on product knowledge and customer service standards.
Store Manager
Guess
Atlanta, GA
06.1997 - 11.1997
- Opened new store location in Lenox Mall, contributing to brand expansion and increased market presence.
- Conducted daily store operations, overseeing opening and closing procedures and ensuring accurate cash handling.
- Established customer service standards and monitored staff compliance, enhancing customer satisfaction and service quality.
Manager
Gap / Old Navy
Atlanta, GA
06.1995 - 06.1997
- Women’s Merchandise Manager at North Point Mall; Operations Manager at Buckhead Loop
- Led team in delivering exceptional customer service and brand experience.
- Managed store operations to ensure optimal inventory levels and visual merchandising.
- Trained staff on product knowledge and effective sales techniques.
Store Manager
Ann Taylor
Birmingham, AL
03.1994 - 06.1995
- Facilitated training for all new managers in the district as training store manager in Perimeter, GA.
- Managed daily store operations and staff scheduling for optimal efficiency.
- Trained and developed team members in customer service and sales techniques.
- Oversaw inventory management, including stock levels and merchandise displays.
Store Manager
Ann Taylor
Birmingham, AL
07.1992 - 03.1994
- Store Manager of Riverchase Galleria Mall in Birmingham, AL
- Oversaw daily store operations and ensured compliance with company policies.
- Managed inventory levels and conducted regular stock audits for accuracy.
- Trained and developed staff in customer service and sales techniques.
Manager
Parisian
Birmingham, AL
06.1989 - 07.1992
- Department Sales Manager overseeing shoe department which generated 10% of total store volume
- Store Trainer for corporate training classes called Star Program
- Supported purchasing decisions for men’s apparel division
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration And Management
University of Alabama At Birmingham
Birmingham, ALSome College (No Degree) - Business Administration
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, ALSkills
- Store operations
- Visual merchandising
- Inventory management
- Sales forecasting
- Loss prevention
- Staff scheduling
- Compliance auditing
- Customer relationship management
- Strategic planning
- Team development
- Effective communication
- Relationship management
Accomplishments
District Trainer
Timeline
Assistant Store Manager
DICK’S Sporting Goods
06.2016 - Current
Market Director
J.Crew
01.2011 - 12.2015
Store Director
J.Crew
01.2010 - 12.2011
Store Director
J.Crew
12.2005 - 12.2010
ASM in the Operations and Human Resources DOR
J.Crew
01.2002 - 12.2006
Store Manager
Ann Taylor Loft
09.2001 - 08.2002
Manager
Gap / Banana Republic
07.1999 - 06.2001
Manager
Gap / Banana Republic
12.1997 - 06.1999
Store Manager
Guess
06.1997 - 11.1997
Manager
Gap / Old Navy
06.1995 - 06.1997
Store Manager
Ann Taylor
03.1994 - 06.1995
Store Manager
Ann Taylor
07.1992 - 03.1994
Manager
Parisian
06.1989 - 07.1992
Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration And Management
University of Alabama At Birmingham
Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration
University of Alabama