James O'Claire
Hemet,CA
Summary
Directed retail operations with over 19 years of expertise in management, specializing in leadership, loss prevention, and merchandise development.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Store Manager
Burlington
Palm Springs, CA
11.2025 - Current
- Led team to achieve sales targets through effective training and coaching.
- Implemented inventory management strategies to optimize stock levels and reduce shrinkage.
- Developed visual merchandising plans that enhanced store presentation and customer engagement.
- Conducted performance reviews, providing constructive feedback to foster employee development.
- Streamlined operational processes, improving efficiency in daily store operations and customer service.
- Collaborated with district management on new initiatives, driving alignment with corporate standards.
- Fostered a positive work environment by encouraging teamwork and open communication among staff members.
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
- Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
- Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
- Mentored new hires during their onboarding process, ensuring they were well-equipped to excel in their roles from day one.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Conducted regular performance reviews for staff members, providing constructive feedback and opportunities for growth.
- Approved regular payroll submissions for employees.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Upheld and communicated store programs and standards to employees for optimal quality, freshness, safety and cleanliness.
Store Manager
H&M
Temecula, California, United States
01.2025 - 08.2025
- Oversee the OMNI customer experience within the store, ensuring visual and commercial curation aligned with your store format environment, global guidelines, and regional strategies. Analyze and establish sales and budget goals, creating plans to optimize results. Ensure your teams actively promote our Customer Loyalty App (Hello Member) and in-store sustainability initiatives. Schedule budgeted hours in line with sales budgets and commercial activities, aligned with regional strategies. Manage talent and performance within your store, encompassing recruitment, onboarding, upskilling, and team development, ensuring adherence to global guidelines. Maintain optimal stock levels, providing input on allocation to relevant sales market colleagues, and ensure the full garment cycle adheres to our standards and processes. Oversee the daily opening and closing of store routines and processes, upholding best practices for in-store OMNI Services and tech services. Manage store maintenance efficiently, ensuring all administrative routines for people and operations are handled correctly. Support the daily opening and closing of store routines and processes, ensuring seamless visual and commercial curation.
Store Manager
Burlington Stores, Inc.
Rialto, California, United States
06.2023 - 02.2025
- Enhance customer experience and efficiency in $13M environment; executed BPod 2.0 strategy.
- Increased CPH productivity to 102%, achieving 95% team engagement; promoted key staff.
- Managed $5M store, improved sales and audits; mentored 3 supervisors for growth.
- Oversaw staffing and budget in $13M store; collaborated with district managers.
- Launched Store Experience 2.0, supported district-wide initiatives and tech leadership.
- Analyzed staffing patterns and budget allocations across multiple departments, optimizing resource distribution to meet seasonal demands.
- Developed comprehensive training programs for supervisors, focusing on leadership skills and operational excellence in high-volume retail settings.
- Pioneered Store Experience 2.0 rollout, integrating new technologies and processes to enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
- Coordinated with district management to implement strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and local market needs.
Assistant Store Manager Operations
Burlington Stores, Inc.
Hemet, California, United States
11.2021 - 06.2023
- Managed customer service team, improving compliance in $13M store.
- Enhanced backroom operations, achieving zero backlog culture.
- Led safety audits, ensuring compliance with company standards.
- Oversaw recruitment and development, fostering talent growth.
- Directed facility maintenance, maintaining high housekeeping standards.
- Led operations for $13M retail store, managing 60+ team members across customer service, receiving, and loss prevention, while maintaining 6.2 CPH and zero backlog standards.
- Orchestrated BPOD 2.0 implementation as training store, optimizing backroom operations through data-driven decisions and strategic workload planning.
- Spearheaded new markdown simplification initiative while directing multi-department operations, earning One In A Million recognition for exceptional performance.
- Executed comprehensive safety protocols, managing hazmat compliance, monthly audits, and store-wide shortage control measures with AP District collaboration.
- Cultivated high-performing teams through strategic recruitment, development programs, and Your Voice committee leadership, driving customer service excellence.
Selling Floor Supervisor
Burlington Stores, Inc.
Perris, California, United States
09.2016 - 11.2021
- Led team of 5 associates to optimize store operations and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Managed $12M store, ensuring compliance with safety and financial protocols.
- Collaborated with receiving supervisor to maintain efficient backroom operations.
- Implemented asset protection strategies, reducing inventory loss.
- Facilitated recruitment and development, fostering a skilled workforce.
- Analysed, weekly sales data and CAT reports to identify growth opportunities, implementing strategic floor resets and merchandise planning.
- Partnered with AP District Manager to strengthen loss prevention strategies, while fostering team development through recruitment and training.
- Managed store security, financial reconciliation, and compliance protocols while ensuring exceptional store presentation standards.
- Spearheaded Your Voice Committee initiatives while building cross-functional partnerships to drive operational excellence.
Visual Merchandiser/MCA
Sears
Hemet, California, United States
09.2015 - 09.2016
- Designed weekly visual displays, enhanced store layout, supported team as backup key holder.
- Led visual merchandising initiatives, coordinated weekly promotional displays, and managed store layouts while serving as backup key holder for store security.
- Optimised product placement strategies and implemented seasonal display rotations, driving enhanced customer engagement and store aesthetics.
- Designed and executed creative window displays, promotional setups, and store layouts while maintaining brand standards and visual guidelines.
Merchandise Manager
Walmart
San Jacinto, California, United States
04.2014 - 09.2015
- Led 10 associates, enhancing team productivity through effective supervision.
- Implemented inventory controls, improving stock accuracy and availability.
- Coordinated store resets, ensuring seamless transitions and customer satisfaction.
- Led merchandise operations for dual departments, managing inventory control systems and supervising 10 associates while implementing strategic modular resets and stock management protocols.
- Streamlined merchandise management processes across jewelry and footwear sections, optimizing inventory turnover through systematic 30-day reviews and operational excellence.
Expert
JCPenney
Hemet, California, United States
12.2010 - 11.2014
- Managed store operations, enhancing customer experience and sales.
- Led visual merchandising, boosting product visibility and engagement.
- Oversaw inventory control, ensuring stock accuracy and availability.
- Implemented ad sets, increasing promotional effectiveness.
- Held keyholder responsibilities, maintaining store security and efficiency.
Department Manager
Walmart
Hemet, California, United States
06.2007 - 10.2010
- Led shoe and jewelry departments, overseeing team of 4, improving stock efficiency and sales.
- Implemented markdowns and modular resets, enhancing department layout and customer experience.
- Conducted sales audits and 30 Day Counter Reviews, ensuring compliance and operational accuracy.
- Managed scheduling and overnight restocking, optimizing workforce productivity and inventory levels.
Education
N/A Some College - Business Administration And Management
Mt. San Jacinto College
San Jacinto06.2010
Diploma of Education - undefined
San Jacinto High School
06.2006
Skills
- Distribution Channel Management, Product Service, Retail Management, Microsoft PowerPoint, Customer Engagement, Recruiting, Decision-Making, Advertising, Microsoft Word, Coaching, Communication, Customer Satisfaction, Sales Operations, Time Management, Sales Management, Customer Loyalty, Microsoft Outlook, Team Management, Inventory Management, Planograms, Big Box, Retail, Merchandise Development, Performance Management, Human Resources (HR), Customer Service Operations, Retail Loss Prevention, Merchandise Planning, Leadership Development, Operations Management, Account Management, Accounting, Auditing, Visual Merchandising, Sales, Onboarding, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, BPlanner, Merchandising, Customer Service, Retail Sales, Business Planning, Planning, Problem Solving, Customer Experience, Leadership, Hiring, Customer Service Management, Workday, Workforce Management, Store Management, New Store Openings, Budget Management, Training Development, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Conflict Resolution, Sales Forecasting
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Customer relations
- Multitasking and organization
- Store operations
- Customer service management
- Training and mentoring
- Store opening and closing
- Team leadership
- Friendly and positive
- Outstanding communication skills
- Team leadership and coaching
- Inventory management
- Store merchandising
- Cash management
- Retail inventory management
- Shift scheduling
- Recruitment and hiring
- Goals and performance
- POS systems
- Operations management
- Leadership development
Websites
LINKS
LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com.
Timeline
Store Manager
Burlington
11.2025 - Current
Store Manager
H&M
01.2025 - 08.2025
Store Manager
Burlington Stores, Inc.
06.2023 - 02.2025
Assistant Store Manager Operations
Burlington Stores, Inc.
11.2021 - 06.2023
Selling Floor Supervisor
Burlington Stores, Inc.
09.2016 - 11.2021
Visual Merchandiser/MCA
Sears
09.2015 - 09.2016
Merchandise Manager
Walmart
04.2014 - 09.2015
Expert
JCPenney
12.2010 - 11.2014
Department Manager
Walmart
06.2007 - 10.2010
Diploma of Education - undefined
San Jacinto High School
N/A Some College - Business Administration And Management
Mt. San Jacinto College