Karalyn Ochalek
Alamo,CA
Summary
- Eighteen years experience in retail sales, management, merchandising, and customer service.
- Seven years retail buying experience: negotiating product and creating marketing plans to maximize sales.
- Four years visual merchandising experience in both fashion and home store.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Associate
Athleta- Gap
Walnut Creek, CA
02.2020 - Current
- Enhanced customer experience through personalized service and product recommendations.
- Achieved sales targets by effectively promoting new merchandise and seasonal promotions.
- Trained new associates on company policies, customer service protocols, and sales techniques.
- Maintained visual merchandising standards to align with brand guidelines and improve store aesthetics.
Assistant Store Manager
Banana Republic
Milwaukee, WI
09.1999 - 07.2002
- Assisted in overall day-to-day operations of store including continuous development of effective store associates to achieve desired sales and results.
- Replenished merchandise, welcomed customers, responded to questions and maintained overall presentation of store.
- Helped team members deliver polite and positive service to every customer by closely monitoring behaviors and offering constructive guidance.
Assistant Store Manager
Lazarus Department Store
Pittsburgh, PA
02.1997 - 09.1999
- Set schedules and delegated assignments based on team member strengths to optimize floor coverage and service levels.
- Implemented merchandising plans to drive profitability, collaborating with visual merchandising team to develop strategy.
- Completed frequent walk-throughs and directed team members to correct any issues impacting store appearance or professionalism.
- Led teams in planning, implementation and execution of merchandising and operating initiatives.
Assistant Buyer
Kaufmann's Department Store
Pittsburgh, PA
10.1994 - 02.1997
- Assisted in managing $120 million annual sales volume of apparel for Kauffman's department store chain.
- Analyzed buying trends at each store location to identify appropriate mix of inventory items for top-tier sales.
- Tracked warehouse contents continually, maintained constant awareness of stock levels and performed formal inventory review monthly.
Senior Buyer
Carson Pirie Scott & Co.
Milwaukee, WI
02.1990 - 10.1994
- Managed $30 million in annual sales volume of apparel for Carson Pirie Scott & Co. department store chain.
- Made 5 annual buying trips to preview new items and make purchases.
- Negotiated pricing for apparel from vendors to secure optimal pricing and keep costs low.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Merchandising
Mount Mary University
Milwaukee, WI12-1988
Skills
- Team player mentality
- Customer service
- Reliable and punctual
- Retail merchandising expertise
- Excellent communication skills
- Inventory management
Timeline
Sales Associate
Athleta- Gap
02.2020 - Current
Assistant Store Manager
Banana Republic
09.1999 - 07.2002
Assistant Store Manager
Lazarus Department Store
02.1997 - 09.1999
Assistant Buyer
Kaufmann's Department Store
10.1994 - 02.1997
Senior Buyer
Carson Pirie Scott & Co.
02.1990 - 10.1994
Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Merchandising
Mount Mary University