Karen Walburn
Allenwood,PA
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with extensive experience at Big Lots, excelling in customer service and organizational skills. Proven track record in enhancing team performance and satisfaction through effective leadership and problem-solving. Recognized for maintaining an organized showroom and improving inventory accuracy, contributing to overall operational success.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Freight Processing Lead
Big Lots
Lewisburg, PA
04.2020 - 03.2025
- Supervising and assisting the unloading team, sorting general merchandise freight by departments, including furniture.
- Main department stocking was seasonal, with and without planograms, including patio furniture displays.
- Supervising the stocking of various other departments, including grocery, HBC, and chemicals.
- Organization of the warehouse, including back stock and furniture, and outside storage container.
- Other responsibilities were the overall running of the store as the solo Manager on Duty either opening or closing at least once a week, this included safe balancing, change ordering, deposit making.
- Excellent customer service.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Freight Processing Lead
Big Lots
Muncy, PA
09.2018 - 04.2020
- Supervising and assisting the unloading team, sorting general merchandise freight by departments, including furniture.
- Main department stocking was seasonal, with and without planograms, including patio furniture displays.
- Supervising the stocking of various other departments, including grocery, HBC and chemicals.
- Organization of the warehouse, including back stock and furniture, and outside storage container.
- Other responsibilities were the overall running of the store as the solo Manager on Duty either opening or closing at least once a week, this included safe balancing, change ordering, and deposit making.
- Excellent customer service.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Furniture Manager
Big Lots
Muncy, PA
08.2010 - 09.2018
- Maintained a clean, organized showroom floor while adhering to visual merchandising guidelines set by corporate standards.
- Collaborated with store management to develop sales goals and initiatives for the furniture department.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and product knowledge in the furniture department.
- Assisted customers in selecting appropriate products based on their needs, preferences, and budget constraints.
- Trained and mentored new team members on store policies, product offerings, and sales techniques.
- Handled customer complaints professionally, resolving issues promptly to maintain high levels of satisfaction among clientele.
- Maintained the organization of the warehouse and accurate inventory of the outside storage containers.
- Supported Store Management with opening and closing.
Associate Manager
Big Lots
Muncy, PA
06.2003 - 08.2010
- Led team meetings regularly to discuss progress updates, identify challenges or roadblocks, and provide guidance towards successful project completion.
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
- Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
- Supervised and assisted in the stocking of the grocery department as well as home organization and chemicals.
- At this time we had coolers/freezers, I was assisting Management with projecting orders.
Stocker/Cashier
Big Lots
Muncy, PA
07.2001 - 06.2003
- I started my working career when I was 17 and a senior in high school.
- Answered customer questions and provided detailed product information.
- Collaborated with team members to complete stocking tasks during peak business hours, maintaining a well-stocked sales floor.
- Contributed to store cleanliness, ensuring aisles were free from clutter and hazards for shopper safety.
- Improved customer satisfaction by promptly locating items and providing product information.
- Maintained a balanced cash drawer, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
Education
High School Diploma -
Montgomery Area High School
Montgomery, PA06-2002
Skills
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Organizational skills
Timeline
Freight Processing Lead
Big Lots
04.2020 - 03.2025
Freight Processing Lead
Big Lots
09.2018 - 04.2020
Furniture Manager
Big Lots
08.2010 - 09.2018
Associate Manager
Big Lots
06.2003 - 08.2010
Stocker/Cashier
Big Lots
07.2001 - 06.2003
High School Diploma -
Montgomery Area High School