Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Kathleen Abruzzo

Kathleen Abruzzo

Brooklyn,NY

Summary

Motivated and results-driven Visual Merchandising Manager seeking a challenging position within a large organisation as a senior manager. Offering a strong foundation in business strategy, data analysis, visual merchandising and project management, with a proven ability to drive efficiency, deliver successful outcomes and collaborate within cross-functional teams.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Acting Store Director

J.Crew
New York, NY
10.2020 - 10.2021
  • Ran a $15m store that employs over 70+ people.
  • Developed a strategic sales approach to remain profitable with bottom line at the forefront of all decision making.
  • Helped further develop a management team of 9 while giving necessary tools to ensure their success within the brand and beyond.
  • Oversaw all hiring, scheduling and operational functions within the building.
  • Promoted team collaboration, performance, and efficiency by fostering healthy environments focused on mutual success.
  • Achieved consistent budget targets with optimal expense controls and elimination of unnecessary waste.
  • Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge, and service requirements.
  • Oversaw staffing and training, safety compliance, inventory control and financial functions.
  • Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
  • Approved regular payroll submissions for employees.
  • Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.

Visual Merchandising Manager

J.Crew
02.2003 - Current
  • Led a team dedicated to Merchandising and visuals for over 20 years.
  • Helped train and develop talent, set Visual standards directed by the company with a strong sales focused approach.
  • Led walk thru and presentations with senior business partners and reacted in a timely manner to necessary adjustments.
  • Helped open 10+ stores across the East coast where I was the seniored merch manager on site.
  • District point person for 10+ stores where I relayed assistance and Merchandising help to grow their business and success.
  • Communicated visual merchandising information and standards via in-store training and regular meetings.
  • Monitored store traffic and customer engagement to determine display effectiveness.
  • Developed themes, props and lighting for merchandise displays.
  • Created interior displays to promote products in alignment with corporate sales objectives.
  • Developed merchandising strategy to efficiently move overstock.
  • Analyzed customer feedback and shopper trends to inform display designs.
  • Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to employees.
  • Submitted reports to senior management to aid in business decision-making and planning.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.

Education

Fordham University - Liberal Arts

Fordham University
01.2003

Skills

  • Process improvement
  • Data-driven strategic planning
  • Team development
  • Retail sales focus
  • Report writing and presenting
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Visual Displays and styling
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Proactive and self-motivated
  • Exceptional organisational skills
  • Hiring and Operations expert
  • Performance metrics analys
  • Expert in Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI reporting and Dayforce systems
  • Sales trend analysis

Timeline

Acting Store Director

J.Crew
10.2020 - 10.2021

Visual Merchandising Manager

J.Crew
02.2003 - Current

Fordham University - Liberal Arts

Fordham University

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Kathleen Abruzzo