Kayla Drayton
New York,NY
Summary
Strategic and results-driven Retail Operations Director with a proven record of optimizing performance, profitability, and customer satisfaction across flagship and high-volume retail environments. Expert in leading cross-functional teams, driving visual excellence, and executing operational strategies that elevate brand performance. Recognized for strong business acumen, innovation, and customer-first leadership.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Area Manager of Operations
Carvana
Bronx, NY
01.2025 - 02.2026
- Streamlined operational processes to enhance efficiency and reduce costs across multiple facilities.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement strategic initiatives, improving service delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Developed training programs for staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for operational enhancement, driving process improvements across regions.
- Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
Store Manager
DSW Shoe Warehouse
New York, NY
01.2023 - 07.2025
- Lead all aspects of daily operations, including staffing, merchandising, and inventory management for a high-volume retail store.
- Manage and develop a team of 40+ associates, achieving strong sales growth and high service standards.
- Implement initiatives that improved productivity, reduced shrink, and enhanced profit margins.
- Collaborate with district and regional leadership to execute promotional strategies.
- Ensure alignment of visual merchandising with brand presentation standards.
General Manager
Party City
New York, NY
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Directed daily operations of a flagship store with 50+ employees, focusing on service and profitability.
- Implemented new merchandising layouts that increased year-over-year sales by 10%.
- Developed leadership and training programs that boosted productivity and morale.
- Partnered with corporate teams to implement strategic initiatives.
Department Manager
H&M
New York, NY
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Oversaw operations of the women’s department to ensure sales and service goals.
- Trained 20+ associates on sales, merchandising, and visual standards.
- Used data analysis to adjust product placement and improve conversion.
- Collaborated with visual teams for seasonal displays and brand campaigns.
Visual Merchandiser / Store Visual Display Manager
H&M
New York, NY
01.2020 - 01.2020
- Executed storewide visual merchandising aligned with brand identity.
- Designed window and in-store displays that increased traffic and conversions.
- Trained associates on presentation and display techniques.
- Partnered with regional visual teams on campaign launches.
- 3-Month Assignment during Tenure
Store Director
Sephora Flagship
New York, NY
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Directed operations for Sephora’s flagship location with 80+ employees.
- Achieved sales growth through operational excellence and customer engagement.
- Executed brand initiatives and new product launches in partnership with corporate.
- Maintained luxury-level visual standards and compliance procedures.
- Promoted inclusion and leadership development within the store team.
Store Manager of Operations
Forever 21 Inc.
New York, NY
01.2011 - 01.2019
- Managed large-scale retail operations and supervised 50+ employees.
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to improve KPIs and sales.
- Delivered training that improved retention and performance.
- Ensured consistency with corporate visual standards and initiatives.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Advertising & Marketing Communications
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), State University of New York (SUNY)
New York, NYAssociate Degree - Liberal Arts
Fulton Montgomery Community College
Johnstown, NYSkills
- Multi-Unit & Flagship Store Leadership
- Visual Merchandising & Brand Strategy
- Sales Growth & Profit Optimization
- Operations & Inventory Management
- Workforce Training & Development
- P&L; Oversight & Budget Control
- KPI Analysis & Business Strategy
- Microsoft Office Suite Kronos POS & Retail Systems
Websites
ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS
District Leadership Award – Party City (Top Regional Sales Growth), Top Sales Performer – H&M; (Exceeded Sales Targets by 10–15%), Employee of the Month (3 Consecutive Months) – Forever 21
Timeline
Area Manager of Operations
Carvana
01.2025 - 02.2026
Store Manager
DSW Shoe Warehouse
01.2023 - 07.2025
General Manager
Party City
01.2021 - 01.2023
Visual Merchandiser / Store Visual Display Manager
H&M
01.2020 - 01.2020
Department Manager
H&M
01.2019 - 01.2021
Store Director
Sephora Flagship
01.2019 - 01.2020
Store Manager of Operations
Forever 21 Inc.
01.2011 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Advertising & Marketing Communications
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), State University of New York (SUNY)
Associate Degree - Liberal Arts
Fulton Montgomery Community College