Summary

Overview

Work History

Education

Skills

Timeline

Kayla Richardson

Hattiesburg,Mississippi

Summary

Dynamic leader with a proven track record of transforming underperforming stores into top performers, evidenced by elevating Books-A-Million locations to A+ status. Expert in team building, development, and innovative marketing strategies; evident in both manning the reigns of the Assistant Manager conference call and the "Blind Date With A Book" initiative. Excelled in networking, notably with key industry figures, and significantly enhanced sales and operational excellence at Kohl's Department Store prior to working at Books-A-Million. Attributes of eagerness to learn and determination to succeed are the driving factors towards an ambition of expanding reach and impact in the company.

Overview

8

8

years of professional experience

Work History

General Manager

Books-A-Million

01.2019 - Current

Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
Began as Co-Manager at 423 Hammond in January of 2020 until Fall of 2020, when I was promoted to Assistant General Manager.
Promoted to General Manager of 609 Southaven in November of 2021.
Transitioned to General Manager of 431 Hattiesburg in June of 2023, which is the position I hold today.
During the purview of my time as General Manager at 431 Hattiesburg, I also operated as the District Trainer to our district.

Sales Associate

Kohls Department Store

01.2017 - 02.2019

Accurately processed POS transactions, returning coin, currency, payment cards, and receipts to customers.
Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
Engaged with customers to effectively build rapport and lasting relationships.
Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
Worked to meet or exceed special targets for credit card applications, special donations and specific product promotions.
Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color.

Education

High School Diploma -

Hammond High Magnet School

Hammond, LA

05.2014

Skills

Team Building and Development: 609 Southaven and 431 Hattiesburg, my two chief stores, were both unimpressive stores when I first took them under my management Through my time at both locations, I developed them from underperforming stores to A stores During last year's fiscal year 2024, Southaven was among the highest on scorecard metrics both in district and company (top 5) Hattiesburg also drastically improved after I assumed the General Manager position, becoming one of the top performers in my district even with just half of the fiscal year to enforce my improvements
Networking: I have come to personally know all my fellow General Managers in the district and frequently help them with concerns and assistance I have been to two DM weeks, in Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 Given these opportunities, I took the chance to network and meet with many other managers throughout the company Some of the great higher ups I've had the privilege to introduce myself to is Michael Haberecht, Joey Weast, Scott Kappler, and Hailey Matlin-Nichols I have also since attended the Regional-Ops call on multiple occasions and have even presented a Metrics presentation that I created

Marketing and Sales: I familiarize myself with our customer base and product, so that I understand how to sharpen the store's marketing tactics to accommodate our shoppers A perfect example of this is the "Blind Date With A Book" display that our stores have featured a few times, an idea I originally introduced to our district
Leadership: I have played a key role in hiring, training, and continuing to take charge of many of the staff and management throughout district 12 The current General Managers of stores 609 Southaven, 844 Slidell, and the soon to be of 626 Mobile (as well as the AGM) have all been hired and trained by myself One of my proudest achievements in this regard is the AGM Conference call, which I coordinate and present every other week to all the Assistant managers of the district

Timeline

General Manager

Books-A-Million

01.2019 - Current

Sales Associate

Kohls Department Store

01.2017 - 02.2019

High School Diploma -

Hammond High Magnet School