Kerri Schuchholz
Freeport,PA
Summary
Driven and energetic professional with extensive background in managing, organizing, and implementing retail strategies to drive sales growth. Strengths lie in deep understanding of local market trends, keen ability to identify potential growth areas, and effective communication skills for team collaboration.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Core Area Specialist - Kitchens
Ikea
Conshohocken, PA
01.2023 - Current
- Work as part of the US selling team to direct sales strategy, Lead and develop teams, collaborate across multiple functions to drive omni channel sales growth for the US market.
- Monitor market trends.
- Analyzed market trends to inform strategic planning and enhance customer experience.
- Facilitated training sessions for new team members on operational procedures and standards.
- Developed visual merchandising strategies to align with brand standards and promotional events.
- Implemented best practices for sustainability initiatives within the area of responsibility.
Vice-President, Sales and Design
The Kitchen Showcase/Ferguson Enterprises
Centennial, Colorado
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Lead sales team during transition from private ownership to corporate structure.
- Developed strategic partnerships with manufactures.
- Negotiated all product and pricing agreements with vendors.
- Analyze sales data, including profit margins and individual metrics of sales team to maximize individual and team performance.
- Planned and oversaw implementation of all showroom displays in multiple locations to align with market demands and vendor partnerships.
- Solution oriented to resolve elevated customers.
- Hired, onboard, trained and managed sales and design staff of twenty-five.
- Organized and implemented all staff, vendor and customer events.
- Organized special projects such as corporate events or marketing campaigns.
Design Support, Product and Training Manager
The Kitchen Showcase/Ferguson Enterprises
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Created and implemented training for new sales/design team members.
- Coach and train new and existing sales/design team-members on company products and procedures to deliver sales growth and operational excellence.
- Worked with management team to improve sales processes and procedures.
- Model the core values of the company.
- Use sales metrics to determine relevant product for showroom.
- Developed digital ordering process.
Kitchen Trainer
Ikea
Centennial, CO
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Utilized national kitchen training program to assist in the development of the kitchen and bath teams for the opening of all new US stores.
- Created local training program to train all new incoming coworkers.
Kitchen Sales
Ikea
Centennial, CO
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Work as part of a team to achieve strong sales results for a top-ranking kitchen department in the country.
- Maintained showroom to comply with visual standards and maximize sales.
- Completed comparison-shopping for market relevance.
- Maintained highest level of customer service, before, during and after the sale.
Design Center Specialist
The Great Indoors
Lone Tree, CO
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Followed special orders for appliances, countertops, and installation projects from point of sale through completion to achieve customer satisfaction.
- Maintained the highest levels of communication between vendors, installers, customers, and fellow team members.
- Acted as part of a team to ensure success for store and independent installers.
- Worked with new and existing store sales staff to train policy and procedures.
Lighting Sales Associate
The Great Indoors
Lone Tree, CO
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Maintained visual standards of department.
- Assisted department manager in training new associates.
Sales and Design Associate
Rustic Acres Furniture
Indiana, PA
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Consulted with customers in the selection, design and coordination of furniture, fabrics, carpeting, lighting, and other custom home interior items.
- Kept proper inventory levels through monthly audits.
- Implemented extensive visual displays.
- Ensure profits by maintaining margin on all goods sold.
Assistant Store Manager/Visual Merchandising Manager
American Eagle Outfitters
Atlanta, GA
01.1997 - 01.2000
- Assisted store manager in all aspects of store operation for a location nationally ranked in the top 4% for sales.
- Built brand by exceeding expectations of visual standards.
- Recruited, hired, trained, and scheduled team of up to thirty.
- Controlled expenses and inventory through implementation of corporate policy.
- Organized product displays to enhance visual appeal and attract customer attention.
Corporate Construction Specialist
American Eagle Outfitters
01.1997 - 01.2000
- Communicate with field personnel and vendors on all aspects of new store construction.
- Order materials and schedule delivery for properly timed execution on job site.
- Audit and process invoices for all new store construction, remodeling, and fixture upgrades.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA 09.1993 - 12.1997
Some College (No Degree) - Interior Design
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA 09.2000 - 05.2002
Skills
- Visual merchandising
- Team leadership
- Sales strategy
- Training facilitation
- Strategic planning
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Brand awareness
- Vendor negotiation
- Product merchandising
Timeline
Core Area Specialist - Kitchens
Ikea
01.2023 - Current
Vice-President, Sales and Design
The Kitchen Showcase/Ferguson Enterprises
01.2021 - 01.2023
Design Support, Product and Training Manager
The Kitchen Showcase/Ferguson Enterprises
01.2018 - 01.2021
Kitchen Trainer
Ikea
01.2015 - 01.2018
Kitchen Sales
Ikea
01.2015 - 01.2018
Design Center Specialist
The Great Indoors
01.2002 - 01.2005
Lighting Sales Associate
The Great Indoors
01.2002 - 01.2005
Some College (No Degree) - Interior Design
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
09.2000 - 05.2002
Sales and Design Associate
Rustic Acres Furniture
01.2000 - 01.2002
Assistant Store Manager/Visual Merchandising Manager
American Eagle Outfitters
01.1997 - 01.2000
Corporate Construction Specialist
American Eagle Outfitters
01.1997 - 01.2000
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
09.1993 - 12.1997