Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
CustomerServiceRepresentative

Kristi Gunter

North Richland Hills,TX

Summary

Seasoned professional with 37 years of experience in retail management, merchandising, and space planning. Excelled in managerial roles at The Michaels Companies, driving profit growth and maintaining high standards in floor planning operations. Seeking a Manager position to leverage expertise in team leadership, strategic planning, and process optimization.

Overview

40
40
years of professional experience

Work History

Manager of Floor Planning and Space Operations

The Michaels Companies
02.2019 - 12.2023
  • Spearheaded comprehensive space optimization strategies for retail layouts, enhancing customer shopping experience and driving sales performance across The Michaels Companies' nationwide store portfolio.
  • Managed the creation of store-specific floor plans, ensuring compliance with brand and merchandising standards across a large retail network.
  • Conducted sales and gross margin analyses to evaluate space utilization, leading to strategic adjustments in future planogram deployments.
  • Oversaw team performance through development of weekly action plans, contributing to cross-functional meetings to foster collaborative decision-making.
  • Maintained rigorous oversight of store planogram accuracy, achieving a sustained error rate of less than 1%.

Space Operations Manager

The Michaels Companies
06.2015 - 02.2019
  • Led the development and implementation of space planning initiatives, improving store layouts and product positioning, which facilitated better customer experiences and optimized inventory management.
  • Conceptualized and executed strategies to increase business and drive yearly profit growth.
  • Managed accuracy and maintenance of all store planogram profiles to maintain less than 1% error rate for over 7 years.
  • Orchestrated new store and relocation profile builds and created SBA Reset and PLN POG versioning for store profiles


Merchandise Presentation Manager

The Michaels Companies
09.2013 - 06.2015
  • Adapted merchandise presentation strategies based on changing trends, consumer preferences, and market demands.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices for merchandise presentation management.
  • Leveraged customer feedback to make informed decisions about product placement and display adjustments.
  • Optimized space utilization through effective floor planning, resulting in higher product turnover rates.

Sr Space Strategy Specialist

The Michaels Companies
05.2006 - 09.2013
  • Lead cross-functional teams to execute strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and objectives.
  • Conducted in-depth market analysis and forecasting to identify opportunities for growth and innovation within the space industry.
  • Collaborated with internal stakeholders and external partners to establish strategic partnerships and alliances to support space exploration initiatives.
  • Managed project budgets, resource allocation, and timelines to ensure successful project delivery within scope and on schedule.

Sr Visual Presentation Specialist

The Michaels Companies
06.2001 - 05.2006


  • Lead the conceptualization, design, and production of store graphics and signage to support marketing campaigns, promotions, and brand initiatives.
  • Collaborated closely with marketing, merchandising, and store operations teams to understand project requirements and develop creative solutions that effectively communicate brand messages and drive sales.
  • Managed the end-to-end process of store graphics production, from concept development and design to printing, fabrication, and installation, ensuring consistency and quality across all materials.
  • Coordinated with external vendors and suppliers to obtain quotes, negotiate pricing, and oversee production timelines to meet project deadlines and budgetary constraints.



Visual Sales Manager

The Container Store
11.1996 - 06.2001

Corporate Director of Marketing and Procurement

TCT Entertainment Corporation
03.1984 - 05.1996

Education

Paralegal -

Tarrant County College District
Fort Worth, TX
1984

Skills

    Strategic Planning

    Team Development

    Space Planning

    Project Management

    Process Improvement

    Visual Merchandising

    Cross-Functional Communication

    Budget Management

Timeline

Manager of Floor Planning and Space Operations

The Michaels Companies
02.2019 - 12.2023

Space Operations Manager

The Michaels Companies
06.2015 - 02.2019

Merchandise Presentation Manager

The Michaels Companies
09.2013 - 06.2015

Sr Space Strategy Specialist

The Michaels Companies
05.2006 - 09.2013

Sr Visual Presentation Specialist

The Michaels Companies
06.2001 - 05.2006

Visual Sales Manager

The Container Store
11.1996 - 06.2001

Corporate Director of Marketing and Procurement

TCT Entertainment Corporation
03.1984 - 05.1996

Paralegal -

Tarrant County College District
Kristi Gunter