Lara McKinley
Bartlett,TN
Summary
Detail-oriented Visual Merchandiser excelling in creative vision and project planning. Known for innovating seasonal displays and enhancing product visibility to drive sales and customer satisfaction. Committed to delivering high-quality merchandising solutions that align with brand objectives.
Innovative visual merchandiser skilled in style design, team collaboration, and problem-solving. Proven ability to enhance customer engagement and optimize product presentation through effective design implementation.
Overview
44
44
years of professional experience
Work History
Visual Merchandiser
IKEA
Memphis, TN
05.2023 - Current
- Developed and implemented visual merchandising strategies to enhance product presentation and customer engagement.
- Analyzed sales data to optimize layout and display effectiveness, driving increased foot traffic.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of brand messaging and in-store promotions.
- Trained and mentored junior staff on best practices for visual merchandising and store presentation standards.
- Conducted regular audits of visual displays to maintain compliance with corporate guidelines and quality standards.
- Innovated seasonal display concepts that aligned with marketing initiatives, resulting in improved customer experiences.
- Worked with store managers to implement new displays, promotions and store layout changes.
- Monitored and replenished display inventory and restructured according to available stock.
- Created interior displays to promote products in alignment with corporate sales objectives.
- Collaborated with management to develop seasonal merchandising strategies for optimal customer engagement.
- Monitored and adjusted lighting to enhance product presentation, creating inviting atmosphere that encouraged purchases.
Retail Sales Associate, Cashier, Customer Service
IKEA
Memphis, TN
02.2017 - 05.2023
- Delivered exceptional customer service, resolving inquiries and enhancing shopping experiences.
- Operated cash register efficiently, processing transactions and managing cash flow accurately.
- Maintained product displays and ensured stock levels met customer demands.
- Assisted in training new staff on store procedures and customer interaction standards.
- Maintained a clean and organized store environment, contributing to a positive customer experience.
- Managed returns and exchanges, resolving customer issues promptly and professionally.
- Replenished sales floor merchandise and organized shelves, racks, and bins for optimal appearance.
TEACHER
First Evangelical Church-Homeschool Program
Memphis, TN
08.2005 - 01.2018
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Implemented diverse instructional strategies to accommodate varied learning styles.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment promoting student participation.
- Collaborated with parents and guardians to support student academic success.
- Coordinated extracurricular activities to enhance student development and community involvement.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
Sales Associate / Custom Picture Framer
Austin Frame Shop
Memphis, TN
05.1982 - 06.2000
- Assisted customers in selecting custom framing options to meet diverse aesthetic and functional needs.
- Managed inventory levels, ensuring timely restocking of materials and supplies for seamless operations.
- Processed payments and maintained accurate sales records using point-of-sale systems effectively.
- Developed strong customer relationships through personalized service and expert product knowledge.
Education
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Northwest Mississippi Community College
Senatobia, MS05-1987
High School Diploma -
Briarcrest High School
Memphis, TN05-1985
Skills
- Product knowledge
- Seasonal displays
- Product display
- Workload planning
- Team collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Design implementation coordination
- Creative vision
Timeline
Visual Merchandiser
IKEA
05.2023 - Current
Retail Sales Associate, Cashier, Customer Service
IKEA
02.2017 - 05.2023
TEACHER
First Evangelical Church-Homeschool Program
08.2005 - 01.2018
Sales Associate / Custom Picture Framer
Austin Frame Shop
05.1982 - 06.2000
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Northwest Mississippi Community College
High School Diploma -
Briarcrest High School