Laura Barnett
Commack
Summary
Strategic retail leader with 30 years of progressive experience across Ann Taylor and LOFT. Advanced through six store locations, culminating in leadership of a Flagship store generating $8.5M in annual revenue and managing a team of 64 employees. Recognized as Top Sales Leader for three consecutive years. Selected as Brand Ambassador to support international expansion and lead the opening of six franchise LOFT stores in Mexico City. Known for P&L leadership, talent development, cross-functional collaboration, and solving complex operational challenges in high-volume retail environments.Seeking an Area Manager / District Leadership role to drive regional performance, develop strong leadership teams, and deliver operational excellence.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Store Leader | Flagship Store Manager
LOFT
- Progressively promoted through six store locations, advancing from lower-volume stores to leading a Flagship store
- Lead $8.5M flagship location with 64 employees
- Recognized as Top Sales Leader for three consecutive years
- Maintain full P&L accountability, including payroll, expense management, and operational budgets
- Reduced shrink through disciplined loss prevention strategies
- Developed leadership pipeline resulting in six Store Manager promotions
- Partner with merchandising, visual, operations, and regional leadership teams
- Provide high-level problem solving in a complex flagship retail environment
- International Expansion & Brand Ambassador
- Selected as Brand Ambassador to support LOFT international expansion
- Partnered with franchise operators to successfully open six LOFT franchise stores in Mexico City
- Delivered operational training, brand standards, and leadership development for new teams
- Ensured alignment with U.S. brand strategy, merchandising, visual standards, and operational execution
Store Leadership
Ann Taylor
- Progressively promoted to lead higher-volume store locations
- Built high-performing sales teams focused on client experience and results
- Delivered strong customer experience and consistent revenue growth
- Developed foundation in operational discipline, leadership development, and brand execution
Store Leadership
Ann Taylor
01.2013 - 01.2020
- Progressively promoted to lead higher-volume store locations
- Built high-performing sales teams focused on client experience and results
- Delivered strong customer experience and consistent revenue growth
- Developed foundation in operational discipline, leadership development, and brand execution
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration -
Universidad Latinoamericana
MexicoSkills
- Multi-Unit Leadership
- Flagship Store Operations
- P&L Management
- Revenue Growth & Sales Acceleration
- Talent Development & Succession Planning
- Shrink Reduction & Loss Prevention
- Cross-Functional Leadership Collaboration
- Operational Strategy
- High-Level Problem Solving
- International Retail Expansion & Store Openings
Core Leadership Competencies
- Multi-Unit Leadership
- Flagship Store Operations
- P&L Management
- Revenue Growth & Sales Acceleration
- Talent Development & Succession Planning
- Shrink Reduction & Loss Prevention
- Cross-Functional Leadership Collaboration
- Operational Strategy
- High-Level Problem Solving
- International Retail Expansion & Store Openings
Timeline
Store Leadership
Ann Taylor
01.2013 - 01.2020
Store Leader | Flagship Store Manager
LOFT
Store Leadership
Ann Taylor
Bachelor of Business Administration -
Universidad Latinoamericana