Lauren Madden
Orlando,FL
Summary
Proactive manager with demonstrated leadership abilities, strategic planning expertise and problem-solving acumen. Assists senior managers with accomplishing demanding targets by encouraging staff and coordinating resources. Methodical and well-organized in optimizing coverage to meet operational demands.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Retail Strategy Associate Manager
The Walt Disney Company
03.2023 - Current
- Consistently provides Guest and Domestic Parks partner satisfaction by delivering quick turn product to support global programs and on-property events.
- Increases category sales performance and SKU count each year, overseeing $12 million+ in average annual revenue.
- Establishes and continues to build strong relationships with key stakeholders, fostering collaboration and mutual support by facilitating effective communication across departments.
- Leads team meetings regularly to manage cross-functional projects. Weekly topics include: progress updates, identifying challenges or roadblocks, guidance towards successful project completion. Partners include Planning, Sourcing, Allocation and Pricing. Also leads weekly team meetings with category vendors and on-site partners, ensuring alignment & timely completion with company objectives.
- Streamlined processes for (on-going) increased efficiencies within department including project request templates, quarterly overviews, line lists and photobooks.
- Developed strategy to increase sales and drive profits by introducing multiple new item types: wireless headphone cases, metal signs, MagicBand+, totebags.
- Creates exclusive merchandise to drive brand awareness and Guest engagement for Annual Passholders and Magic Key holders.
- Successfully manages multiple high-priority tasks simultaneously while maintaining strict deadlines ensuring optimal resource allocation.
- Oversaw entirety of new MADE on-demand stations for the TRON opening in April 2023, installed 4 new ordering kiosks in Animal Kingdom in 2022, supports all RunDisney events, Disneyland After Dark events, new WDW-based holiday events, specialty merchandise orders for the Castle Suite guests as well as custom MagicBand orders from tens to thousands of units.
- Developed product documentation to communicate upcoming features and products to internal teams.
- Oversaw training and onboarding process for newly hired employee within MADE department, continues to plan schedules and delegates assignments to meet coverage and project demands.
- Managed vendor relationships to ensure timely delivery of high-quality components and materials.
- Absorbed new duties to negotiate favorable terms with suppliers and vendors.
Owned & Operated Associate Manager
The Walt Disney Company
03.2021 - 03.2023
- Managed merchandising standards and maintained consistency across distribution channels for select subclasses within the Tech department, roughly $3 million in annual revenue , the entirety Youth Accessories department, over $24 million in annual revenue and the MADE department, roughly $12 million in annual revenue.
- Conducted competitive analysis to identify opportunities for growth and differentiation within the industry by traveling to trending cities and maintaining personal research online.
- Developed and implemented strategies to optimize product performance across all phases of product lifecycle, from launch to distribution, including documentation to communicate upcoming features & products to relevant partners.
- Cultivated and nurtured relationships with corporate alliance partner OtterBox via Tech category and co-brand partners for Crocs and Native shoes via Youth category.
- Managed MADE vendor relationships to ensure timely delivery of high-quality components and materials.
Product Development Assistant Manager
The Walt Disney Company
09.2018 - 03.2021
- Assisted in the successful launch of numerous products, contributing to significant revenue growth for the company in the iconic Headwear department, with revenue nearing $500 million yearly.
- Implemented "rush" strategy to capitalize on trending hat silhouette, producing over $1.2 million in incremental revenue in one quarter.
- Supported "Disney Parks Designer Collection" where we released a collection of designer ear headbands, collaborating with brands such as Vera Wang, Coach, and Betsey Johnson as well as celebrities such as Heidi Klum, The Rock and Ashley Eckstein.
- Maintained internal product knowledge database.
- Approved final photography and marketing materials for each product.
Visual Merchandising Analyst
Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc
02.2017 - 08.2018
- Directed visual merchandising for the outdoor apparel division of DSG, including but not limited to these brands: Patagonia, The North Face, Roxy, Columbia, Hurley, Billabong, Calia and Quicksilver.
- Managed inventory levels for optimal product assortment, ensuring a diverse and appealing store presentation.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to execute seasonal promotions and marketing campaigns, driving customer engagement.
- Organized special events and in-store demonstrations that showcased new products, boosting brand awareness and sales performance.
- Initiated first shop-in-shop Ski shop at DSG, through ideation, ordering and creating fixtures with vendors, to ordering select product by unique store location and setting the product for final executive walk throughs.
- Coordinated with purchasing teams to ensure timely delivery of merchandise needed for upcoming promotional events or seasonal changes, attended all buying meetings domestically to ensure selections supported visual strategy.
- Established open lines of communication with store personnel regarding any changes made in the visual merchandising plan, ensuring smooth transitions.
- Oversaw visual merchandising for new store openings and store collateral change-outs, including DSG, as well as Field and Stream and Golf Galaxy as needed.
- Spearheaded visual merchandising as one out of two partners for new Alpine Design brand, exclusive to DSG, by creating strategic presentation plans and creating holistic overview for executives and executing in store.
Manager
Crabtree & Evelyn
02.2012 - 02.2017
- Oversaw four store locations over 5 years throughout college, internships, and in between corporate jobs after graduation: New York City Rockefeller Center, New York City Columbus Circle, Pittsburgh (Mt. Lebanon) Galleria, Pittsburgh (Washington) Tanger Outlets
- Increased sales by implementing effective merchandising strategies and optimized store layouts.
- Improved customer satisfaction through proactive engagement, attentive service, and efficient problem resolution.
- Led a team of retail associates to achieve sales targets and deliver outstanding customer experiences.
- Developed staff training programs that resulted in improved product knowledge and enhanced selling skills.
- Managed inventory control, ensuring optimal stock levels for in-demand products and reducing excess merchandise.
- Oversaw store operations, including opening and closing procedures, cash management, and safety compliance.
- Recruited top talent for retail positions by conducting thorough interviews and selecting qualified candidates that aligned with company values.
- Enhanced store appearance by maintaining cleanliness standards and visually appealing displays that showcased products effectively.
- Streamlined operational processes through the implementation of efficient scheduling systems and task delegation strategies among staff members.
- Achieved monthly performance goals by setting clear objectives for employees while providing regular progress updates during team meetings.
- Prioritized excellent customer service through continuous monitoring of employee interactions with shoppers.
- Coordinated special events such as holiday promotions or clearance sales to drive additional business.
- Ensured consistent brand messaging across all aspects of the retail experience from signage placement to employee uniforms.
- Contributed to company-wide initiatives by participating in regional manager meetings, sharing best practices, and collaborating on strategy development.
- Implemented daily operating procedures to keep store clean, adequately stocked, and well-organized.
- Controlled store inventory and reviewed cash handling and operations reports.
- Oversaw employee performance, corrected problems, and increased efficiency to maintain productivity targets.
- Effectively allocated tasks during high-traffic times to keep operations running smoothly and employees focused.
- Exhibited excellent people skills during interaction with employees and customers.
- Trained and developed new employees for ease of transition into team.
- Completed daily paperwork and computer entry of sales data as established by management.
- Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
- Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
- Created employee schedules to align coverage with forecasted demands.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
Product Development Professional Internship
The Walt Disney Company
06.2016 - 12.2016
- Enhanced intern productivity by assisting with project coordination and providing ongoing support for the Seasonal department; including Halloween, Christmas and smaller holidays through FY17 and FY18
- Streamlined office processes for improved efficiency and time management through regular organization and filing.
- Contributed to a positive team environment by collaborating with fellow interns on group projects and presentations.
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
Ready to Wear Wholesale Intern
Vera Wang
01.2016 - 05.2016
- Maintained database and directive for incoming PO to (Manhattan) Mercer St. store, (Manhattan) Bloomingdale's and (Manhattan) Saks Fifth Avenue
- Pulled looks, assisted with fittings and shoots to curate statements and attend NYFW Spring 2016
- Created product knowledge decks for VW employees at Flagship location
Part Time Assistant Manager
Bath & Body Works
04.2013 - 01.2016
- Provided part-time assistant manager support to South Hills Village Mall location in Mt. Lebanon, PA
- Improved customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints promptly.
- Streamlined store operations for increased efficiency, implementing new processes and procedures.
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Increased sales through effective merchandising strategies and targeted promotions.
Bridal Consultant Intern
Kleinfeld Bridal
08.2015 - 11.2015
- Increased bridal client satisfaction by providing personalized consultations and recommendations on wedding attire.
- Assisted brides in selecting the perfect gown by carefully listening to their preferences and offering expert advice based on body type, venue, and personal style.
- Educated brides on proper gown care, fitting procedures, and alterations timelines to set realistic expectations and avoid last-minute stressors.
- Delivered exceptional customer service during all stages of the bridal gown selection process, from initial consultation through final fittings and pick-up dates.
- Assisted with event planning initiatives such as bridal expos and fashion shows, showcasing the boutique''s unique offerings while attracting potential new clientele.
- Sold and fitted [Product] for brides-to-be.
Seasonal Sales Associate
Ralph Lauren
10.2014 - 03.2015
- Provided personalized shopping experiences for repeat customers by remembering their preferences and offering tailored recommendations.
- Utilized cross-selling techniques to introduce customers to complementary products, increasing average transaction size.
- Participated in team meetings and training sessions regularly for continuous professional development within the retail industry.
- Achieved monthly sales targets consistently by implementing effective sales strategies and maintaining a high level of product knowledge.
- Developed new client relationships by actively engaging with potential customers and highlighting the benefits of our product offerings.
- Boosted customer satisfaction levels through exceptional service, addressing concerns promptly, and providing a welcoming store environment.
- Increased sales revenue by building strong rapport with customers and recommending appropriate products based on their needs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
LIM College
New York, NY05.2016
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And Sciences
Community College of Allegheny County
Pittsburgh, PASkills
- Project Management
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Contract Management
- Problem Solving & Conflict Resolution
- Quality Assurance
- Process Improvement
- Product and Service Knowledge
Timeline
Retail Strategy Associate Manager
The Walt Disney Company
03.2023 - Current
Owned & Operated Associate Manager
The Walt Disney Company
03.2021 - 03.2023
Product Development Assistant Manager
The Walt Disney Company
09.2018 - 03.2021
Visual Merchandising Analyst
Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc
02.2017 - 08.2018
Product Development Professional Internship
The Walt Disney Company
06.2016 - 12.2016
Ready to Wear Wholesale Intern
Vera Wang
01.2016 - 05.2016
Bridal Consultant Intern
Kleinfeld Bridal
08.2015 - 11.2015
Seasonal Sales Associate
Ralph Lauren
10.2014 - 03.2015
Part Time Assistant Manager
Bath & Body Works
04.2013 - 01.2016
Manager
Crabtree & Evelyn
02.2012 - 02.2017
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
LIM College
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And Sciences
Community College of Allegheny County