Leighton Panton
McDonough,GA
Summary
Motivational leader and organizational problem-solver with advanced supervisory, team building and customer service skills. Experience stepping into roles and quickly making positive changes to drive company success. Focused on using training, monitoring and morale-building techniques to maximize employee engagement and performance.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Merchandising Team Manager
Belk Department Store
Brooklyn, GA
01.2022 - Current
- Managed merchandise assortments to align with seasonal trends and customer preferences.
- Led team training sessions on visual merchandising standards and best practices.
- Developed promotional displays that highlighted key merchandise and boosts visibility.
- Resolved customer complaints in a professional manner while maintaining brand integrity.
- Scheduled staff shifts to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours.
- Maintained high merchandising standards by building attractive displays and monitoring inventory levels.
- Monitored customer feedback through surveys, focus groups, and other methods.
- Trained new staff on store policies, procedures, and product knowledge.
Operation, Merchandising and Visual manager
Macy’s
Morrow, Georgia
08.2016 - 11.2021
- Designed engaging visual displays to enhance customer shopping experiences.
- Collaborated with team members to execute seasonal merchandising strategies.
- Trained staff on visual standards and presentation techniques for merchandise.
- Developed creative concepts for in-store events and promotions to drive traffic.
- Created in-store displays that showcased the latest product lines.
Merchandise Supervisor
JCPenney
New York, New York
03.2011 - 06.2016
- Supervised merchandise presentation and organization on the sales floor.
- Collaborated with team to manage inventory levels and product replenishment.
- Trained staff on visual merchandising standards and compliance guidelines.
- Led team meetings to discuss sales strategies and performance updates.
- Assisted customers with product inquiries and provided exceptional service.
- Developed training materials for new hires to enhance onboarding experience.
- Established and updated schedules to maximize coverage and delegated assignments to manage challenging objectives.
- Trained, coached and managed team of sales and customer service professionals.
- Supervised a team of 15+ staff members in the merchandise department, delegating tasks and providing guidance when needed.
Commission Associate
Sears
Brooklyn, New York
06.2008 - 03.2011
- Assisted customers with product inquiries and provided shoe recommendations.
- Assisted customers with selecting items and answering questions about products.
- Built relationships with customers by providing friendly customer service.
- Resolved customer complaints effectively, ensuring a positive shopping experience.
- Trained new associates on store policies and customer service standards.
- Managed inventory levels and restocked merchandise on the sales floor.
- Handled cash transactions accurately at the point of sale system.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and organized store environment.
- Conducted regular audits of merchandise displays for compliance with company standards.
Education
Boys And Girls High
Brooklyn, New YorkSkills
- Visual merchandising
- Store layout design
- Product presentation
- Inventory management
- Sales strategy development
- Display organization
- Team collaboration
- Staff training
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Effective communication
Languages
English
Professional
Accomplishments
- Best of Belk three years
- Manager of the month at Macys
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Merchandising Team Manager
Belk Department Store
01.2022 - Current
Operation, Merchandising and Visual manager
Macy’s
08.2016 - 11.2021
Merchandise Supervisor
JCPenney
03.2011 - 06.2016
Commission Associate
Sears
06.2008 - 03.2011
Boys And Girls High