Leslie La Fountain
Edison,Nj
Summary
Results driven Retail Manager with 20 years retail Management experience, driven to apply a strong work ethic and motivational skills to achieve store goals, as well as employee and customer satisfaction.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Store Manager
Well Bred
Livingston, NJ
11.2024 - Current
- Oversaw daily store operations, ensuring optimal customer service and merchandise presentation.
- Managed inventory control processes, reducing excess stock through effective forecasting.
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
- Improved customer satisfaction through staff training in customer service and product knowledge.
- Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation.
- Fostered a positive work environment by cultivating strong relationships between team members through team-building activities and consistent recognition of individual achievements.
- Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge, and service requirements.
- Managed financial aspects of store operations, including budget planning, expense tracking, and accurate record-keeping to maintain fiscal responsibility.
- Increased store profitability by implementing cost-saving measures and efficient inventory management strategies.
- Developed strategies for attracting new customers by analyzing demographic data and conducting targeted marketing initiatives.
- Boosted overall store sales by implementing innovative marketing strategies and exceptional customer service standards.
- Coordinated in-store events to increase foot traffic, partnering with local businesses and community organizations for mutual benefit.
- Managed inventory levels to minimize waste and ensure product availability, supporting customer satisfaction and sales efficiency.
- Negotiated with vendors to introduce new products that matched consumer trends, keeping store's offerings fresh and appealing.
- Cultivated strong team by hiring motivated individuals and fostering collaborative workplace, leading to improved store performance.
Department Manager
Lowes Home Improvment
Morganville, NJ
11.2020 - 03.2024
- Led team to achieve sales targets through effective merchandise presentation and inventory management.
- Streamlined operational processes, resulting in improved efficiency across departments.
- Implemented visual merchandising strategies that increased store traffic and engagement.
- Fostered a collaborative team environment, enhancing employee retention and satisfaction levels.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations, providing feedback to promote professional growth among staff.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure seamless coordination in achieving company-wide objectives.
- Improved customer satisfaction rates through attentive service, prompt issue resolution, and continuous process improvements.
- Implemented cross-training initiatives for employees, increasing overall departmental knowledge and versatility.
- Advised upper management on key decisions based on thorough analysis of sales trends, market conditions, and competitor activities.
- Led cross-functional teams in high-priority projects, ensuring successful outcomes within tight deadlines.
Department Manager
H&M
Woodbridge, Nj
08.2017 - 10.2020
- Created culture focused on customer service and satisfaction, resulting in improved customer loyalty and retention.
- Coordinated and supervised activities of team members to consistently meet customers' needs.
- Drove shrink results through compliance with all guidelines involving safety, loss prevention, and cash-handling procedures.
- Improved customer satisfaction and loyalty by building an atmosphere focused on positive, memorable experiences.
- Managed employees, scheduled shifts, determined and provided training needs, and conducted performance reviews.
- Mentored many entry-level associates to achieve leadership positions and quickly became a leadership trainer for new store managers.
- Recognized for excellence in building and motivating management and hourly teams.
- Monitored and adjusted staff schedules based on business requirements.
- Monitored and controlled department budget, grew revenue, and contained expenses, reviewing monthly profit and loss statements to identify areas in need of improvement.
- Supported human resources initiatives by connecting with employees and proactively solving problems.
- Increased employee job satisfaction with hands-on, motivational approaches.
- Managed the performance of team members, conducted performance appraisals, and managed promotion recommendations.
- Oversaw daily operations with a practiced eye, focusing on efficiency, team collaboration and process improvements.
- Managed daily operations of retail establishment and monitored activities to verify compliance with SOPs and safety regulations.
- Supported back office procedures, including hiring and employment processes.
Operations Manager
Christmas Tree Shops
Freehold, Nj
08.2008 - 08.2017
- Was promoted from Department Manager to Operations Assistant Manager in 9 months.
- Hire, train and evaluate personnel for all areas of the store.
- Assist the Store Manager in all aspects of the daily running of the store.
- Act as a liaison between the associates and other members of Management. Helping to resolve any conflict, training or performance issues to ensure the highest level of productivity and morale.
- Write the weekly schedule for all employees
- Ensuring 100% compliance with all State and Federal programs in all areas of the store from Human Resources (OSHA, FMLA) to safety (Regulated Waste- HAZMAT)
- Implementing company programs to ensure the store is meeting its 'Total Loss' goals.
- While working in the Springfield location, I also oversaw the Harmon Department (not typically done by the operations Manager)and my experience and expertise in that area helped us maintain the highest comping Harmon in all 3 concepts for the 3 years I was there as well as help the Harmon Department in the Freehold location comp for the first time since I ran that department.
- Ensuring that any maintance and or equipment issues are repaired in a timely manner.
- Ordering all the supplies needed for the store to function
- Ensure the 100% adherence to drop ship vendor procedures including reconciliation of all invoices. Daily and weekly audits of the CCTV systems to identify internal and external Shrink issues.
- Christmas Tree Shops – Freehold, NJ
Education
No Degree - Business Administration And Management
College of Staten Island
Staten Island, NYSkills
- Detail-oriented
- Goal-oriented
- Personnel development
- Customer-oriented
- Strategic thinker
Timeline
Store Manager
Well Bred
11.2024 - Current
Department Manager
Lowes Home Improvment
11.2020 - 03.2024
Department Manager
H&M
08.2017 - 10.2020
Operations Manager
Christmas Tree Shops
08.2008 - 08.2017
No Degree - Business Administration And Management
College of Staten Island