Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Marzena Farfan

Meriden,CT

Summary

Customer-oriented Store Manager offering over 20 years of experience in retail operations, sales and service team leadership and profitability strategies. Organized and skilled at prioritizing daily tasks and following through to achieve performance and productivity goals. Recruits, trains, develops and manages team of store associates and assistant managers.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Selling Team Leader

American Eagle Outfiters
Farmington, CT
12.2023 - Current
  • Coordinate team activities and delegated tasks to ensure efficient completion of projects.
  • Develop strategies for problem solving and conflict resolution among team members.
  • Conduct regular performance reviews to assess individual team member progress.
  • Provide coaching and feedback on employee performance, encouraging professional development.
  • Assist with recruitment efforts by interviewing potential candidates and providing input on hiring decisions.
  • Monitor daily workflow to ensure adherence to established policies and procedures.
  • Review customer service surveys and implemented strategies to improve customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Maintain a positive work environment that promoted collaboration between team members.
  • Ensured compliance with all safety regulations in the workplace.
  • Resolved customer complaints in an effective manner while maintaining a high level of customer service.
  • Implemented changes in response to changing business needs or customer demands.
  • Offered training and support to keep team members motivated and working toward objectives.
  • Delegated daily tasks to team members to optimize group productivity.
  • Keep work areas clean, neat and free of safety hazards to maximize efficiency.
  • Motivate and empowered team members to build customer satisfaction and loyalty to support retention and growth.
  • Drive Loyalty and credit card acquisition.
  • Foster positive employee relationships through communication, training and development coaching.
  • Conduct daily store operations, including opening and closing procedures and cash handling.
  • Conduct product knowledge training session with new and current associates to increase selling confidence, through try on experience and floorset execution.
  • Provide excellent customer experience to all guest.

Store Manager

Express Retail
Trumbull, CT
03.2021 - 12.2023

Talent - Attracted, developed and retain top talent

  • Supported an environment which encouraged an exceptionally high level of store morale
  • Focused all store associates on creating an environment built on teamwork and a "one team" mentality
  • Coached, recognized, and manage all aspects of performance and development for all store associates to encourage professional growth, retained and build a bench of talent
  • Built a succession plan for all roles
  • Identifed and nurtured the growth of high performing store associates
  • Developed and maximized the success of store associates to achieve sales potential and customer experience
  • Attracted, recruited and hired all store associates

Customer and Associate Experience - Built a store environment that consistently delivered exceptional customer experiences

  • Led, modeled, and coached for consistent focus on customer engagement according to our Customer Experience Philosophy
  • Created a culture of proactive customer engagement
  • Displayed expert knowledge of product, company policies, promotions, loyalty programs and led the education of the team on all areas of the customer and associate experience
  • Provided leadership with product launches, window changes, visual presentation standards, signage placement, etc.
  • Resolved customer complaints to a positive outcome by determining source of issues and taking initiative to identify and resolve
  • Drove loyalty and credit card acquisition through an engaged store team
  • Created positive in-store experience through visual standards

Execution - Analyzed the business and executed/communicated clear action plans that optimize results.

  • Managed all aspects of daily store operations
  • Ensured all store associates have clarity on goals and action plans
  • Created clear action plans that optimize results
  • Directed workload and ensure execution of plans and strategies across the store
  • Ensured the adherence to Company Policies and the safety of store associates and Customers
  • Directed merchandise flow, such as shipment, replenishment, and omni-channel operations, throughout the store
  • Optimized sales/operations opportunity, by leading the associates consistently executes merchandising strategies, operations, loyalty programs and other company initiatives
  • Ensured an effective schedule with the right associate in the right place at the right time
  • Managed controllable expenses and ensure loss prevention and safety standards in place

Store Manager

Express Factory Outlet
Clinton, CT
11.2019 - 03.2021

Talent - Attracted, developed and retain top talent

  • Supported an environment which encouraged an exceptionally high level of store morale
  • Focused all store associates on creating an environment built on teamwork and a "one team" mentality
  • Coached, recognized, and manage all aspects of performance and development for all store associates to encourage professional growth, retained and build a bench of talent
  • Built a succession plan for all roles
  • Identifed and nurtured the growth of high performing store associates
  • Developed and maximized the success of store associates to achieve sales potential and customer experience
  • Attracted, recruited and hired all store associates

Customer and Associate Experience - Built a store environment that consistently delivered exceptional customer experiences

  • Led, modeled, and coached for consistent focus on customer engagement according to our Customer Experience Philosophy
  • Created a culture of proactive customer engagement
  • Displayed expert knowledge of product, company policies, promotions, loyalty programs and led the education of the team on all areas of the customer and associate experience
  • Provided leadership with product launches, window changes, visual presentation standards, signage placement, etc.
  • Resolved customer complaints to a positive outcome by determining source of issues and taking initiative to identify and resolve
  • Drove loyalty and credit card acquisition through an engaged store team
  • Created positive in-store experience through visual standards

Execution - Analyzed the business and executed/communicated clear action plans that optimize results.

  • Managed all aspects of daily store operations
  • Ensured all store associates have clarity on goals and action plans
  • Created clear action plans that optimize results
  • Directed workload and ensure execution of plans and strategies across the store
  • Ensured the adherence to Company Policies and the safety of store associates and Customers
  • Directed merchandise flow, such as shipment, replenishment, and omni-channel operations, throughout the store
  • Optimized sales/operations opportunity, by leading the associates consistently executes merchandising strategies, operations, loyalty programs and other company initiatives
  • Ensured an effective schedule with the right associate in the right place at the right time
  • Managed controllable expenses and ensure loss prevention and safety standards in place

Associate Manager

Express Retail
West Hartford, CT
11.2012 - 11.2019
  • Attracted, hired, developed, inspired, and retained top talent
  • Supported an environment, which encourages an exceptionally high level of the store morale.
  • Focused all store associates on creating an environment built on team work and inspiring a "one team" mentality.
  • Coached, trained, recognized and manage all aspects of performance and development for all store associates up to andincluding Sales Leaders, to encourage professional growth and build a bench of talent.
  • Identified high performing store associates and assist in their growth.
  • Developed and maximized the success of store associates to achieve sales potential and customer experience.
  • Attracted and hired store associates, up to and including Sales Leaders.
  • Analyze the business and execute/communicate clear action plans that optimize results.
  • Manage all aspects of daily store operations.
  • Ensure all store associates have clarity on goals and action plans.
  • Provided feedback to help support the creation of clear action plans that optimize results.
  • Managed and delegated workload and ensure execution of plans and strategies across the store.
  • Maintained adherence to Company Policies and ensures the safety of store associates and Customers.
  • Managed merchandise flow, such as shipment, replenishment, and omni-channel operations, throughout the store.
  • Optimized sales/operations opportunity, by leading the associates consistently executes merchandising strategies, operations,loyalty programs and other company initiatives.
  • With approval of the Store Manager, built an effective schedule with the right associate in the right place at the right time.
  • Supported and developed a store environment focused on consistently delivering a great in-store customer experience.
  • Resolved customer complaints to a positive outcome. Determined source of issues and takes initiative to identify and resolve.
  • Lead consistent focus on delivering a great customer experience
  • Created a culture of proactive customer engagement to exceed our customer's expectations.
  • Drove loyalty and credit card acquisition through an engaged store team.
  • Created positive in-store experience through visual standards

Store Manager

New York and Company
Trumbull, CT
02.2007 - 01.2012
  • Conducted daily store operations, including opening and closing procedures and cash handling.
  • Developed strategies to maximize sales and profitability.
  • Established customer service standards and monitored staff compliance.
  • Recruited, trained and supervised new employees.
  • Ensured compliance with safety regulations and company policies.
  • Implemented efficient systems for tracking stock movement.
  • Analyzed financial data to identify areas of improvement.
  • Maintained accurate records of employee performance reviews.
  • Created weekly work schedules for store personnel.
  • Performed regular price checks to ensure competitive pricing.
  • Trained and mentored associates to teach daily tasks and procedures.
  • Managed inventory tracking and physical inventory counts to minimize loss.
  • Completed thorough opening, closing and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
  • Monitored employee performance and identified performance gaps for corrective action.
  • Prepared weekly schedules to verify proper floor coverage within fiscal guidelines.
  • Delivered excellent customer service and adhered to standard practices to maximize sales and minimize shrinkage.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction and store operations through relationship building and daily problem-solving.
  • Oversaw inventory management through cycle counts, audits and shrinkage control.
  • Updated and maintained store signage and displays.
  • Strengthened work flow productivity by hiring, managing and developing top talent.
  • Established store tactics and strategies to achieve operational performance and sales goals.
  • Evaluated store performance and incorporated feedback to implement improvement plans.
  • Generated repeat business by responding to customer concerns with friendly and knowledgeable service.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.

EDITDELETEMOVE

EDIT


Store Co-Manager

New York and Company
Meriden , CT
02.2004 - 02.2007
  • Developed and implemented innovative merchandising strategies to maximize sales.
  • Organized product displays in accordance with corporate guidelines.
  • Created visual presentations that effectively promoted products.
  • Analyzed customer shopping habits to identify opportunities for increased sales.
  • Assisted customers in selecting appropriate merchandise for their needs.
  • Maintained accurate inventory records of all stock items.
  • Collaborated with store management to ensure effective implementation of promotional activities.
  • Conducted regular audits of store inventories and restocked shelves as needed.
  • Monitored customer feedback regarding product availability, quality, and pricing.
  • Provided training on merchandising techniques and procedures to new staff members.
  • Rotated products from stockroom out to department sales floor according to seasonal plans, promotional schedules and style rotation plan.
  • Communicated and coordinated execution of planograms with store management.
  • Increased store sales by cross-selling complementary items.
  • Taught sales staff to properly coordinate clothing racks and counter displays to maximize promotional effectiveness.

Assistant Manager

New York and Company
Meriden , CT
06.2003 - 02.2004
  • Monitored staff productivity and efficiency, developing strategies to improve performance where necessary.
  • Managed customer service operations including complaints resolution and dispute resolution.
  • Analyzed sales reports to identify areas for improvement in product selection or pricing strategies.
  • Implemented promotional activities such as discounts, contests, or special offers for customers.
  • Provided support in training new employees on all aspects of their job responsibilities.
  • Maintained accurate records of employee attendance, work schedules, vacation time usage.
  • Ensured that the store was kept clean, organized and safe at all times according to company guidelines.
  • Processed sales transactions via cash register and telephone orders.
  • Trained staff to have extensive product knowledge and upselling skills.
  • Cultivated loyal customer base by providing excellent customer service.
  • Monitored loss prevention operations to minimize impact of shrink and identify theft and fraud.
  • Implemented successful business strategies to increase revenue.

Education

Associate of Science - Business Administration

Middlesex Community College - Middletown
Middletown, CT
05-2003

Skills

  • Merchandise Strategizing
  • Profit and Loss Management
  • Hiring and Training
  • Sales Growth
  • Retail Employee Training
  • Problem-Solving
  • Retail Operations
  • Sales Leadership
  • Inventory Control
  • Polish Fluency
  • Strategic Planning
  • Sales Analysis

Languages

Polish
Native/ Bilingual

Timeline

Selling Team Leader

American Eagle Outfiters
12.2023 - Current

Store Manager

Express Retail
03.2021 - 12.2023

Store Manager

Express Factory Outlet
11.2019 - 03.2021

Associate Manager

Express Retail
11.2012 - 11.2019

Store Manager

New York and Company
02.2007 - 01.2012

Store Co-Manager

New York and Company
02.2004 - 02.2007

Assistant Manager

New York and Company
06.2003 - 02.2004

Associate of Science - Business Administration

Middlesex Community College - Middletown
Marzena Farfan