Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Melissa Hintze

Melissa Hintze

Afton,MN

Summary

Dynamic Leader with extensive experience in retail management, team leadership, creative problem-solving and customer relations. Successfully enhances customer experience and sales through team training, innovative merchandising, and strategic planning. Brings strong leadership skills, effective recruitment, and comprehensive training expertise to drive team performance and collaborative business growth.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Store Manager

J.Jill
08.2022 - Current
  • Supports the organization by acting as the On-boarding Subject Matter Expert across multiple locations. Responsibilities include recruitment support, employee training and mentorship as well as facilitating virtual on-boarding training sessions.
  • Conducts interviews with external applicants for various leadership roles within organization.
  • Supports the organization as district contact for various initiatives as stretch assignments while maintaining success at my location.
  • Enhances product knowledge by actively participating in monthly Product Feedback calls, refining communication skills to effectively gather and transmit feedback throughout the organization to enhance future collections to improve customer satisfaction.
  • Applies fluent business acumen analysis to drive store performance enhancements and provide guidance to colleagues, generating measurable outcomes throughout organization.
  • Manages employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and constructive feedback while focusing on their strengths.
  • Implemented strategic event planning for diverse promotions like seasonal sales campaigns, The Teacher Event, August Wellness Event, and improvements in bounce back events to maximize customer turnout and elevate global sales prospects.
  • Achieves consistent sales growth by analyzing business performance and coaching team members effectively.

Business Owner

Afton Waters
08.2020 - Current
  • Establishes strong customer relationships by consistently providing excellent communication and attentive service for custom designs.
  • Strengthens company reputation by consistently meeting or exceeding customer expectations in terms of quality products/services offered.
  • Managed financial operations to ensure fiscal responsibility, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
  • Conducted market research to inform product development decisions and identify potential growth areas.
  • Managed and executed diverse marketing campaigns to increase brand awareness and drive customer engagement.
  • Increases skills by enhancing knowledge of business practices, resulting in heightened industry awareness.

General Manager

Banana Republic
08.2021 - 01.2022
  • Received award for highly successful recruiting efforts resulting in exponential growth within a short timeframe.
  • Took on role of District Captain following accomplishments in effectively transitioning to the new onboarding platform of Workday.
  • Established comprehensive employee training programs to develop skills, improve productivity, and maintain compliance.
  • Implemented highly effective sales and profitability strategies, receiving recognition for outstanding achievements in a short time.
  • Oversaw a dynamic team of professionals, cultivating positive workplace culture and fostering high employee engagement leading to minimal turnover.
  • Managed budget implementations, training and schedules.
  • Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and organizational growth.
  • Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness through coaching and congratulating in the moment.

Retail Management

Bath & Body Works
09.2019 - 09.2021
  • Enhanced store efficiency by implementing successful strategies in talent acquisition, onboarding, and development resulting in promotion to the highest volume store in the district as the Talent Manager.
  • Collaborated with district and corporate to optimize company's hiring processes using proven hire, train, retain techniques that were implemented successfully.
  • Monitored industry trends to stay current on best practices in retail management within the fragrance industry.
  • Maximized employee productivity by establishing and executing in-depth retail training initiatives centered around product expertise and persuasive sales techniques.
  • Offered real-time coaching and congratulating in the moment with employees and implementing touch bases as needed to foster continuous improvement.
  • Generated substantial increases in sales, while fostering a strong team dynamic and enhancing overall productivity. Recognized with numerous accolades for significant improvements in key metrics most notably volume growth.

Store Manager

White House Black Market
09.2015 - 10.2019
  • Exhibited strong leadership skills while overseeing and directing a team of employees at various locations as a multi-unit manager and district mentor.
  • By recruiting exceptional talent and offering aid to understaffed stores, played an integral role in driving district performance.
  • Elevated satisfaction levels through my role as the Product Knowledge District Captain, providing team members with essential training on customer service and product knowledge.
  • Collaborated with other managers to develop company-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall performance across various locations.
  • Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer experience.
  • Maximized sales through the creation of visually appealing merchandising displays and adaptive strategies in response to business fluctuations.
  • Fostered a positive work environment by cultivating strong relationships between team members through team-building activities and consistent recognition of individual achievements.
  • Collaborated with other managers to develop company-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall performance across locations.
  • Consistently achieved sales volume growth and received frequent recognition.


Commissioned Sales

Proactiv & Sheer Cover
03.2009 - 06.2017


  • Boosted customer experience 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.
  • Increased customer loyalty with personalized shopping experiences and attentive service.
  • Consistently exceed special targets for loyalty, donations and specific product promotions.

Sales Area Manager

Bon Ton Stores
09.2011 - 11.2015
  • Streamlined communication and synergy between the our flagship store at Rosedale Center and corporate executives.
  • Promoted to the highest volume department in the store, responsible for overseeing Better Sportswear, Moderate Sportswear, and Accessories. Contributed to 30% of the store's annual sales varying rom $20 to $30 million dollars.
  • Generated exponential sales growth resulting in numerous new store and vendor shop remodels.
  • Led and organized various initiatives as Captain of credit, order management, markdown team, floorset, event coordinator etc.
  • Conducted training sessions as a Corporate Trainer for Store Managers on a range of innovative initiatives as part of flagship store initiatives.
  • Coordinated multiple training meetings to develop industry-wide skills and knowledge among sales associates, managers and vendors.
  • Efficiently supervised a range of in-store events, driving growth and ensuring substantial returns on investment.
  • Achieved sales objectives by coordinating sales team, developing successful strategies, and servicing accounts to strengthen business relationships.
  • Developed a successful sales team through rigorous coaching, performance management, and ongoing training.
  • Coordinated with loss prevention to reduce shrink and conduct loss prevention interviews as needed.
  • As manager on duty skillfully managed the entire store which would vary from 150 to over 300 associates on our team.

Assistant Area Sales Manager

Bon Ton Stores
03.2010 - 09.2011
  • Demonstrated exceptional performance as Assistant Area Sales Manager for Better and Moderate Sportswear, leading to promotion to Sales Area Manager.
  • Enhanced management skills across various departments to efficiently handle responsibilities as the store expert.
  • Managed a diverse team of sales associates, fostering a culture of collaboration and success.
  • Boosted team sales performance by implementing effective training and coaching strategies.
  • Provided exceptional customer service, addressing issues promptly and ensuring satisfaction for long-term loyalty.
  • Coordinated with other departments to ensure seamless operations across all aspects of the business and events.
  • Developed strong relationships with team and clients, resulting in increased sales and repeat business.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews for staff development, setting goals for continuous improvement.
  • Leveraged business analysis to identify areas for improvement in sales strategy execution, leading adjustments as needed.

Retail Selling Specialist

Bon Ton Stores & Jones of New York
03.2006 - 03.2010
  • Achieved top-selling specialist status through consistent demonstration of exceptional customer service skills.
  • Participated in regular training sessions to stay current on industry trends and new product offerings.
  • Coordinated fashion shows creating exponential sales growth and client loyalty,
  • Consistently achieved annual sales and credit goals
  • Actively participated in promotional events, generating excitement around new arrivals and seasonal collections.
  • Developed loyal client base by building strong relationships with repeat customers.
  • Assisted in staff training initiatives, helping new employees quickly acclimate to their roles as retail selling specialists.
  • Consistently met or exceeded individual sales goals while contributing positively towards overall team performance metrics.
  • Received seasonal clothing allowance to enhance brand image as brand ambassador.
  • Collaborated with vendors from Jones of New York to optimize sales performance, cultivate customer loyalty, and deepen product knowledge.

Team Lead

Target
06.2003 - 02.2006
  • Achieved multiple awards for driving substantial growth in sales.
  • Demonstrated expertise across various departments through repeated promotions and comprehensive training.
  • Hired, trained and developed team members by relaying information on company procedures, policies and initiatives.
  • Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and employee recognition initiatives.
  • Served as a role model for the team by demonstrating commitment to excellence, professionalism, and adherence to company values at all times.
  • Influenced positive change within the organization through strategic thinking, innovation, problem-solving abilities, and consistent leadership style.
  • Performed assessments of staff performance and consistently provided coaching to enhance communication of performance-based feedback.
  • Engaged in multiple store trainings focused on product knowledge, business insights, and industry advancements.

Commissioned Sales Beauty Advisor

Walgreens
12.2002 - 05.2003
  • Enhanced sales performance by delivering outstanding customer service resulting in increased commissions.
  • Received recognition for achieving highest sales commissions in the region
  • Demonstrated prompt and effortless execution of seasonal planograms.
  • Provided comprehensive training to ensure success of new associates.
  • Received training in multiple roles to enhance adaptability.
  • Educated customers on proper product usage techniques, fostering confidence in their ability to replicate results at home.
  • Maintained an organized and visually appealing product display, resulting in increased customer interest and engagement.
  • Increased sales revenue by effectively upselling and cross-selling beauty items based on client needs.

Assistant Store Manager

Rue 21
08.2001 - 12.2002
  • Traveled alongside District Manager to various locations within region to conduct impactful store merchandising and employee development training sessions.
  • Implemented optimal product presentation techniques based on seasonal block plans in multiple locations.
  • Hired, trained, developed and coached new employees.
  • Created schedules to maximize customer service and teamwork.
  • Managed opening and closing procedures and recommended changes to enhance efficiency of daily activities.
  • Enhanced store appearance for increased sales by maintaining cleanliness and implementing strategic merchandise displays.
  • Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
  • Received multiple promotions for excellent performance.

Education

High School Diploma -

Hudson High School
Hudson, WI
06.2000

Some College (No Degree) - General

Century College
St. Paul, MN

Skills

    • Excellent Customer Service
    • Strong Leadership Skills
    • Promotes Teamwork and Collaboration
    • Excellent Communication Skills
    • Fluent Business Acumen
    • Maximizing profitability
    • Sales Growth
    • Technical Expertise in Word/Excel/Power Point
    • Technical Expertise in Graphic Design
    • Effective Recruiter and Team-builder
      • Comprehensive Trainer
      • Exceptional Mentor
      • Culture development
      • Leading Team Meetings
      • Skilled Merchandiser
      • Skilled Performance Analysis
      • Seasoned Event Coordinator
      • Creative Problem-Solving
      • Strategic Planning
      • Self Starter

Certification

Gallup's Strengthfinder Training Certificate

Timeline

Store Manager

J.Jill
08.2022 - Current

General Manager

Banana Republic
08.2021 - 01.2022

Business Owner

Afton Waters
08.2020 - Current

Retail Management

Bath & Body Works
09.2019 - 09.2021

Store Manager

White House Black Market
09.2015 - 10.2019

Sales Area Manager

Bon Ton Stores
09.2011 - 11.2015

Assistant Area Sales Manager

Bon Ton Stores
03.2010 - 09.2011

Commissioned Sales

Proactiv & Sheer Cover
03.2009 - 06.2017

Retail Selling Specialist

Bon Ton Stores & Jones of New York
03.2006 - 03.2010

Team Lead

Target
06.2003 - 02.2006

Commissioned Sales Beauty Advisor

Walgreens
12.2002 - 05.2003

Assistant Store Manager

Rue 21
08.2001 - 12.2002

High School Diploma -

Hudson High School

Some College (No Degree) - General

Century College
Melissa Hintze