Michele McGrail

• Maintain accurate financial records, including sales reports, expense tracking, and budget management.
• Develop loyal customer base by consistently delivering high-quality products and personalized service.
• Manage inventory levels efficiently, ensuring optimal stock availability and minimizing overhead costs.
• Boost customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and addressing any concerns promptly.
• Collaborate with suppliers to negotiate favorable pricing terms and ensure timely delivery of goods for sale in the store.
• Evaluate employee performance regularly, offering constructive feedback and opportunities for professional development when needed.
• Adapt business strategy in response to changing market conditions or consumer preferences, demonstrating a proactive approach to managing the shop's overall success.
• Improve profit margins by carefully analyzing sales data and adjusting pricing strategies accordingly based on demand fluctuations or competitor activity. Increased revenue by 50%.

Company Overview: Ascena Retail Group, Inc. Is a national specialty retailer offering apparel, shoes, and accessories for women with collective brands including Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lou & Grey, Lane Bryant, and Cacique

• Led cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction.
• Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
• Collaborated with senior executives to develop strategic initiatives and long-term goals.
• Managed financial planning and budgeting processes, ensuring fiscal responsibility and maximizing return on investments.
• Established a culture of continuous improvement, fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth across the organization.
• Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity.
• Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.

• Optimized project timelines by effectively delegating tasks and prioritizing workload among team members.
• Cultivated a culture of innovation by promoting creative thinking and encouraging employees to take calculated risks in pursuit of solutions.
• Developed strong relationships with key industry partners, fostering collaboration and mutual growth opportunities.
• Directed design and execution of business transformation initiatives to drive performance, profit optimization and growth opportunities.
• Created an agile working environment, enabling rapid response to changing business needs without sacrificing quality or performance standards.
• Implemented cost-saving measures through effective resource allocation and budget management.
• Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.

• Established relationships with merchant partners around the world, consistently communicating with key stakeholders to ensure the proper collection and application of design insights
• Purchased original and vintage designs and briefed the CAD team to represent digital designs in accordance with established brand specifications
• Developed and implemented an in-house color library that was standardized within corporate guidelines
• Spearheaded a variety of cost saving initiatives, including conducting negotiations with vendors to secure optimal pricing across the enterprise in addition to pioneering the use of 3D and PLM systems to reduce print and fabric usage
• Contributed to the restructuring of floor space, working collaboratively with facility teams to establish a cohesive design environment
• Conducted seasonal meetings with key stakeholders to establish goals and vision across a variety of color ways, designs, and materials