Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Mikayla Marinko

Stratford,CT

Summary

Innovative and strategic retail operations leader with 8 years of experience in visual merchandising, store planning, and retail development. Expertise in executing large-scale merchandising transformations, optimizing store layouts to enhance customer experience, and leading high-performing teams. Proven ability to manage vendor relationships, oversee store remodels, and implement merchandising strategies that drive sales and brand visibility.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Center Director

KinderCare Learning Centers
Ridgefield, Connecticut
10.2024 - Current

• Lead all aspects of center operations, including staffing, compliance, and strategic planning.

• Oversee large-scale facility updates and process improvements, ensuring seamless execution.

• Train and develop staff to enhance efficiency and maintain a high standard of service.

Executive Lead of Specialty Sales

Target
North Haven, Connecticut
02.2020 - 10.2024

• Managed a $75 million store, leading visual merchandising strategies and sales optimization.

• Led a district-best visual merchandising program, collaborating with the Visual Director to refine store layouts, execute seasonal animations, and enhance brand storytelling.

• Designed and executed product displays to align with corporate brand initiatives and customer trends, increasing category sales.

• Spearheaded shop-in-shop installations and store remodels, ensuring seamless execution in alignment with corporate standards.

• Partnered with vendors and corporate teams to manage inventory flow, ensuring timely product launches and replenishment.

• Trained and mentored team leaders in merchandising execution, operational efficiencies, and customer engagement.

Visual Merchandise Manager

Old Navy
Fairfield, Connecticut
11.2016 - 02.2020

• Directed product flow and store layout planning, optimizing visual merchandising for sales performance.

• Led merchandising and operational teams, ensuring alignment with brand standards and seasonal campaigns.

• Collaborated with senior leadership to implement process improvements that enhanced inventory accuracy, sales forecasting, and customer experience.

• Managed cross-functional team efforts in visual merchandising, stock planning, and in-store marketing activations.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration

University of Bridgeport
Bridgeport, CT

Skills

  • Store Remodels & Project Execution
  • Visual Merchandising & Sales Optimization
  • Team Leadership, Training & Development
  • Store Layout & Space Planning
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Process Improvement & Operations Strategy
  • Vendor & Stakeholder Coordination
  • Training and coaching
  • Program management
  • Partnership building
  • Merchandising strategy
  • Store growth planning

Accomplishments

✔ Successfully led store-wide remodels and visual merchandising enhancements across multiple locations.

✔ Developed and maintained strong vendor partnerships to execute high-quality visual displays.

✔ Implemented brand-standard merchandising updates, elevating customer engagement and sales.

Additional Information

• Experience managing store layouts and retail build-outs

• Proven track record in capital budgeting and vendor negotiations

• Adobe Suite & CAD experience

• 10-30% travel experience supporting store openings, remodels, and merchandising resets

Timeline

Center Director

KinderCare Learning Centers
10.2024 - Current

Executive Lead of Specialty Sales

Target
02.2020 - 10.2024

Visual Merchandise Manager

Old Navy
11.2016 - 02.2020

Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration

University of Bridgeport
Mikayla Marinko