Ruth Wiitanen
La Pine,OR
Summary
Store management professional focused on customer retention, efficient operations, and team performance. Background includes training employees, managing inventory counts, directing freight and merchandising, and improving shift coverage across busy retail settings. Supports better store flow by resolving issues quickly, enforcing standards, and keeping service consistent.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Store Manager
Dollar General
La Pine, Oregon
03.2026 - 10.2026
- Conducted daily store operations, including opening and closing procedures and cash handling.
- Scheduled associates and directed shift coverage for store coverage needs.
- Managed inventory tracking and physical inventory counts to minimize loss.
- Oversaw freight processing, stocking, and planogram execution across departments.
- Enforced safety standards and compliance with company policies and store procedures.
- Resolved customer concerns and supported positive Dollar General shopping experiences.
- Trained team members on register procedures, recovery, and customer service.
- Evaluated store performance and incorporated feedback to implement improvement plans.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Reviewed financial statements and sales or activity reports to measure productivity or goal achievement.
- Maintained presentation standards for optimal customer satisfaction.
Assistant Store Manager
Rite Aid
Prineville, Oregon
11.2024 - 06.2025
- Supervised cashiers and pharmacy support staff during assigned shifts.
- Managed register balancing, cash handling, and safe drop procedures.
- Coordinated inventory counts, stock replenishment, and product merchandising.
- Monitored customer service issues and resolved store concerns promptly.
- Enforced Rite Aid policies, safety rules, and loss prevention standards.
- Monitored sales activities to ensure that customers receive satisfactory service and quality goods.
- Provided mentorship for employees to generate sales, promote effective upselling and cross-sell to improve retail productivity.
- Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Supported Rite Aid store operations and daily front-end workflow.
Route Service Supervisor
Unifirst
Portland, Oregon
02.2023 - 06.2024
- Increased route profitability by implementing effective sales strategies aligned with client demands.
- Managed route service operations to ensure timely deliveries, enhancing client trust and satisfaction.
- Elevated customer satisfaction and retention by delivering exceptional service tailored to client needs.
- Resolve client issues promptly, enhancing service reliability.
- Optimize delivery schedules for improved efficiency and coverage.
Back-End Supervisor
Lowes
Redmond, Oregon
10.2020 - 09.2022
- Monitored and implemented back-end processes, ensuring efficient store operations.
- Enabled store to maximize profitability through effective backend management.
- Collaborated with team to enhance operational efficiency and elevate customer satisfaction.
- Planned and scheduled all non-selling operations to support superior customer service and sales growth.
- Ordered and stocked inventory to maintain optimal stock levels and prevent shortages.
Team Lead Assistant
Big Lots
Bend, Oregon
10.2019 - 07.2020
- Coached associates to meet metrics, resulting in improved performance and team cohesion.
- Ensured all associates completed mandatory training, fostering a knowledgeable workforce.
- Maintained customer service standards at registers, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Executed plan-o-grams and restocked inventory, enhancing product visibility and sales potential.
- Managed store signage for pricing and compliance, maintaining accurate communication of product information.
Store Manager
Sears Hometown Stores LLC
Bend, Oregon
04.2013 - 08.2019
- Recruited, trained, and supervised staff to achieve operational excellence and drive high performance.
- Maintained financial records and met required metrics, supporting overall store profitability through effective training and forecasting.
- Addressed customer queries and complaints, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Managed stock control and inventory by adjusting stock levels in response to demand fluctuations.
- Coordinated employee appreciation events to foster team spirit and recognition. to motivate and inspire associates.
Hardlines Lead Manager
Sears Holdings and Corporation
Bend, Oregon
03.2012 - 12.2013
- Directed merchandise displays and planograms to enhance visual appeal and drive sales.
- Coordinated sales promotions with timely ad-set completion to elevate customer engagement.
- Planned work schedules and assigned tasks to optimize associate productivity and achieve goals.
- Coordinated sales promotions, ensuring timely ad-set completion and increased customer engagement.
- Handled manager on duty tasks, including inventory, records, and cash reconciliation.
Appliance/Electronics Sales Associate
Sears Holdings and Corporation
Bend, Oregon
07.2003 - 03.2012
- Prepared sales estimates and contracts to facilitate customer purchases. Provided expert knowledge on all products sold including care, warranty, and general operational use. Greeted customers and listened attentively to customer needs and directed them to the appropriate products. Opened and closed registers performing tasks such as counting money, balancing cash drawers and performing deposits. Maintained knowledge of current sales and promotions, policies regarding payment and returns/exchanges. Ticketed, arranged and displayed merchandise. Ensured presentation standards were met and the department was clean. Monitored security risks and implemented preventative measures to address potential theft. Collaborated with team members to support daily operations and enhance customer service. Gave a smile every time
- Assisted Sears electronics customers with product selection and feature comparisons.
- Demonstrated televisions, audio systems, and appliances on Sears sales floor.
- Processed sales transactions using Sears point-of-sale registers.
Education
Diploma -
Bend Senior High School
Bend, Oregon06-2020
Skills
- Operations management
- Inventory control
- Cash management
- Sales optimization
- Margin optimization
- Financial oversight
- Merchandising strategies
- Visual merchandising
- Sales reporting
- Customer retention
- Staff scheduling
- Employee supervision
- Recruiting and hiring
- Team leadership and coaching
- Conflict resolution
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Effective communication
- Transaction accuracy
- Cost efficiency
- Bank deposit procedures
- Effective communication
Personal Information
Title: Customer Service
HOBBIES
I love horseback riding, reading, racquetball, and hiking.
Timeline
Store Manager
Dollar General
03.2026 - 10.2026
Assistant Store Manager
Rite Aid
11.2024 - 06.2025
Route Service Supervisor
Unifirst
02.2023 - 06.2024
Back-End Supervisor
Lowes
10.2020 - 09.2022
Team Lead Assistant
Big Lots
10.2019 - 07.2020
Store Manager
Sears Hometown Stores LLC
04.2013 - 08.2019
Hardlines Lead Manager
Sears Holdings and Corporation
03.2012 - 12.2013
Appliance/Electronics Sales Associate
Sears Holdings and Corporation
07.2003 - 03.2012
Diploma -
Bend Senior High School