Sheryl Nelson
Cottage Grove,Minnesota
Summary
Results-driven retail professional with extensive experience in merchandising, purchasing, and promotional planning. Managed store operations, improved profit margins through vendor negotiation, and built customer loyalty through events, special programs, and targeted marketing.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Toy Store Owner/Manager
Kidtopia Toy Store
Sioux Falls, SD
11.2007 - 03.2026
- Managed daily toy store operations at Kidtopia, including sales floor activity and customer service.
- Selected merchandise mix for toys, games, books, and seasonal gift displays.
- Made purchasing decisions based on customer demand and current market conditions.
- Negotiated with vendors for favorable pricing, improving profit margins.
- Handled inventory control, stock replenishment, and receiving for seasonal toys and games.
- Increased business through targeted marketing and promotional strategies.
- Planned store promotions, holiday events, and community outreach activities.
- Directed business activities related to pricing and sales.
- Resolved customer concerns, returns, and special orders with care.
- Supervised team of up to 19 employees to support productivity and customer service.
- Trained staff on register operations, product knowledge, customer service techniques.
- Prepared work schedules and assigned team members to specific duties.
- Hired and trained new department managers to improve team oversight and productivity.
- Held regular staff meetings to review progress and identify improvement areas.
- Tracked employee performance and provided regular feedback to maintain quality standards.
- Maintained current records for attendance, payroll information, and vacation requests.
- Maintained compliance with state and local business laws.
- Reviewed financial statements and sales or activity reports to measure productivity and goal progress.
- Developed store policies and procedures to support customer satisfaction.
- Maintained sales, profit, and loss records for the store.
- Established a customer loyalty program, enhancing repeat business.
- Developed and implemented children’s birthday club to increase repeat business and customer loyalty.
- Promoted business on social media to strengthen brand identity and generate revenue.
- Oversaw maintenance of equipment used in store operations.
Product Advisory Board Member
Spotlight On Play Specialty Toy Catalog
01.2018 - 01.2025
- Supported specialty toy catalog leadership with assortment planning and brand direction.
- Helped guide catalog product picks for age fit, play value, and product mix to improve customer satisfaction and engagement.
- Recommended merchandising themes for seasonal toy features and gift guides to match consumer interests and support sales potential.
- Provided feedback on supplier partnerships and specialty toy assortment gaps.
- Suggested play trends for seasonal and age-based merchandise planning.
- Backed vendor discussions for curated toy lines and catalog partnerships.
- Served as an organization ambassador and attended marketplace meetings regularly.
Substitute Teacher, K-5 & Gifted Ed Program
Brandon Valley School District
Brandon, South Dakota
09.2005 - 11.2007
- Provided instruction to students in the absence of a full-time teacher.
- Delivered instruction across reading, math, science, and social studies.
- Implemented lesson plans from Brandon Valley School District to ensure curriculum adherence.
- Obtained substitute teaching assignments through positive referrals and proven trustworthiness.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Marketing And Management
Lake Area Technical College
Watertown, SD08-1989
Skills
- Merchandise planning
- Vendor negotiation
- Inventory control
- Financial reporting
- Retail management
- Sales strategy development
- Financial analysis
- Personnel management
- Customer relations
- Relationship building
- Attention to detail
Accomplishments
- "Siouxper Hero" Award 2026 - a citizen recognition award program presented by the City of Sioux Falls, SD in recognition of overall positive achievement, impact, and contribution to the community.
Timeline
Product Advisory Board Member
Spotlight On Play Specialty Toy Catalog
01.2018 - 01.2025
Toy Store Owner/Manager
Kidtopia Toy Store
11.2007 - 03.2026
Substitute Teacher, K-5 & Gifted Ed Program
Brandon Valley School District
09.2005 - 11.2007
Associate of Applied Science - Marketing And Management
Lake Area Technical College