Tariq Akram
White Plains
Summary
Results-driven retail executive with 30+ years of progressive leadership experience managing high-volume, top-performing locations and developing high-performing teams. Proven track record driving sales growth, operational excellence, and exceptional customer experience across multi-million-dollar businesses. Recognized for building accountable, high-energy cultures, improving KPIs, and executing strategic initiatives that deliver measurable results. Experienced leading flagship and “Top Door” locations with deep expertise in sales leadership, payroll and expense management, visual merchandising, customer engagement, shrink control, and end-to-end operational execution.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Top Doors General Store Manager
Designer Brands Inc. / DSW
2021.01 - Current
- Lead one of the region’s top-performing, high-volume “Top Door” locations, accountable for sales, profitability, people, and operations.
- Drive sales and conversion through disciplined execution of company priorities: conversion, VIP enrollment, Imbox services, attachment selling, and customer engagement.
- Manage and mentor a large leadership bench and associate team; implement structured coaching, performance management, and succession planning that elevates bench strength and retention.
- Execute strategic action plans to grow comp sales and transactions while improving controllable expenses and overall store profitability.
- Oversee payroll planning, scheduling optimization, freight flow, inventory accuracy, visual standards, and shrink-reduction initiatives.
- Partner with regional leaders on operational initiatives, talent development, and market-level business planning.
- Recognized for year-over-year performance improvement and building a high-accountability culture that consistently meets or exceeds KPIs.
- Successfully lead peak events and promotional strategies that increase traffic, conversion, and average transaction value.
General Manager
TJX Companies / HomeGoods
2019.11 - 2021.03
- Led a flagship, high-volume store generating $18M+ in annual sales with 115+ associates, including leadership and merchandising teams.
- Owned financial forecasting, budgeting, and payroll management to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Drove customer-focused culture through floor presence, service standards, and continuous coaching.
- Ensured best-in-class merchandising and operational standards in a fast-paced, high-traffic environment.
- Elevated KPIs by aligning teams to daily goals, reviewing results, and rapidly addressing opportunities.
Specialty Manager
Lowe’s
2021.04 - 2021.01
- Supported $40M+ annual sales through leadership of specialty departments, focusing on sales execution and customer satisfaction.
- Built goal-oriented teams with clear targets, consistent coaching, and process discipline to drive results.
- Maintained operational compliance, merchandising standards, and administrative accuracy across specialty categories.
- Improved execution and service consistency through scheduling, task management, and cross-functional coordination.
General Manager & District Sales Leader
Staples
2003.06 - 2019.11
- Directed multi-million-dollar store operations (annual sales $10M+), consistently delivering sales, margin, and profit targets.
- Two-time President’s Club winner for outstanding business performance.
- Served as District Sales Leader: led sales initiatives, coached store leaders across the district, and improved key operational and customer metrics.
- Built high-performing teams through structured training, succession planning, and leadership development.
- Managed inventory controls and shrink-reduction strategies, improving on-hand accuracy and loss results.
- Facilitated district calls to review performance, recognize top performers, and align on action plans.
- Drove sales culture and customer engagement across multiple stores through goal-setting and accountability routines.
General Manager
The Wiz
1995.04 - 2003.06
- Managed end-to-end store operations, inventory control, and sales execution.
- Planned and executed in-store marketing and promotional events to drive traffic and revenue.
- Led teams to achieve revenue and profitability goals while maintaining high customer service standards.
- Ensured daily operational excellence through process compliance and team accountability.
Education
Associate Degree - Business Administration
Westchester Community College
1994-01
Skills
- High-Volume Retail Operations
- Sales & Profit Growth
- Team Leadership & Development
- Strategic Business Planning
- Customer Experience & Engagement
- Payroll & Expense Management
- Visual Merchandising & Presentation
- Inventory & Shrink Control
- KPI & Performance Management
- Talent Development & Succession
- Operational Execution & Compliance
- Cross-District/Market Collaboration
Accomplishments
- 30+ Years of Retail Leadership Experience
- Two-Time President’s Club Winner (Staples)
- Led Multiple High-Volume / Top-Performing / Flagship Retail Locations
- Extensive Experience in Team Development & Operational Leadership
- Proven Success Driving Sales Growth, KPI Improvement, and Customer Engagement
Timeline
Specialty Manager
Lowe’s
2021.04 - 2021.01
Top Doors General Store Manager
Designer Brands Inc. / DSW
2021.01 - Current
General Manager
TJX Companies / HomeGoods
2019.11 - 2021.03
General Manager & District Sales Leader
Staples
2003.06 - 2019.11
General Manager
The Wiz
1995.04 - 2003.06
Associate Degree - Business Administration
Westchester Community College