Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Lara Olsen

Christchurch,Canterbury

Summary

Experienced and customer relationship focused Retail Manager with over six years of managerial experience in a retail environment and twelve years in customer experience. Motivated professional with strengths in leadership, training employees and promoting optimal customer experience in store by building honest and long lasting relationships. Adept in employee relations, inventory organization, sales growth, and visual merchandising. Reliable, loyal and driven which is reflective in the five and a half years dedicated to Moochi, three years with Juliette Hogan and the personal growth I have achieved within this time. Prepared, organised, and trained in product knowledge and store operations whilst committed to creating an environment that is conducive to achieving increased sales and customer satisfaction. Enthusiastic and outgoing individual with excellent communication and interpersonal skills that thrives in a team environment.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Retail Store Manager

Juliette Hogan
06.2022 - Current
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction through training staff on exceptional customer experience practices and conflict resolution techniques.
  • Optimized inventory management with regular audits, forecasting demands, and adjusting orders accordingly.
  • Reduced shrinkage levels by closely monitoring security measures, conducting staff training, and implementing loss prevention initiatives.
  • Collaborated with upper management to develop strategic plans for store growth and expansion.
  • Increased average transaction value by upselling products, promoting add-ons, and cross-selling complementary items.
  • Maintained a clean and organised store appearance to enhance the overall shopping experience for customers.
  • Implemented new promotional campaigns that effectively drove foot traffic into the store during seasonal events or product launches.
  • Continuously assessed store layout to optimize product placement for enhanced visibility and impulse purchases from customers.
  • Evaluated employee performance regularly provided constructive feedback coaching opportunities improvement recognition outstanding achievements.
  • Completed routine store inventories.
  • Improved store sales by implementing effective marketing strategies and attractive visual merchandising.
  • Coached employees and trained on methods for handling various aspects of sales, complicated issues, and difficult customers.
  • In charge of recruiting, hiring and training of team members.

Retail Store Manager

Moochi
03.2019 - 06.2022
  • Built loyal customer relationships within my store by creating a never-ending sales process with every single customer.
  • Recruited and retained top talent, with focus on completing timely performance evaluations, providing positive feedback and rewarding superior performance.
  • Exceeded weekly sales targets to ensure monthly, quarterly and yearly sales growth.
  • Developed strong connections with customers with my number one focus for customers to always leave my store feeling special and the best they’ve ever felt.
  • Ensured all of my staff are cared for emotionally, mentally and professionally during the COVID19 lockdown meanwhile taking on new pressures and adapting to a new normal.
  • Reached 4x record weeks within 2020 through effective sales training and troubleshooting profit loss areas.
  • Created weekly rosters for staff ensuring all annual leave is covered and accounted for.
  • Conducted interviews with potential employees, once successful, completed full training induction with consistent reviews and constant support.
  • Contact unsuccessful candidates post interviews.
  • Managed all aspects of store operations, including organisation, maintenance and technical support.
  • Created social media content for Instagram and Facebook.
  • Trained team members in successful strategies to meet operational and sales targets.
  • Assessed sales reports to identify and enhance sales performance, support inventory oversight and capitalize on emerging trends.
  • Supported professional development of team members at all levels to place knowledgeable candidates in leadership roles.
  • Promoted business strategy by implementing improvements based on customer feedback.
  • Ability to delegate tasks in a fast paced environment whilst also ensuring customers are number one priority.
  • Implemented rewards program, bolstering customer retention.
  • Liaised with sales, marketing and management teams to develop solutions and accomplish shared objectives.
  • Managed and optimised store displays and appearance through visual merchandising weekly.
  • Coached and trained employees on methods for handling various aspects of sales, visual merchandising, inventory management, complicated issues and difficult customers.
  • Mentored sales team in applying effective sales techniques and delivering top-notch customer service.
  • Reduced shrinkage by closely monitoring inventory and security procedures.
  • Generated repeat business by developing and maintaining strong team of employees devoted to customer service.
  • Resolved customer service issues promptly and maintained customer satisfaction while handling faulty product returns quickly and professionally.
  • Generated spreadsheets detailing sales information.

Assistant Store Manager 3IC

Moochi
08.2018 - 03.2019
  • Supported my manager in visual merchandising, inventory management, increasing sales growth and staff management.
  • Demonstrated respect, reliability, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule.
  • Prepared a variety of different written communications, reports and documents to ensure smooth operations.
  • Developed and implemented performance improvement strategies and plans to promote continuous improvement.
  • Actively listened to customers, handled concerns quickly and escalated major issues to supervisor.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere.
  • Actively learnt about the each product's fabric, where it was made, care instructions and ways to wear each week to maximise sales.

Retail Sales Assistant

Moochi
09.2016 - 08.2018
  • Used POS system to process sales, returns, online orders and gift card activations.
  • Worked closely with my store manager and assistant store manager to solve problems and handle customer concerns.
  • Displayed merchandise by arranging in appealing and orderly way to boost sales.
  • Used consultative sales approach to understand customer needs and recommend relevant offerings by styling them in full outfits to maximise customer opportunity and drive sales.
  • Fielded questions and solved problems by informing customers of current promotions and store policies.
  • Balanced and organized cash register by handling cash, counting change and redeeming gift cards.
  • Opened and closed store independently.


Promotional Brand Ambassador

Loreal Luxe
03.2013 - 07.2017
  • Increased brand awareness through event marketing, demonstrations, sales and brand promotion.
  • Set up and broke down promotional booths, stands, talked to potential customers and industry events annually.
  • Communicated product value, quality and style to educate and entice potential customers.
  • Provided customer service using extensive knowledge of Lancome, Victor & Rolf, Ralph Lauren, Yves Saint Laurent and Giorgio Armani fragrance.
  • Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork.
  • Approached and engaged with the public maintaining resilience, friendliness and professionalism.

Education

Bachelor of Design -

Massey University
Wellington, WGN
07.2015

NCEA Level One, Two And Three -

Christchurch Girls' High School
Christchurch, CAN
12.2013

Skills

  • Building, growing and maintaining customer relationships
  • Sales growth/ tracking
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Visual merchandising
  • Problem solving
  • Staff Management
  • Staff training/development
  • Administration management
  • Social Media content creation
  • Team Leadership
  • Adaptability
  • Creativity
  • Reliability
  • Strong multi-tasking
  • Decision-making skills
  • Meticulously detail-oriented
  • Delegation
  • Recruitment
  • Trust worthy
  • Self sufficient
  • Conscientious

References

  • Available Upon Request

Timeline

Retail Store Manager

Juliette Hogan
06.2022 - Current

Retail Store Manager

Moochi
03.2019 - 06.2022

Assistant Store Manager 3IC

Moochi
08.2018 - 03.2019

Retail Sales Assistant

Moochi
09.2016 - 08.2018

Promotional Brand Ambassador

Loreal Luxe
03.2013 - 07.2017

Bachelor of Design -

Massey University

NCEA Level One, Two And Three -

Christchurch Girls' High School
Lara Olsen