Resume of Karen-Lynn Howie(Harris)

#** ********** *****

Cochrane, Alberta

T4C 1N7

Ph. 587-***-****

Objective

Pursue Senior and executive management opportunities with a fashion forward customer

focussed retail organization.

Retail Skills Summary

- 20 years of retail management experience

- managed the highest grossing store for the Au Coton company

- expert visual merchandising skills

- advanced inventory and replenishment experience

- successful team builder and coach with a strong entrepreneurial bias

Employment

Loblaws Canada Calgary,AB (June 2012-Feb 2015)

Southern Alberta Field Merchandiser for Joe Fresh Corporate

I critiqued and identified sales and merchandising opportunities through opening and closing

walkthroughs with store supervisors and specialists. I coached store supervisors, specialists,

and store team strategies for placement of additional merchandise without compromising

national directive. I coached team on fashion trends and the concepts of merchandising

objectives. I lead merchandising workshops formally and informally regularly. I trained new

specialists and store supervisors on directive execution and Joe Fresh brand standards. I met

with GMs to give advice on new strategies to use payroll effectively for back room systems,

staff and directive execution.

Gap Canada (Dec 2011-June 2012)

Gr.12 Brand Manager

I planned and executed all merchandise related presentation for all the Gap lines at the

Marketmall location. I managed and trained a team of twelve in merchandising, branding and

time management. I participated in all management decisions including; sale opportunities,

conversion opportunities, payroll, staff development, interviewing, morale and standards as

part of the management team. Our location was able to make “comp” consistently since I

took on the lead in this role. I was in discussions to take over management of another

location when I started with Joe Fresh.

Marks Canada St. Albert and Calgary(flagship store) (Dec 2010-Dec 2011)

ASO Merchandising

I managed all aspects of merchandising; flow, placement, presentation, pricing, and

replenishment procedures. I trained and coached employees in strategies of customer service,

merchandising, standards, marketing, markdown execution, and cash. I managed the store’s

inventory count preparation and execution. I planned and executed the mother ’s day and

father ’s day promo sale days including staffing, theme, marketing and cash. I was involved in

all management decisions in regards to sales, employees, payroll, and store morale.

TESSi, Burlington,On (Feb 2005-2009)

Owner, Manager, Buyer

I created the concept of a handbag and accessory store that travelled. I managed and

coached 20 independent sales people in regards to sales, customer service, merchandising,

fashion trends,marketing and business systems. I was able to buy inventory for 5 separate

“stores”, maintaing selection and current fashion trend. I managed and participated in the

recruitment and coaching of new sales people, merchandise procurement, payroll and

marketing

TERRA, Milton,ON (Sept 2002-2005)

Merchandiser

I built displays to create settings for visual appeal incorporating home decor pieces such as

pots, mats, pillows, patio furniture and garden accessories.

THE OLD BARN DOOR CRAFT COMPANY, Calgary,AB (1992 - 2002)

Owner and Manager,

Created a barnwood picture frame wholesale business. Knowledgable in product life cycle

from concept to consumer.

AU COTON, Winnipeg,MB and Calgary,AB (1987-1989)

Manager and District Manager

I successfully managed the highest grossing store in Canada.

I travelled to stores in Western Canada that were struggling in regards to management,

employees, merchandising, store systems, store morale and sales. I identified and made

necessary changes to increase sales, store morale and improve efficiency of operations.

Education

3 years of University courses in the fields of business, psychology and science

1 year program at John Casablanca Fashion Merchandising School earning a honors diploma

with courses in buying, designing, merchandising, fashion production and retail management

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