Visual Merchandising Customer Service

Connie Purdue

Bloomington, IL *****

****************@*****.***

+1-309-***-****

Professional Summary

Hello. I am a hard working woman who enjoys the public of all ages. I like to stay busy and help my fellow workers. Thank-you for considering me for any position. I have the ability to fit in anywhere. I am a person that learns quickly hands on and would appreciate employment wth your company. For 38 years I have worked many positions and have handled a lot of different situations. I am a people person who strives to make people happy and help them in situations. I have owned a business of my own. Willing to relocate: Anywhere

Authorized to work in the US for any employer

Work Experience

Retail Merchandiser

Accousta and Bimbo Bakeries-Bloomington, IL

June 2025 to Present

• Developed and implemented effective visual merchandising strategies to enhance product presentation and drive sales

• Conducted regular store visits to ensure compliance with brand guidelines and standards for product placement and signage

• Implemented promotional campaigns in coordination with marketing team to drive traffic and increase sales volume

• Utilized visual merchandising software tools to develop floor plans that maximized traffic flow and highlighted key products or promotions

• Conducted regular store visits to assess visual merchandising compliance and provide feedback to store managers

• Managed the setup and teardown of promotional displays for special events or holidays Cashier/Customer Service

Walmart-Bloomington, IL

May 2025 to Present

School Bus Monitor

Coers enterprises-Lincoln, IL

August 2008 to Present

I care for the safety of the children on The bus. I worked here 2008-2015 full-time but right now I just fill in when needed.

• Ensured the safety and well-being of students during bus transportation to and from school

• Maintained order and discipline on the bus, enforcing rules and regulations to create a safe environment for all passengers

• Assisted students with boarding and exiting the bus, ensuring they followed proper procedures

• Monitored student behavior during transit, addressing any issues or conflicts promptly and appropriately

• Collaborated with bus driver to ensure smooth operation of daily routes, communicating any changes or concerns as necessary

• Provided assistance to students with special needs, including helping them secure seat belts or mobility devices

• Implemented emergency evacuation drills regularly to prepare students for potential emergencies or accidents

• Communicated effectively with parents/guardians regarding any incidents or concerns related to their child's behavior on the bus

• Documented incidents, accidents, or disciplinary actions in accordance with established protocols

• Performed regular inspections of the interior of the bus before each trip to identify any hazards or maintenance needs

• Assisted in maintaining cleanliness and organization on the bus by picking up trash and reporting any damages or repairs needed

• Attended training sessions on student management techniques, emergency procedures, and first aid/ CPR certification courses as required by district policies

• Coordinated with school staff to ensure accurate attendance records for students riding the bus were maintained at all times

• Supported younger students in finding their assigned seats and securing belongings during transit

• Responded promptly to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid until appropriate medical personnel arrived

• Collaborated with teachers and administrators when dealing with behavioral issues that occurred on the school bus

• Developed positive relationships with students through consistent communication, active listening, empathy, patience

• Followed state laws regarding traffic regulations while operating a school vehicle

• Informed parents/guardians about schedule changes due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances

• Assisted in the implementation of safety protocols, such as ensuring students were seated and wearing seat belts properly

• Maintained a calm and controlled environment on the bus to minimize distractions for the driver

• Attended meetings with transportation department staff to discuss route changes, student behavior trends, and any concerns related to bus operations

• Collaborated with school administrators to develop strategies for improving student behavior on the bus

• Provided support and guidance to students who experienced anxiety or behavioral challenges during transit

• Ensured that all necessary equipment (e.g., communication devices, first aid kits) were readily available on the bus at all times

Cashier

Wal-Mart Associate 0199-Lincoln, IL

September 2024 to May 2025

I give proper customer service. My boss has been given many compliments concerning my service as a cashier. Customers say I am curtious, eager to please, and personable.

• Processed customer transactions accurately and efficiently, handling cash, credit cards, and electronic payments

• Maintained a balanced cash drawer at all times, reconciling discrepancies promptly

• Provided exceptional customer service by greeting customers with a friendly demeanor and addressing their inquiries or concerns

• Managed high-volume checkout lanes during peak hours while maintaining accuracy and speed

• Implemented effective upselling techniques to increase sales of promotional items or add-ons

• Collaborated with the store management team to resolve pricing discrepancies or product returns

• Ensured cleanliness and organization of the checkout area, including bagging items properly and restocking supplies as needed

• Utilized point-of-sale (POS) system proficiently to process discounts, coupons, gift cards, and loyalty rewards programs

• Maintained knowledge of current promotions, sales events, and store policies to provide accurate information to customers

• Contributed ideas for improving checkout processes or enhancing customer experience based on feedback from customers or colleagues

• Resolved customer complaints regarding pricing errors or product availability with professionalism

• Suggested alternative products when requested items were out of stock

• Maintained confidentiality of sensitive financial information during transactions

• Demonstrated strong attention to detail when processing complex transactions involving multiple payment methods

• Developed rapport with regular customers by remembering their preferences and providing personalized service

• Collaborated with the loss prevention team to identify and prevent fraudulent activities at the checkout counter

• Managed customer complaints or concerns promptly, ensuring a positive resolution and maintaining customer satisfaction

Holiday Inn Conference Hotel

Sand Companies, Inc-Normal, IL

October 2021 to July 2024

Banuet Bartender, Restaurant Breakfast Waitress, I greet people as they come in or leave restaurant . I take care of parties of 40 or more alone. Part of my duties are rolling silverware, sweeping the floor around the bar behind the bar, the carpet in the dining room, helping set up the banquet area, also straightening the shelves in the storage room so it makes it easier for the manager to keep count and do inventory. Some of the things I do is not in my job description they just need to be done and I do them it comes from being a past manager of my own place. When I come in the morning I set up a drink station and make sure everything is ready to go for the day I make sure everything is stocked such as the sugar condiments salt pepper shakers etc my shift is from 5:30 a.m. till noon, I work alone. I have received many compliments on line for the hotel.

Waitress/Hostess/Cashier

Tony Roma's And Shannon's-Bloomington, IL

April 2019 to August 2021

I gave proper customer service Greeting,seating, serving And cashiering

• Greeted and welcomed guests upon arrival, providing a warm and friendly atmosphere

• Managed guest seating efficiently, ensuring optimal use of available tables and minimizing wait times

• Effectively communicated with servers, kitchen staff, and management to coordinate seating arrangements and maintain smooth operations

• Provided accurate wait time estimates to guests, managing expectations in a professional manner

• Maintained cleanliness and organization of the host/hostess station, creating an inviting first impression for guests

• Assisted in taking reservations over the phone or through online platforms, accurately recording guest information

• Handled customer inquiries and concerns promptly and professionally, resolving issues to ensure guest satisfaction

• Collaborated with the serving team to accommodate special requests or dietary restrictions from guests

• Coordinated with other host/hostess team members during shift changes to ensure seamless transitions for incoming/outgoing staff

• Implemented strategies to optimize table turnover rate without compromising quality of service provided to guests

• Maintained knowledge of daily specials, menu items, promotions, and any changes in restaurant policies or procedures

• Efficiently managed high-volume periods by effectively prioritizing tasks while maintaining attention to detail

Merchandiser

Lewis Bakeries, Inc., Frito Lay, Aunt Millies, and Pepperidge Farms-Lincoln, IL August 2008 to May 2013

I went in stores and checked product. I filled the shelves, Checked Dates, and inventory. I traveled between Lincoln, Springfield, Bloomington, Illinois.

• Executed merchandising strategies to optimize product placement and drive sales

• Maintained accurate inventory levels by conducting regular stock checks and reconciling discrepancies

• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop effective visual displays that enhanced the customer experience

• Implemented planograms and ensured compliance with company standards for product presentation

• Managed product rotation and replenishment to ensure freshness and minimize waste

• Built strong relationships with store personnel, providing ongoing support and addressing any merchandising issues or concerns

• Utilized sales data analysis to identify trends, make recommendations, and adjust merchandising strategies accordingly

• Assisted in the development of promotional materials such as signage, displays, and product samples

• Collaborated with vendors to negotiate favorable terms for promotions or special events

• Optimized shelf space allocation based on sales velocity data analysis

• Developed creative solutions for out-of-stock situations by suggesting alternative products or coordinating timely restocks

• Provided feedback on new product launches including packaging design effectiveness

• Investigated customer complaints related to merchandise quality or availability

• Conducted regular store visits to assess merchandising compliance and provide feedback Co-Owner and Office Manager

PURDUE Roofing-Hartsburg, IL

August 1993 to June 2000

• Developed and implemented effective sales strategies to drive revenue growth and meet/exceed monthly targets

• Conducted regular performance evaluations for the sales team, providing constructive feedback for improvement

• Collaborated with marketing department to develop promotional campaigns that effectively targeted potential customers

• Instituted efficient inventory management system, reducing stockouts by XX% while minimizing excess inventory costs

• Nurtured a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, recognizing achievements, and resolving conflicts proactively

• Drove continuous process improvements by identifying bottlenecks or inefficiencies in workflows

• Elevated customer satisfaction levels through prompt resolution of issues/complaints raised by clients

• Served as a point of contact for escalated customer issues or complex inquiries requiring managerial intervention

Education

Associate's degree in Human Resources / Family Psychology class/ Conflict management

Lincoln Christian University-Lincoln, IL

August 2013 to May 2016

Skills

• Human resources (10+ years)

• Leadership

• Stocking

• Restaurant experience

• Bus driving

• Employee Orientation

• Microsoft Outlook

• Mobile applications

• Merchandising

• School bus monitoring for all types of children (10+ years)

• Management

• Microsoft Office

• Sales

• Dispatching (4 years)

• Phone etiquette

• Bartending

• Hotel experience

• Banquet Experience

• Interviewing

• Pricing

• Teaching

• Performance Management

• Office experience

• Organizational skills

• Wine knowledge

• Communication skills

• Banking

• Conflict Management

• Cash register

• Windows

• POS

• Time management

• Planograms

• English

• Microsoft Excel

• Human Resources

• Behavior management

• Mentoring

• Special Education

• Kitchen experience

• Retail sales

• Serving

• Childcare

• PeopleSoft

• Front desk

• Customer support

• Payroll

• School bus driving

• Office Management

• Customer service

• Food service

• Classroom experience

• Basic math

• Human Resources Management

• Administrative experience

• Grocery store

• Workday

• Fine dining experience

• First aid

• Retail management

Certifications and Licenses

Food Handler Certification

Bartender License

Bassit

CNA. (Working on getting CPR RECENTLY)

P63010166636

February 2023 to February 2027

Drivers liscense and progressive insurane

ServSafe

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