Karolina Grahorac
Summary
Customer-oriented retail professional with 10+ years of experience focused on increasing revenues and expanding margin. Adaptive and deadline-oriented consistently executes and completes multiple projects in high-stress environments. Meticulous leader and strategic planner with comprehensive managerial acumen, offering vision and motivational acumen.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Gap Inc.
07.2021 - 01.2024
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Conduct inventory counts and loss control.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
Assistant General Manager
Gap Inc.
07.2019 - 06.2021
- Work closely with General Manager to create, execute and maintain the store business plan.
- Build effective teams and drive a culture of high performance and engagement.
- Support the execution of performance goals and developmental plans for store team.
- Support strategies and processes using a customer-centric mindset to deliver the results and drive store sales.
- Recruit, hire, onboard, develop and lead a team of managers and employees.
- Implement action plans to maximize efficiencies and productivity.
- Ensure consistent execution of standard operating procedures.
- Ensure all compliance standards are met.
- Promote community involvement.
- Own assigned areas of responsibility.
Associate Store Manager/Visual Merchandiser
J.Crew
05.2014 - 06.2019
- Increased business results by successfully maintaining visually exciting store with attention to the J.Crew details.
- Supported store sales and profit through effective sales leadership, payroll management and control shrink.
- Created positive, respectful and professional work environment that encouraged open feedback, associate recognition and reduced turnover.
- Collaborated with Store Director/Market Director/Regional Director/RVMM to ensure compelling merchandise presentation.
- Trained and developed visual team to deliver outstanding customer service.
- Updated team with upcoming changes and current business performance at weekly management meetings.
- Planned and executed visuals to company standards including company window directive.
Acting Store Director
J.Crew
05.2016 - 11.2017
- Analyzed marketing information and converted it into strategic plans to increase customer growth and store revenue.
- Ensured all resources are aligned and focused on delivering customer service experience that exceeds expectations and drives store revenue.
- Motivated sales employees to improve morale, customer engagement, performance and store revenue.
- Recognized and rewarded top performance employees with visible recognition and specific rewards.
- Ensured all associates receive requisite training and effectively apply learned skills on the job to achieve personal and store goals.
- Created and maintained an environment that sports equal and fair treatment and opportunity for all employees.
Key-Holder/Visual Merchandiser
J.Crew
11.2013 - 05.2014
- Created and maintained a compelling presentation of merchandise that engages customers and helps stimulate sales activity.
- Ensured that the image and style of the company is evident at all times.
- Stocked merchandise, executed markdowns, supported execution of all shipment receiving and processing.
- Successfully reorganized the sales floor to meet company demands.
Brand Associate
Banana Republic
05.2005 - 04.2013
- Handled customer inquiries professionally, providing accurate product information while maintaining a friendly demeanor at all times.
- Assisted with daily opening and closing tasks to maintain clean, neat, and professional store.
- Assisted in the creation of visually appealing store displays, driving foot traffic and interest in products.
- Achieved daily sales goal by cross selling and promoting additional products and services.
- Executed signage and markdown processes to meet productivity and pricing standards.
Biochemistry Laboratory Analyst
Marshfield Food Safety LLC.
03.2011 - 08.2012
- Collaborated efficiently with external and internal customers.
- Handled samples and performed analyses according to procedures and test methods.
- Improved laboratory and/or quality activities on a continued basis.
Education
Certificate - Medical Terminology
The Michener Institute For Applied Health Sciences
Toronto, ON2013
Diploma - Chemical Engineering Technology
Humber College
Toronto, ON2006
Skills
- Strong interpersonal, communication and problem solving skills
- Operational improvements
- Excellent time management and organizational skills
- Goal setting and strategic planning
- Team leader
- Staff training and team building
- Problem resolution and critical decision-making
Languages
English
Full Professional
Serbian
Native or Bilingual
Croatian
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
General Manager
Gap Inc.
07.2021 - 01.2024
Assistant General Manager
Gap Inc.
07.2019 - 06.2021
Acting Store Director
J.Crew
05.2016 - 11.2017
Associate Store Manager/Visual Merchandiser
J.Crew
05.2014 - 06.2019
Key-Holder/Visual Merchandiser
J.Crew
11.2013 - 05.2014
Biochemistry Laboratory Analyst
Marshfield Food Safety LLC.
03.2011 - 08.2012
Brand Associate
Banana Republic
05.2005 - 04.2013
Certificate - Medical Terminology
The Michener Institute For Applied Health Sciences
Diploma - Chemical Engineering Technology
Humber College
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