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.
Burlington, ON
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.
Toronto, ON
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
Toronto, ON
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.
High River, AB
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