Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Maria Cole

HRM,NS

Summary

Dynamic retail leader with proven success as a Part-Time Manager and Acting Store Manager with Claire's. Skilled in driving sales, leading high-energy teams, executing flawless store operations, and delivering unforgettable customer experiences. Certified & experienced Ear Piercing Professional (EPC) with a passion for compliance, loss prevention, and visual merchandizing. Orally fluent in French bringing added value to diverse customer bases. Known for living the Claire's Customer Obsession culture daily, exceeding KPI's, developing talent, and leading stores to operational excellence. Ready to bring energy, precision, and leadership to the Assistant Store Manager role and help Claire's continue to shine.

Overview

6
years of professional experience

Work History

Claire's Stores

Part-Time Store Manager
01.2023 - Current

Job overview

  • Assist the store manager in setting and exceeding sales targets and operational goals, ensuring a smooth workflow and customer satisfaction.
  • Completed and oversaw store operations such as cash register maintenance and balancing, inventory & stock management, business communications, opening and closing procedures, loss prevention, sales and promotions, and more.
  • Assisted Store Manager with recruitment, onboarding, supervising & training team members ensuring adherence to all company standards offering guidance and support to maintain a knowable & motivated workforce. Delegated and supervised multiple employees based on employee performance & strengths while simultaneously maintaining superior attention to customer service & detail.
  • Ensured visual merchandising standards are met, leaving a clean & organized sales floor to enhance product visibility and drive impulse purchases. Assisted in planning in-store displays that boosted sales of featured products as well as foot traffic and conversion ratings.
  • Collaborated with store manager / senior management to improve processes, streamline operations, & implement new initiatives to exceed our goals.
  • Increased traffic to transaction conversion with proactive & positive customer engagement & relationship building to offer the best in store styling experience, & product recommendations leading to increased customer loyalty combined with strategic upselling and cross-selling.
  • Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele increasing loyalty rates.

Icing By Claire's

Acting Store Manager
04.2024 - 08.2024

Job overview

  • Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees while achieving sales goals through effective team leadership, merchandizing excellence, and superior customer service.
  • Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
  • Hired, trained & mentored new staff members to improve customer satisfaction through excellent service and product knowledge ensuring they are well equipped to excel in their role from day one.
  • Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele, re-directing to positive factors.
  • Improved customer conversion rates with exceptional greeting and cross/upselling.
  • Managed and created store schedules, submitted and oversaw payroll for all employees.
  • Successfully lead Planogram (POG), planned delegated and oversaw all tasking, fixture changes etc. to match Claire's visual standards including final walkthrough with every staff member to ensure perfect execution & understanding.
  • Successfully lead, directed, and motivated employees in fast-paced environment through proactive communication, positive feedback, planning & prioritization.

The Locust & Starr Inn

Assistant Innkeeper
05.2022 - 11.2022

Job overview


  • Achieved & Maintained a 4.7 star rating google rating through consistent delivery of exceptional service, prompt communication, quality results leading to icreased client referrals and brand trust.
  • Delivered exceptional guest services ensuring a welcoming and personalized experience for all visitors.
  • Implemented cost-saving measures through efficient resource management, reducing overall operating expenses.
  • Coordinated special events including weddings, birthdays, corporate retreats, delivering memorable experiences for our guests.
  • Assisted in marketing & modelling efforts to promote the inn's offerings and attract new visitors.
  • Collaborated closely with the Innkeeper to develop strategies for revenue growth and enhanced guest satisfaction.
  • Supported daily foodservice operations by assisting with meal preparation or serving when necessary to ensure a smooth dining experience for guests.
  • Developed strong relationships with local businesses, fostering partnerships to enhance guest experiences.
  • Managed inventory and weekly stock errands for daily operations.
  • Trained new staff members on all aspects of inn operations, promoting excellent customer service standards.
  • Maintained a high level of cleanliness and organization throughout the inn, ensuring an inviting atmosphere for guests.
  • Handled guest complaints and offered complimentary services to maintain high guest satisfaction rates.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to optimize operational efficiency and maximize profits.


Icing By Claire's

Sales Associate
06.2019 - 09.2021

Job overview

  • Delivered exceptional customer service by assisting shoppers with product selection using vast product knowledge, popular fashion trends, in store promotions and more.
  • Performed Ear Piercing Services in accordance with company standards, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience to uphold Claire's values & encourage brand loyalty.
  • Maintained a clean, organized, and visually appealing sales floor by restocking merchandise & following visual merchandising guidelines.
  • Operated & maximized POS systems for all sales transactions including returns and exchanges.
  • Regular inventory management & reporting on lower stocked supplies & merchandise.
  • Supported store operations such as daily communications with head office regarding sales analytics, inventory management & loss prevention, low product and/or supplies.


Education

Dartmouth High School
Dartmouth NS

High School Diploma

University Overview

French Immersion Certification

Skills

  • Leadership & Team Management
  • Sales & Customer Service Excellence
  • Inventory & Stock Management
  • Sales Goal Achievement & Generation
  • Ear Piercing Certified (EPC)
  • Planogram (POG) Planning & Setting
  • Point of Sale (POS) Systems Expertise
  • Loss Prevention Awareness & Drive off
  • Trend Awareness & Seasonal Promotions Execution
  • Bilingual (Orally fluent in French)

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
French
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Acting Store Manager

Icing By Claire's
04.2024 - 08.2024

Part-Time Store Manager

Claire's Stores
01.2023 - Current

Assistant Innkeeper

The Locust & Starr Inn
05.2022 - 11.2022

Sales Associate

Icing By Claire's
06.2019 - 09.2021

Dartmouth High School

High School Diploma
Maria Cole