Valerie Rogers

-Under the guidance of a Merchant assist in creating merchandise framework to guide design to meet financial targets
-Partner with Merchandise Planning counterparts to aid in the development of strategies that support the business objectives of each buy cycle
-Work directly with Merchant to edit and adopt the line to meet business needs
-Work cross-functionally with Merchandise Planning to rank product and guide quantities
-Provide hindsight by interpreting results and implementing suggestions for future buys and presentation
-Help to establish retail pricing and work directly with Sourcing and Product Development counterparts to ensure adequate mark up to meet financial goals
-In season reaction to business through interpretation of daily results
-Maintain competitive awareness by visiting competitors store locations as well as staying aware of their online presence in both full price and promotional strategy
-Regularly visit J. Jill store locations to interpret customer feedback and take appropriate action in implementing changes
-Accountable for keeping track of all samples for categories of responsibility
-Responsible for being the main merchant contact with the CAD team for updating and maintaining accurate CAD documents to properly represent assortment for meetings
-Work in PLM to adopt assortment in partnership with product development and sourcing counterparts
-Accountable for creating and maintaining assortment documentation, strategic assortment plans, and other documents used to track business throughout each buy cycle for categories of responsibility

I was responsible for managing, tracking, and reacting to all business needs in my departments of responsibility. I worked closely with my store and visual manager to ensure correct product placement. I helped to manage a team of 25 or more sales people depending on business needs on a day to day basis. I worked to drive volume through close interaction with clientele.

In my two years at Nordstrom I held several different positions. I was hired as a Sales Person and immediately recognized for my leadership abilities and sales performance. From there I was promoted to be a Brand Specialist, Assistant Sales Department Manager and lastly Sales Department Manager. In my Department Manager role I was responsible for recruiting, interviewing, hiring and consistently training and coaching my team. My team consisted of two Quarterly Pacesetters (at more than 100% of their goal) and one future leader. I was also responsible for all merchandising and visual standards as well as keeping track of and managing all aspects of inventory. I was in consistent communication with my store manager, regional merchandising manager, and buyers in regards to product performance and customer feedback. I also maintained and exceeded my manager sales per hour goal while maintaining all aspects of business.

As a Gallery Assistant I helped with monthly installations and worked with museum managers to host group events with local clientele and customer service. I also did some graphic design work for the exhibits and some general office and administrative work.

In this role I focused on customer service on the sales floor and at point of sale. I also worked to maintain floor standards.

In this role I learned more about customer service and finding creative solutions to problems at hand. I maintained floor standards and worked at the point of sale.

In my first retail job I learned a lot about the industry, customer service, teamwork and problem solving. I was one of the associates that helped move the store to a new location and was able to learn about and participate in the planning and executing. I learned the basics of customer service and how to run a day to day retail business.