Rita Barakat

Accomplished wine executive and retail business leader with more than 20 years of experience in wine buying, retail operations, inventory management, merchandising, pricing strategy, vendor negotiations, and team leadership. Extensive experience managing multi-store wine operations, developing profitable purchasing strategies, driving sales growth, and building strong distributor relationships. Proven ability to lead teams, optimize inventory, increase profitability, and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

Wine Director / Wine Department Operations Manager / Chain Wine Buyer / Wine Consultant - Blanchards Wine & Spirits - Massachusetts

(2025-01)

• Lead the overall operations of the wine department across multiple store locations.
• Direct wine purchasing and assortment planning for the chain.
• Develop buying strategies based on sales trends, customer demand, seasonal opportunities, and market analysis.
• Manage inventory control to maintain optimal stock levels, improve inventory turns, and minimize out-of-stock products.
• Establish retail pricing and promotional pricing strategies to maximize sales and profitability.
• Direct merchandising initiatives, including shelf layouts, displays, seasonal features, and product placement.
• Negotiate pricing, allocations, and promotional programs with distributors and suppliers.
• Analyze sales reports and inventory performance to guide purchasing decisions.
• Coordinate inventory transfers and product balancing between store locations.
• Organize wine tastings, customer events, and promotional programs.
• Train and mentor staff on wine knowledge, merchandising standards, and customer service.
• Collaborate with ownership and store managers to improve operations, grow sales, and increase profitability.

Owner / Store Manager - Brighton Gourmet & Wine Cellar - Brighton, Massachusetts

(2012)

• Manage all aspects of retail store operations.
• Purchase wine, spirits, beer, and specialty products.
• Negotiate purchasing agreements with distributors and suppliers.
• Oversee inventory management, budgeting, invoicing, and financial reporting.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate employees.
• Develop merchandising strategies and promotional events.
• Maintain outstanding customer service and operational excellence.

Store Manager - Foley’s Liquors - Brookline, Massachusetts

(2000 - 2010)

• Directed daily retail operations, purchasing, budgeting, and inventory control.
• Managed distributor relationships and introduced new products.
• Processed invoices, deliveries, and financial transactions.
• Supervised and trained employees.
• Maintained merchandising standards and operational efficiency.
• Delivered exceptional customer service.

Human Resources Manager - Mövenpick Hotels - Ramallah, Palestine

(2010 - 2012)

• Managed Human Resources operations for more than 400 employees.
• Administered recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and benefits.
• Developed employee training programs and updated job descriptions.
• Coordinated hiring events and recruitment initiatives.
• Ensured compliance with company policies and labor regulations.

Owner / Manager - Rita’s Café - Brookline, Massachusetts

(2010 - 2013)

• Managed all daily business operations.
• Supervised kitchen, barista, and front-of-house staff.
• Oversaw purchasing, inventory, budgeting, and scheduling.
• Maintained vendor relationships and quality standards.
• Delivered exceptional customer service while maintaining operational excellence.

Master of Science - Human Resource Management - Framingham State University (2007)

Bachelor of Science - Business and Management Information Systems - University of Massachusetts Boston (2003)