Desiree Gaskin

Highly motivated Store Manager with over 15 years of experience in retail operations, team leadership, and customer service. Proven ability to analyze sales data, implement successful marketing campaigns, and streamline processes to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Adept at staff training, development, and performance management. Seeking to leverage extensive retail management expertise to drive sales and enhance customer satisfaction for a dynamic organisation.

Store Manager at Foschini (2000-09 – 2010-06)

• Orchestrated a team of 20 staff members, overseeing recruitment, training, and development to ensure exceptional customer service.
• Conducted meticulous stock counts to minimise shrinkage and maintain accurate inventory records.
• Instituted a new store layout, enhancing customer flow and improving the overall shopping experience.
• Analyzed sales data and customer feedback to identify and address areas for improvement, resulting in elevated customer satisfaction ratings.
• Spearheaded successful product launch campaigns, boosting customer engagement and store foot traffic.
• Supervised all retail operations, ensuring strict adherence to company policies and quality standards.
• Streamlined operational processes, achieving a notable reduction in operational costs.
• Focused on comprehensive team development and the delivery of excellent customer service.

Recording Artist and Singer at Independent

• Developed and recorded original music content, successfully releasing one full-length album and numerous singles.

Senior Store Manager at Mr Price Sport (2014-11 – 2020-02)

• Managed store operational requirements through effective employee scheduling and task assignment.
• Oversaw the recruitment, selection, orientation, and training of new employees.
• Maintained team performance through consistent coaching, counseling, and disciplinary actions.
• Prepared annual budgets, managed expenditure schedules, analyzed variances, and implemented corrective actions.
• Identified current and future customer requirements by establishing rapport with potential and existing clients.
• Ensured optimal availability of merchandise and marketing products within the store.
• Secured merchandise by implementing robust security systems and measures.
• Protected employees and customers by maintaining a safe and clean store environment.
• Maintained store stability and reputation through strict compliance with legal requirements.
• Provided targeted training to enhance staff knowledge base and utilized cross-training methods to sustain productivity during employee absences.
• Managed all controllable costs to ensure operational profitability.
• Oversaw stock levels and made critical decisions regarding inventory control.
• Analyzed sales figures, forecasted future sales, and interpreted trends to facilitate strategic planning.
• Ensured high standards for quality, customer service, and health and safety were consistently met.
• Addressed customer complaints and feedback promptly and effectively.
• Organized special promotions, displays, and in-store events to drive sales.
• Kept colleagues informed of business performance, new initiatives, and other pertinent updates.
• Maintained awareness of market trends in the retail industry, understanding forthcoming customer initiatives and monitoring local competitor activities.
• Initiated strategic changes to improve business performance, such as revising opening hours to enhance local market competitiveness.

Photographer at Independent

• Captured high-quality images for a diverse range of clients, including church events, studio sessions, and street portraits.
• Edited and retouched photographs using advanced software to enhance visual appeal and narrative.
• Built an extensive portfolio that showcased versatility across various photography styles and themes.

Store Manager at Converse (2021-06 – 2024-06)

• Managed store operational requirements through effective scheduling and employee task assignment.
• Facilitated the orientation and training of new employees.
• Maintained team performance through coaching, counseling, and disciplinary measures.
• Identified current and future customer needs by building rapport with potential and existing clientele.
• Secured merchandise by implementing comprehensive security systems and protocols.
• Ensured a safe and clean store environment for employees and customers.
• Maintained store stability and reputation by adhering to all legal requirements.
• Provided training to enhance staff knowledge and utilized cross-training to ensure employee productivity.
• Managed all controllable costs to maintain operational profitability.
• Oversaw stock levels and made key decisions regarding inventory control.
• Analyzed sales figures, forecasted future sales, and interpreted trends to support planning.
• Ensured that standards for quality, customer service, and health and safety were met.
• Responded effectively to customer complaints and comments.
• Organized special promotions, displays, and events to drive customer engagement.
• Initiated changes to improve business operations, such as adjusting opening hours for competitive advantage in the local market.

Store Manager at Bride and Co Special Occasions SA

• Managing a team of 12 staff members, overseeing hiring, training, and performance to ensure high standards of customer service in the Pretoria store.
• Analyzed sales data and customer feedback to develop targeted initiatives that improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Implemented and managed successful marketing and product launch campaigns that increased store foot traffic and revenue.
• Ensured store operations complied with company policies and quality standards while streamlining processes to reduce operational costs.
• Implemented employee development programs to enhance team skills and improve customer service quality.
• Streamlined retail operational processes to reduce costs while maintaining compliance with company policies and quality standards.
• Supervised day-to-day retail operations, ensuring seamless execution of sales and promotional activities.

Matric Certificate – Dundee High School (1997-01 – 1997-12)