Chantal van Blitterswijk
Area Retail Manager
The Hague
Summary
Open for a management position, utilizing extensive management experience and passion for excellent customer service.
Over 25 years of extensive experience in a fast-paced retail and hospitality environment.
Strong ability to collect and analyze information, problem-solving and hands-on mentallity.
Passionate about great customer experience, service through coaching, eye for detail, positive attitude, and prompt follow-ups.
Strong communication skills and interpersonal skills.
Consistent in achieving sales and service quotas over entire employment span. Agile and adaptable staff leader with stellar work history, motivational approach and upbeat nature. Skilled at training employees and leveraging organized approaches to handle daily planning, scheduling, and customer service requirements. Forward-thinking and industrious with diplomatic communication style focused on maximizing engagement and satisfaction. Enthusiastic management professional with demonstrated success supervising staff and building teams. Proven history of achieving sales goals by monitoring employee performance and coaching staff on effective sales methods. Skilled in solving complicated issues and making proactive operational changes.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Retail Area Manager
Max Mara/ Weekend By Max Mara
2018 - Current
- Responsible for optimal qualitative and quantitative results of the Dutch and Danish market
- Improved customer satisfaction ratings by prioritizing excellent service in all team interactions.
- Following five Max Mara freestanding stores, including opening and development flagship and Departement store’s concessions (shop-in-shop concepts) in both the Bijenkorf and Illum
- Developed high-performing teams through targeted recruitment, training, and ongoing coaching.
- Delivered exceptional results through strong leadership skills in managing diverse teams across various stores.
- Responsible for opening and refurbishments concessions and free standing stores including recruitment, onboarding and training of store management and sales staff
- Collecting and analyzing all retail data
- Create both macro and micro growth based on qualitative and quantitative KPIs and Mystery Reports
- Prognosis of FTE and percentage personnel cost, based on annual set budget, to optimize coverage shops
- Recruiting , training and supervising performance of sales staff and store managers
- Collaborating and communication with the Bijenkorf Department store management to establish and maintaining good business relations
- Liaising with HR and supporting in all matters related to in store staff
- Driving and coaching store managers towards their seasonal and annual targets, KPI as well as their personal developments
- Achieved consistent performance improvements by setting clear expectations and monitoring KPIs closely.
- Training and development Junior Area managers for international markets
- Supporting European Retail directors in developing business strategies to raise customers loyalty, increase store footfall and optimize profitability.
- Analysis of collections sell outs, organizing and supporting inter company transfers
- Cooperating closely with buying department and VM department
- 14 Developed new managers from within 93 person regional workforce.
- Streamlined operational processes for increased efficiency, resulting in improved profit margins.
- Maximized customer loyalty by resolving issues promptly while maintaining high levels of professionalis
- Enhanced employee morale through regular recognition programs and fostering a positive work environment.
Retail Area Manager
Max Mara
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Responsible for optimal qualitative and quantitative results of the Dutch market
- Following all Dutch Max Mara direct stores and Departement store’s concessions (shop-in-shop concepts) the Bijenkorf
- Improved customer satisfaction ratings by prioritizing excellent service in all team interactions.
- Responsible for opening and refurbishments concessions and free standing stores including recruitment, onboarding and training of store management and sales staff
- Developed high-performing teams through targeted recruitment, training, and ongoing coaching.
- Collecting and analyzing all retail data
- Create both macro and micro growth/development plans based on qualitative and quantitative results; KPI and Mystery Reports
- Prognosis of FTE and percentage personnel cost, based on annual set budget, to optimize coverage shops
- Recruiting , training and supervising performance of sales staff and store managers
- Liaising with HR and supporting in all matters related to in-store staff
- Driving and coaching store managers towards their seasonal and annual targets, KPI as well as their personal developments.
- Coached and mentored team twelve managers to achieve sales and customer engagement score targets.
- Achieved consistent performance improvements by setting clear expectations and monitoring KPIs closely.
- Training and development Junior Area managers for international markets
- Supporting European Retail Director in developing business strategies to raise customers loyalty, increase store footfall and optimize profitability
- Analysis of collections sell outs, organizing and supporting inter company transfers
- Cooperating closely with buying department and VM department
- Identifying developments and trends in customer field and anticipation on
- Reporting weekly to European Director, regarding developments, action plans, pending staff matters and contracts and share strategies.
- Maintained compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety standards while overseeing multiple locations.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the retail area.
- Delivered exceptional results through strong leadership skills in managing diverse teams across various stores.
Shop Manager
Max Mara Den Haag
03.2006 - 01.2013
- Responsible for optimal qualitative and quantitative results of Den Haag store and concession
- Meeting sales goals by training, mentoring and providing feedback to sales staff
- Ensuring highest level of customer satisfaction through excellent service
- Complete store administration and ensure compliance with companies policy and procedures ! Maintain outstanding store conditions and visual standards
- Reporting on buying trends, customers needs and action plans
- Additional required store managers duties
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing effective sales strategies and providing exceptional customer service.
- Managed inventory levels for optimal product availability, resulting in fewer stockouts and increased sales.
- Implemented visual merchandising techniques to attract customers and drive sales, leading to improved store performance.
- Organized special events such as product launches or seasonal promotions to generate excitement among customers and boost sales figures.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures..
- Established and optimized schedules to keep coverage and service in line with forecasted demands.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detai.
Sales Advisor Cipriani
Cipriani Scheveningen
09.2004 - 02.2006
- Greeting and serving customers
- Advice customers and answer to customers queries ! Restocking/ stock management
- Handling till transactions
- Assisting during deliveries
- Additional required sales assistant duties
- Developed long-lasting client relationships by providing exceptional customer service.
- Provided expert product knowledge to customers, leading to informed purchasing decisions and increased satisfaction levels.
- Conducted regular follow-ups with clients, ensuring continued satisfaction and generating future business opportunities.
- Created customized solutions for clients'' unique needs, resulting in enhanced customer loyalty
- Developed and delivered engaging sales presentations to convey product benefits
- Built relationships with customers and community to promote long term business growth
Senior Restaurant Manager
Self Employed
03.1996 - 01.2002
Education
Grafisch Lyceum The Hague
The Hague06.1994
High School Diploma -
Sint Maartens College
Voorburg, ZH05.1991
Skills
- Customer Service
- Relationship Building and Management
- Interpersonal Communication
- Team Development
- Recruitment and Hiring
- Staff Training and Development
- Performance Management
- Problem Solving
- Organizational Skills
- Attention to Detail
Other activities
Hiking and Fitness
Music/Concerts
Cooking
Reading non-fiction
Social media and internet; following Travel, Music, Food and Fashion
Languages
Dutch
Native language
English
Advanced
C1
German
Elementary
A2
Quote
It is never too late to be what you might have been.
George Eliot
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 83 staff members
Timeline
Retail Area Manager
Max Mara
01.2013 - 01.2018
Shop Manager
Max Mara Den Haag
03.2006 - 01.2013
Sales Advisor Cipriani
Cipriani Scheveningen
09.2004 - 02.2006
Senior Restaurant Manager
Self Employed
03.1996 - 01.2002
Retail Area Manager
Max Mara/ Weekend By Max Mara
2018 - Current
Grafisch Lyceum The Hague
High School Diploma -
Sint Maartens College
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