Alison Parkes
Bradford
Summary
I am a highly motivated, reliable and creative individual with a great eye for detail. I have a vast amount of experience within merchandising and customer service roles. Skilled in building customer relationships and understanding customer needs. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a willingness to learn.
.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work history
Supervisor/Visual Merchandiser
New Look Retailers
Manchester, Lancashire
2015.06 - 2018.12
- Facilitated smooth store operations, performing daily opening and closing functions.
- Updated pricing and promotions to fulfil store goals.
- Performed risk assessments and security checks to comply with health and safety legislation.
- Managed stock levels to maximise sales opportunities.
- Implemented incentive schemes to effectively motivate team members and drive attainment.
- Led team members by example, showcasing exceptional customer service standards.
- Highlighted poor sales performance and identified areas for growth to limit losses.
- Evaluated sales trends across various outlets to identify non-performing areas and implement improvement strategies.
- Replenished fixtures regularly to maintain stock levels, organisation and visual appeal.
- Capitalised on customer trends through strategic product allocation.
- Reacted to sales performance through delivery phasing and popular stock replenishment.
Customer Service Advisor
JD Sports Head Office
Bury, Lancashire
2015.02 - 2015.05
- Acted as first point of contact for customer issues and queries.
- Logged chat details and customer information in secure systems, improving data collection measures.
- Met customer needs with consistent first-contact resolution.
- Forwarded escalated concerns to supervisors for remediation.
- Used targeted questioning techniques to determine customer needs and appropriate support.
- Adhered strictly to policies and procedures for continued company compliance.
Sales Assistant
TK Maxx
Bury, Lancashire
2014.09 - 2015.02
- Provided service with a smile, offering courteous, helpful advice to best meet customer needs.
- Greeted customers and offered assistance with selecting merchandise, finding accessories and completing purchases.
- Accepted and processed cash, cheque, card and mobile payments using POS systems.
- Shelved and merchandised new products in visually appealing, organised displays to engage customers.
- Received and processed product returns.
- Managed till operations by promptly and precisely scanning items, processing payments and issuing receipts.
- Updated product labelling and pricing to reflect discounts and offers.
- Replenished floor stock and processed deliveries promptly, maximising product availability for customers.
- Monitored display stock levels, replenishing for consistently well-stocked sales floor.
- Processed returned or exchanged items and provided refunds to customers.
- Adhered to company procedures and guidelines to maintain compliance.
- Participated in staff meetings to develop strategies in selling.
Visual Merchandiser/Sales Assistant
New Look Retailers
Bolton/Manchester/Bury, Lancashire
2005.03 - 2014.07
- Promoted seasonal products and trends to promote movement of stock.
- Optimised product and display locations to generate maximum visual impact.
- Monitored adherence to company standards for consistent visual merchandising practices.
- Reviewed product performance on periodic basis to refine marketing and merchandising strategies.
- Planned aesthetically pleasing displays to showcase company products and capture new sales.
- Window dress and create displays
- Dress mannequins throughout store
- Replenished display inventory, restructuring based on available stock.
- Executed effective merchandising methods to drive sales.
- Assisted customers with product selection and sales, recommending items to increase transaction value.
- Guaranteed high levels of customer satisfaction through product knowledge and attentive service.
- Updated product labelling and pricing to reflect discounts and offers.
- Operated cash registers with accuracy and processed cash and card transactions.
- Replenished floor stock and processed deliveries promptly, maximising product availability for customers.
- Monitored display stock levels, replenishing for consistently well-stocked sales floor.
- Created visual displays for opening of flagship stores
- Carried out back-of-house maintenance, for clear, easy-to-navigate stockroom management.
- Processed returned or exchanged items and provided refunds to customers.
- Informed customers regarding promos and warranty services to increase sales.
- Participated in staff meetings to develop strategies in selling.
- Assisted customers in locating specific items to boost satisfaction.
- Prepared products for sales floor, steaming and presenting items immaculately for appealing displays.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
Education
Certificate of Higher Education - Art and Design
Bolton Community College
Bolton 09/2017 - 05/2018
BA Honors - Surface and Pattern Design
Bolton UTC
Bolton 09/2018 - 04/2019
Foundation Degree Fashion and Textiles - (HED) Fashion and Textiles
Leeds City College University Centre
Leeds 09/2022 -
Skills
- Interior and exterior displays
- Merchandising layout planning
- Merchandising and display management
- Shop events and promotions
- Mannequin dressing
- Promotions planning
- Stocking and replenishing
- Customer assistance
- Enthusiastic communicator
- Outgoing and enthusiastic
- Customer service oriented
- Knowledge of digital design Canva
Timeline
Supervisor/Visual Merchandiser
New Look Retailers
2015.06 - 2018.12
Customer Service Advisor
JD Sports Head Office
2015.02 - 2015.05
Sales Assistant
TK Maxx
2014.09 - 2015.02
Visual Merchandiser/Sales Assistant
New Look Retailers
2005.03 - 2014.07
Certificate of Higher Education - Art and Design
Bolton Community College
09/2017 - 05/2018
BA Honors - Surface and Pattern Design
Bolton UTC
09/2018 - 04/2019
Foundation Degree Fashion and Textiles - (HED) Fashion and Textiles
Leeds City College University Centre
09/2022 -