Karen Thorn
Southampton,Hampshire
Summary
Experienced sales assistant and manager with a proven track record in customer service, visual merchandising, and inventory management. Demonstrated expertise in managing day-to-day business operations, optimising workforce scheduling, and maintaining rigorous quality control standards. Adept at handling payroll administration and developing business strategies to enhance operational efficiency and profitability. Committed to fostering positive employee morale and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Career goal: To leverage extensive managerial skills in a dynamic retail environment to drive growth and operational excellence. Dedicated Sales Assistant delivering exceptional customer service and elevating shopping experiences. Assists customers in product selection, ensuring satisfaction through tailored advice and support. Maintains an inviting store environment through effective visual merchandising and organisation.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Assistant
The Original Factory Shop
12.2025 - Current
- Assisted customers in selecting products, offering detailed advice to meet their needs.
- Conducted daily store opening and closing procedures, ensuring readiness for business operations.
- Kept shelves neat, clean and organised through visual merchandising.
- Handled customer enquiries, providing prompt responses to questions about products and services.
- Assisted customers in locating products and provided detailed information to enhance shopping experience.
Proprietor
Portioned 4 U Ltd.
08.2023 - 04.2025
- Managed day-to-day business operations, ensuring smooth and efficient workflow.
- Maintained rigorous quality control standards to uphold product and service excellence.
- Directed payroll, payment processing and forecasting to manage business finance activities.
- Developed and implemented business strategies to optimise operational efficiency and profitability.
- Oversaw inventory management, ensuring optimal stock levels and product availability.
- Created various business strategies to increase revenue and incur growth, applying sustainability measures.
Manager
The Grape Tree
08.2021 - 06.2023
- Monitored staff performance and developed improvement plans.
- Managed inventory control, reducing waste and ensuring optimal stock levels at all times.
- Supported employee morale and well-being by developing positive practices centred on career development and individual job satisfaction.
- Optimised workforce scheduling, balancing team workload to prevent burnout and maintain morale.
- Recruited and hired staff for organisational vacancies and enforced consistent policies across workforce.
- Managed organisational resources to meet administrative and operational needs whilst adhering to budgetary guidelines and meeting quality and schedule demands.
Education
A-Levels - Business Studies
Itchen College
Southampton1981
Skills
- Customer service
- Visual merchandising
- Inventory management
- Payroll administration
Timeline
Sales Assistant
The Original Factory Shop
12.2025 - Current
Proprietor
Portioned 4 U Ltd.
08.2023 - 04.2025
Manager
The Grape Tree
08.2021 - 06.2023
A-Levels - Business Studies
Itchen College