Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Retail management professional with 15+ years of success driving implementation of game-changing strategies, metrics, and tactics that propel operational excellence, team performance, and profitability across domestic and international markets.
}	Passionate leader credited with operating with the highest degree of integrity and accountability to galvanize retail teams and multi-store operations, with a focus on revolutionizing the customer experience and bolstering top- and bottom-line growth. 
}	Nimble change agent and savvy relationship builder able to balance a pragmatic business viewpoint and sharp awareness of the competition to establish thriving retail operations and teams while championing innovation to elevate brand value.

Core Competencies: Cross-functional Team Leadership | Sales Strategy & Operations Management | New Store Development
Store Relocations & Closings | Staff Training  | Project Management | Budget Management | Cost Control | KPIs & Analytics 


Handpicked by ASICS CEO to manage build-out and opening of first flagship retail store on 5th Avenue and further develop the New York retail market. Provided leadership for all aspects of brand-owned, full price, performance, and lifestyle stores. Held accountability for store operations, visual merchandising, incentive programs, customer experience, talent acquisition, training and development, and expense management. Managed 7 direct reports and 100+ indirect reports.
?	Fast-tracked management of delayed project to build and launch first flagship retail store in the US. 
-	Achieved opening of new store on 5th Avenue in less than a year and under budget by implementing weekly meetings with all parties involved to identify roadblocks, improve communication among stakeholders on project progress, and drive cross-functional collaboration to proactively tackle challenges.
?	Managed full-price store operations across New York City, Minneapolis, Santa Monica, Newport Beach, and Honolulu. 
?	Instituted standard operating procedures and customer service level standards for in-store experience.
?	Achieved top-line sales growth YOY, yielding store sales of +16.02% over LY, and 1-point increase in conversion over LY ?despite reduction of total store count and overall foot traffic.

Senior Manager, Flagship & Full Price Retail

Selected by VP of Direct-to-Consumer to join eCommerce Operations team and relocated to Boston, along with 2 team members. Led growth and development of eCommerce operations with focus on maximizing effectiveness, efficiency, innovation, and consumer experience. Managed one direct report and 6 to 10 call center dotted-line reports.
?	Developed comprehensive, quarterly business review and product training program for third-party call center employees.
?	Owned R&D on multiple innovation projects including mobile and non mobile pop-up shops, kiosks, and immersive retail experiences within existing retail locations.

Senior Manager, eCommerce Operations, Marketplaces & Retail Innovation

Recruited by ASICS based on success opening new stores for L Brands Inc. and served as primary strategic liaison between brand and third-party financial investment group to introduce full-price, direct-to-consumer business to the U.S. Instituted new store opening process, standard operating procedures, business insight and reporting, sales and product training, marketing strategy, and communication flow. Managed budget of $4.1M.
?	Headed opening of 13 partner stores, generating $13.8M in sales within first 18 months and 107% comps for 3 stores during respective anniversaries. Met established targets 11% under budget within first year by focusing on zero profit erosion.
?	Implemented online project management, productivity and team collaboration software (Smartsheet) as service application to improve management of corporate and field-based activity.

Senior Manager, Retail Business Development

Led teams through all phases of full-cycle project management to achieve new store openings, closings, and relocations. Liaised between field organization and construction teams to drive completion of projects on time and within budget. Worked cross-functionally to communicate and ensure visibility of resource requirements and timing for projects. Mentored, trained, and onboarded all new real estate project managers. Contributed to development of 7 associates.
?	Spearheaded 16 store openings in FY12 with sales volumes ranging from $3M to $30M, as well as relocations and closings, while minimizing impacts to associates and business results.
-	Laid foundation to maximize sales volume and reduce expenses by identifying and eliminating potential risk factors.
-	Streamlined new store-opening processes by revamping project management tool used by project managers.
-	Slashed supply costs for store openings $60K by carefully managing supply budgets and introducing key controls. 
?	Steered on-site stockouts to support District Manager and the entire district during opening process. 
-	Held accountability for visual presentation, floor plans, merchandising items, phone systems, fitting-room pager systems, and point of sale (POS) equipment.

Store Operations Project Manager, Real Estate Execution

Managed and optimized end-to-end store opening process for international travel and tourism locations. Fostered productive cross-functional partnerships by working in collaboration with international business partners, home office leaders, and field teams. Trained international staff on product knowledge and merchandising standards. 
?	Opened 10 new stores in various locations and refreshed 4 existing stores in FY10.
?	Established groundwork that enabled 17% comp sales increase and surpassed revenue and operating income targets.

Project Manager, International Export Group

Tapped to optimize efficiency, consistency, and effectiveness of corporate communication to stores by redesigning brand-wide communication template. 
?	Steered ROI-driven decision making and owned all store communication related to intimates.

Store Operations Project Manager, Field Planning & Communication

Store Operations Project Manager – Emerging Concepts – Victoria’s Secret (2006 – 2009) 
Developed scalable processes and drove efficiencies to increase readiness for future growth initiatives. Worked cross-functionally on project plans, brand education, visual execution, and performance analysis.
?	Directed growth-oriented, innovative projects, piloting new concepts to maximize sales, best practices, and efficiency.
?	Received field nomination for outstanding performance in implementing new field tools and processes, earning the Angel Award in FY07 from Victoria’s Secret Stores organization.

Store Operations Project Manager, Emerging Concepts

Ideated and implemented new tools and processes to increase penetration and efficiency of top 100 high-volume stores. Facilitated execution of in-store special events during grand openings and other marketing activities. Positioned stores with 25-store pilot program to increase conversion 2% over LY.

Specialist, Focus Stores

Find out detailed information about Kathryn Blick,  in Boston, MA

Kathryn Blick: in Boston, MA

Kathryn Blick

The Ohio State University