CHRISTOPHER HARRISON
Huntertown
Summary
Dynamic leader in retail management with a strong track record in multi-unit operations. Achieved consecutive year-over-year sales growth through strategic initiatives and effective team alignment, fostering a culture of high performance and accountability across multiple locations.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Carters
Fort Wayne
06.2023 - Current
- Achieved consecutive year-over-year comp sales gains and market growth through strategic initiatives and team alignment
- Managed multi-unit business model across two locations in Fort Wayne, ensuring operational efficiency and customer satisfaction
- Recruited, trained, and developed management staff of two full-time and five part-time leaders, alongside eight to ten part-time associates, fostering a high-performance culture
- Trained and developed both teams from bottom performing in the District with Loyalty and Credit Card applications to top performers in the Region
- Captain of the District Interaction Team responsible for creating district wide contests, driving district connection and engagement, coaching under performing stores, creating district initiatives to positively impact customer experience, and facilitating conference calls
- Earned nomination for Store Manager Leadership Academy to enhance management skills and leadership capabilities.
- Advised emerging leaders in the district, offering guidance to enhance their management skills.
- District Trainer responsible for training external Store Manager hires at other locations
- Provided resources and support to other Store Manager/General Managers with Company Policy and other HR issues
- Took over a location post-HR overhaul
Store Manager
Zumiez
Fort Wayne
10.2015 - 06.2023
- Led net market sales growth of +43.86%. Store volume increased from a $1.2million to $1.8mil.
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage by enhancing customer experience and tailoring training techniques to business needs.
- Managed store employees performance in fast-paced environment through proactive communication, positive feedback, and accountability.
- Coached sales associates in product knowledge, sales goals and selling techniques to positively impact the customer experience.
- Promoted four employees to the Store Manager role with their own locations
- Developed and implemented merchandising techniques to showcase new and trending products, increasing transaction value.
- Set effective store schedules based on forecasted volume, individual employee performance and team training needs.
- Promoted team collaboration and performance by fostering a healthy environment focused on mutual success.
- Taught other Store Managers at District and National company events
Interim District Manager
Zumiez
Fort Wayne
08.2022 - 11.2022
- Managed a multi-unit business model with 9 stores across Indiana and Ohio.
- Led company sales strategies by proactively managing individual and team tasks and streamlining processes.
- Maximized team performance with newly implemented sales and merchandising procedures.
- Developed talent through targeted coaching and empowerment initiatives.
- Collaborated with district managers to implement performance improvement strategies.
- Evaluated operations and adjusted plans to capture new opportunities and adapt to changes in customer habits.
- Managed district expenses and payroll to stay within company budget expectations.
Assistant Manager
Zumiez
Fort Wayne
05.2014 - 10.2015
- Developed and implemented strategies that increased sales and drove profits, contributing to overall business growth.
- Grew sales and boosted profits, applying proactive management strategies and enhancing sales training.
- Strengthened merchandising and promotional strategies to drive customer engagement and boost sales.
- Trained and developed new hires in company processes, product knowledge, customer service, and selling techniques, enhancing team readiness and service quality.
- Generated repeat business through exceptional customer experience and responded to customer concerns with friendly and knowledgeable service.
- Achieved Top 80 ranking in personal sales within company, demonstrating strong sales performance.
- Organized and oversaw assignments to ensure operational excellence, improving workflow and team efficiency.
Sales Associate
Zumiez
Fort Wayne
11.2013 - 05.2014
- Increased sales by offering advice on purchases and promoting additional products.
- Engaged customers to foster rapport and enhance loyalty.
- Assisted customers in locating products and checked inventory for additional purchasing options.
- Organized racks and shelves to enhance store visual appeal and promote specific merchandise.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor through processing freight and merchandising.
Tour Manager and Artist Manager
SightinSound Artist Management
Huntington Beach
01.2012 - 05.2014
- Coordinated logistics and schedules for band tours across diverse locations, ensuring smooth operations.
- Oversaw daily artist management, including tour planning, travel logistics, marketing strategies, and profitability management.
- Led communication between the artist, management and Record Label.
- Accompanied and managed artist through multiple tours at venues across North America, England, and Europe, facilitating successful performances.
Tour Manager and Label Representative
Fearless Records
Huntington Beach
06.2010 - 08.2013
- Drove sales, managed inventory, oversaw logistical planning, and planned localized marketing events for Fearless Records during the Vans Warped Tour.
- Coordinated event logistics with marketing team to ensure seamless execution.
- Managed marketing, public relations, and promotions tailored to specific locations.
- Facilitated communication between record label and roster of artists on Vans Warped Tour.
- Managed overhead costs and logistical expenses to align with tour budget goals.
- Supplemented traveling tour crew with locally-hired workers.
Education
Sociology -
University of California, at Irvine
Irvine, CAIrvine, CA
Skills
- Multi-Unit Business Management
- Profitability Management
- Operational Excellence
- Talent Management
- Business Development
- Sales and Marketing
- Customer Experience
- Team Building
- Recruitment and Training
- Performance Evaluation
- Leadership Development
- Creative Merchandising
References
- Connor Delgrosso, connor.delgrosso@gmail.com
- Lance Gumz, lancegumz@gmail.com
- Brian Robinson, Brian.robinson@carters.com
- Shawn Bloom, (260)403-9884
- Travis Fudge, (260)249-0239
Timeline
General Manager
Carters
06.2023 - Current
Interim District Manager
Zumiez
08.2022 - 11.2022
Store Manager
Zumiez
10.2015 - 06.2023
Assistant Manager
Zumiez
05.2014 - 10.2015
Sales Associate
Zumiez
11.2013 - 05.2014
Tour Manager and Artist Manager
SightinSound Artist Management
01.2012 - 05.2014
Tour Manager and Label Representative
Fearless Records
06.2010 - 08.2013
Sociology -
University of California, at Irvine