George Karagkounis
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented Retail Area Manager with a proven track record of success, having started a career in sales management. Skilled in revitalizing sales operations and aligning procedures to maximize profitability and customer acquisition. Highly communicative, with the ability to build strong teams while maintaining balance and employee satisfaction. Expertise in managing relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring operational excellence, and achieving sales targets.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Retail Sales Department Manager
CΟCO-MAT
06.2022 - Current
- Overall Management of Store and Franchise NetworkTrained team members in successful strategies to meet operational and sales targets.
- Managed day-to-day staffing and handled scheduling for all store employees.
- Strengthened merchandising and promotional strategies to drive customer engagement and boost sales.
- Communication and ιssue ρesolution αcross αll Retail Stores nationwide
- Oversaw employee performance, corrected problems, and increased efficiency to maintain productivity targets.
- Liaised with sales, marketing, and management teams to develop solutions and accomplish shared objectives.
- Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
- Planned, created, tested and deployed system life cycle methodology to produce high quality systems to meet and exceed customer expectations.
General Store Manager
COCO-MAT
01.2020 - 05.2022
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Practiced suggestive selling, offering guests complementary items to maximize sales.
- Managed team by providing leadership, direction and continued development opportunities.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Supervised guests at front counter, answering questions regarding products.
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
Quality Manager
COCO-MAT
10.2015 - 03.2019
- Engaged daily with customers who had complaints, aiming to reach a positive resolution that benefited both the customer and the company.
- Provided observations, took measurements, and performed tests at various stages according to quality control plan.
- Inspected inbound and outbound products for compliance with established industry standards, company policies, and procedures.
- Increased customer satisfaction through adherence to quality standards and customer requirements.
- Updated quality control standards, methods, and procedures to meet compliance requirements.
Wholesale Sales Representative
LINEA STROM
01.2012 - 08.2015
- Responsible for overseeing and managing wholesale sales operations, ensuring the achievement of sales targets while fostering strong relationships with key clients and partners.
- Provided superior service to customers by quickly responding to requests, suggestions and concerns.
- Negotiated pricing with vendor suppliers to fit customer's budget and generate maximum gross profit.
- Demonstrated products to show potential customers benefits and advantages and encourage purchases.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
- Liaised with sales, marketing, and management teams to develop solutions and accomplish shared objectives.
- Implemented systems and procedures to increase sales.
Retail Sales Executive
Rainbow Waters
05.2009 - 12.2011
- Managed day-to-day staffing and handled scheduling for all store employees.
- Exceeded sales goals and accomplished business objectives by inspiring staff and promoting target products.
- Maintained company's visual merchandise standards through general housekeeping and planograms.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
Store Associate
COCO-MAT
05.2005 - 03.2009
- Engaged with customers to build rapport and loyalty.
- Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
- Solved customer challenges by offering relevant products and services.
- Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
- Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new, and potential customers.
- Educated clients on current promotional offerings and products using persuasive selling tactics.
- Managed efficient cash register operations.
Store Associate
HABITAT
01.2002 - 04.2005
- Checked pricing, scanned items, applied discounts, and printed receipts to ring up customers.
- Greeted customers, helped locate merchandise, and suggested suitable options.
- Prioritized helping customers over completing other routine tasks in store.
- Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal products.
- Developed strong rapport with customers and created positive impression of business.
Education
Associate of Arts - Sports Journalism
Athens Kapodistrian University
Athens09.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
New York College
Athens, Greece06.2003
Skills
- Account Management
- Sales team training
- Sales Planning
- Solution selling
- Client Relationship Management
- Strategic Planning
- Product Development
- Staff Management
Languages
Greek
Native language
English
Advanced
C1
French
Intermediate
B1
SKILLS
- Program Softone Atlantis
- Program Photoshop
- Microsoft (PPT, Word, Excel)
Hobbies
I enjoy evening walks as a way to unwind and reflect at the end of the day. I also have a strong passion for photography, particularly when traveling, as it allows me to capture unique moments and perspectives from different places around the world. This creative outlet enhances my attention to detail and my appreciation for diverse environments, which I apply both personally and professionally.
Timeline
Retail Sales Department Manager
CΟCO-MAT
06.2022 - Current
General Store Manager
COCO-MAT
01.2020 - 05.2022
Quality Manager
COCO-MAT
10.2015 - 03.2019
Wholesale Sales Representative
LINEA STROM
01.2012 - 08.2015
Retail Sales Executive
Rainbow Waters
05.2009 - 12.2011
Store Associate
COCO-MAT
05.2005 - 03.2009
Store Associate
HABITAT
01.2002 - 04.2005
Associate of Arts - Sports Journalism
Athens Kapodistrian University
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
New York College
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