1. Cara J. Craig
7523 K Snow pea Ct Alexandria, VA 22306 703-589-7781 cara.craig@gmail.com
Experienced Retail Operations and Business Manager well versed in managing
multi unit stores seeks position with established company with ability for growth
and personal achievement.
Current Work Experience
IK Retail Group, Georgetown, Washington, DC
May 2004-present
IK Retail Group is a private consulting company that introduces, develops and nurtures European Retail
Brands in the United States. With a portfolio existing of new brands such as Piazza Sempione, G Star Raw
Denim, Billionaire Italian Couture, as well as its own multi brand concept DNA 2050 Concept Store,
Andrews Ties USA, Inc, and MaxMara locations.
Director of Retail Operations
· Created and implemented for the Company Portfolio all Store Operation Procedures and Training
methods, focusing on cost control, maintaining Brand image and contributing to increased sales.
· Liaison with Brand Partners for transitioning their concept to open in the US market. Areas
targeted: Effective Pricing, POS system development, payroll and scheduling, shipping ,
importing and receiving product, and store policies.
· Developed relationships with vendors for effective partnership, and presentation to new clients
· Negotiated cost and services with all store service vendors for company and all new brand
partnerships and construction projects
· Managed maintenance programs and schedules for all stores
· Negotiated all company importing and exporting requirements with brokers for product
· Oversaw new store construction projects to meet deadlines
· Maintained office networks and provide IT support to the corporate office and retail stores
· Negotiated Buy Backs and Swaps with Multi Brand Vendors
Accomplishments
· Oversaw the conversion of the operating business structure of IK Enterprises to IK Retail Group in
2008, condensing operations from 30 people to 12, renegotiated all contracts to update them and
save costs to size of company.
· Opened 14 stores, within five different brands in various US Markets, ensuring timely openings
and kept cost under budget
· Established the presence of Piazza Sempione Retail LLC and Billionaire Couture USA Inc in the
United States, and created companies first multi brand store.
IK Max, Inc, Georgetown, Washington, DC
Director of Operations
· Operated seven MaxMara stores on the East Coast maintaining corporate standards, Sales Volume
$12 Million per year.

2. · Developed clientele system for maximizing customer demographics for increased sales
· Set budgets for open to buy and purchased collections for the stores
· Analyzed cost of sales and product sell throughs to maximize and plan all store transfers and
product selection to achieve minimum 80% ST before sale.
· Monitored all sales reporting and projections
· Performed all Management training and Staff development
· Controlled payroll and Employee productivity
· Controlled all Inventory costs and managed inventory
Restaurant Management Background
Managed and operated local and national brand restaurants prior to entering the Retail Business.
Gained knowledge in P&L, inventory control, accounting, staff management and motivation, and superior
customer service skills.
Past employment:
• Maggianos Little Italy—Formerly with Lettuce Entertain You in Chicago, now owned by Brinker
International, large, high volume restaurant with private dining rooms and banquets.
• Nathans/Sam and Harry’s- Local Washington DC well known Bar and Restaurant, operated by
local restaurant group featured extensive collection of wine and alcohol bar and chop house fare
• Virginia Beverage Company-Old Town Alexandria Brew House, with own brewery. Noted fine
dining menu featured wines, beers and single malts.
• Red Hot and Blue-Regional southern cooking, barbecue restaurant group with large catering
business