Craig M. Tilly has over 15 years of experience in retail management, merchandising, and design. He has a strong track record of leadership, developing employees, increasing sales and profitability. Tilly has managed multiple store openings and remodels for companies such as IKEA, Vastu, Madewell, and Urban Outfitters. He is skilled in operations, planning, vendor relations, visual merchandising, and team development. Tilly holds a degree in graphic design and is seeking a new position where he can continue leveraging his diverse skill set.

1. Craig M. Tilly
4545 Georgia Street ! San Diego, CA 92116 ! Phone: 202.355.4645 ! E-Mail: craigtilly@gmail.com
Objective
A position in an organization that can appreciate and develop my strong skill sets in leadership, sales, design, and employee development. To work in
an environment that promotes teamwork and shared goals that will ultimately lead to increased sales and profitability for the company.
Skills
• Utilized strong merchandising and planning skill set throughout management positions.
• Vendor relations including seeking out new vendors, buying, and inventory management.
• Operated as lead role in strategic planning, project implementation, and execution of over 30 merchandising floor set ups.
• Recruited and developed more than 250 new employees for 7 new store openings. Repeatedly the go-to manager for new store openings.
• General Manager for over 9 years. Have worked for both large and small companies in all aspects of management including operations, training,
and store promotions.
Experience
IKEA, Visual Merchandiser/Activities Manager, San Diego, CA October 2002-December 2004, October 2015-present
• Hired at store opening and visualized store initiation for in-store merchandising, marketing, and promotions.
• Lead planning, ordering, and implementation of multiple seasonal concept shops using AutoCAD. Including very successful holiday and summer
product roll outs and multiple department remodels.
• Developed store opening skill set utilized in future positions by participating in 2 new store openings from planning to implementation.
Vastu, General Manager/Designer, Washington, DC May 2014-April 2015
• Oversaw daily operations, including purchasing, client relations, merchandising, marketing, and personnel management for a home furnishing and
interior design business.
• Sourced new products to keep the showroom current and on trend. Sought out new vendors to work with to help drive sales.
• Implemented in-store promotions using Instagram, Twitter and the store’s blog. Developed in store promotions and created advertising plans with
certain vendors to increase traffic.
• Created an updated personnel review document and worked with team members to increase individual performance and set realistic improvement
goals. Immediately and dramatically improved the sales staff’s morale.
• Worked with owners on a cost control program that also increased revenues and therefore increased profitability.
• Successfully worked with clients to provide design services and personalized furniture selections, becoming the number one salesperson within
months of taking the position.
Madewell, Store Director, San Diego, CA March 2013-April 2014
• Operations management on all levels including payroll, human resources, inventory, and back office.
• Hired, trained, and developed a staff of 25 new team members and management for the store opening.
• Responsible for planning and executing insider events, which drove over $40k in additional sales. Held top grossing opening event for the company.
• Developed incentive programs to reward top performers. Implemented commission-based sales resulting in 15% increase by year-end.
Urban Outfitters, Store Manager, San Diego, CA May 2004-March 2013
• Store manager of 2 new store openings, resulting in promotion to operations lead. Hired and trained an additional 85 new employees for 3 more
stores.
• Developed strong relations with the corporate office including allocators and buyers. Used customer trends and store specific needs to focus on
ordering product to drive sales.
• Planned, developed, and lead creative projects from inception through completion. Delivered projects on time with 100% accuracy.
• Promoted to District Training Store Manager. Implemented training tools to district and trained any new management. Utilized and provided training
to new staff on POS and ADP programs. Hired an additional 30-40 associates during peak holiday seasons.
• Held monthly employee meetings to give information, take feedback, and provide updated training. Utilized required employee meetings to generate
improvement options, communicate staff suggestions to management, and report grassroots idea generation.
• Had one of the highest staff retention rates in the company while consistently meeting or exceeding gross profit goals. Direct reports repeatedly
requested to transfer with me to new stores.
Education
The Illinois Institute of Art Received degree December 2001
Graphic Design