1. Karen Guinand
1715 Arbor Lane, #109  Crest Hill, IL 60403  H 815.630.4233/C 815.823.3681  kiddo319@comcast.net
Objective: To utilize my knowledge, skill, and education in retail management and merchandising to contribute to
the continued success of an established company and to develop and implement strategies to further increase
their market strength.
Professional Experience
Premium Retail Services July 2015 - Present
Develop a strategy to implement panograms and displays to optimize consumer interest in product. Placing POS
materials strategically to improve product awareness and enhance customer sales. Train all staff in sales
strategies, customer service and inventory management. Audited marketing materials to ensure a positive
approach was utilized to capture and enhance market share. Developed a strategy and implemented dioramas
and video shelf communications to enhance customer interest and drive sales.
Kitchen Collection, Store Manager, Chicagoland June 2011-August 2014
Managed all aspects of store operations for mall and outlet locations. This included maintaining positive
customer service, accurate inventory control, employee development and retention and merchandising and
marketing of products. Active Team leader on various store openings and closings to ensure transparent
transition of store operations. Trained and mentored new store manager upon my promotion to a high volume
outlet store.
Acosta Sales & Marketing, Territory Manager/Retail Merchandiser, Lombard, IL June 2010 – June 2011
Implemented inventory turns process to ensure speed to shelf for existing and new items. Developed layout plan
for Item placement to optimize shelf space including, building displays to positively impact sales, POS focus on
item placement. Actively participated in preparing stores for client audits.
Dik Drug Company, Independent Merchandising Consultant, Burr Ridge, IL 2006 – June 2013
Work independently to maintain merchandising and all drug store accounts. Assure merchandise complies with
restrictions and date codes for all respective product. Recommend new products and placement to ensure on
going profitability. Train and mentor new employees and merchandising policies and procedures.
Things Remembered, Store Manager, Chicagoland, IL 2002 – 2010
Actively implemented marketing strategy to obtain new customers and increase sales and profitability. Utilized
excellent customer service skills to enhance and drive positive customer relationships. Maintained all aspects of
store operation, including merchandising displays and special holiday set ups.
Lechter’s Housewares, Store Manager, Chicagoland, IL 1996 – 2002
Top performer with sales gains for three consecutive years. Involved with merchandising, inventory, sales
presentations and mentoring. Winner of numerous sales contests with perfect “secret shopper” scores.
N.J.R. Corporation, Store Manager and Cosmetics Buyer, Midlothian, IL 1993 – 1996
Responsible for purchasing, merchandising, personnel development, profit and loss, and customer / store
relations. Managed implementation of new HBA lines.

2. Doc’s Drugs, Assistant Manager, Lisle, IL 1990 – 1993
Worked closely with owner and main office staff to develop and implement marketing strategies to drive sales
and profitability. Worked with staff supervision to mentor and develop new employees. Developed product
selection and merchandising presentation to enhance customer interest and drive sales.
Education
Illinois State University, Normal, IL
Bachelor of Science, Education 1982
Dean’s List – Spring 1982
References are available upon request.