CORY FOSTERLas Vegas, NV 89108 (702) 755-3816

coryfosterlasvegas5000@gmail.com

REGIONAL VISUAL MERCHANDISING MANAGER

• High energy professional with over 15 plus years of experience in visual merchandising design, development, and management and a solid record of streamlining operations and increasing profitability

• Solid record of managing visual merchandising display resources and projects across multiple focuses to on-time completion, within or under budget

• Outstanding communication skills; effectively deliver corporate vision and marketing initiatives to team members to execute strategy

• Effectively build relationships with personnel at all executive, management, and client levels

• Possess an empowering and motivating leadership style that inspires team members to perform to their highest levels of productivity

Areas of expertise:− Store openings and

remodels− Operations

− Budget management − Team training and development − Integrated project

implementation− Critical problem analysis and

resolution− Customer service, sales and

marketing− Cutting-edge layout and graphic

design

EXPERIENCENORDSTROM, INC., Seattle, WA Regional Operational Visual Manager, 2006 – 2016 Led a team of up to 10 visual managers and 50 stylists in 10-12 stores in both East Coast and West Coast regions. Provided operational support of store remodels, openings, and corporate initiatives.

• Collaborated with store managers and merchandising managers to ensure optimal and timely product placement in a way that was visually appealing to the customer.

• Supported team, regional, and corporate initiates including fashion shows, personal appearances, and launches of cosmetic lines and high-profile products.

• Maintained and met regional budgets of up to $3M. • Selected and developed management teams; trained personnel in new

initiatives and practices.

• Visited stores, ensuring compliance with all policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

• Maintained corporate marketing, visual application, and fashion vision, resulting in profitable, efficient, and smooth flowing retail operations.

• Opened four stores in Boston; led a team of 35 and held daily meetings with stakeholders to help execute the visual application. Supported eight additional Nordstrom store openings and four remodels; led two Nordstrom Rack openings in New Jersey and Hawaii.− Prior to store openings, held monthly meetings with leaders to

ensure a strong communication network using all business channels.

− Stores opened on time and customers experienced an inspired environment in which to shop.

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EXPERIENCE (continued)• Supported and implemented systems that ensured budget and

projection accuracy, monitored expenses, and increased leadership accountability.

• To prevent delays in payroll deductions, credit card charges and vendor payments, implemented a documents that accounted for monthly spend.

• Instituted company monthly company risk and safety prevention programs that shared directives and ensured employee understanding, which dramatically reduced the number of claims.

• Implemented a back-of-house clean-up program that reduced excess store materials, instituted best practices for storage, and created a clean and clutter-free environment.

• Introduced company leadership development program implemented by Corporate Marketing which increased accountability and resulted in stronger, more productive teams. − Provided workshops, seminars, and learning technology to support

professional growth.− Instituted company touch base call for leadership-employee

communications which increased productivity and improved morale and employee engagement.

• Received “Cash Call” award six times for achievements in partnership, participation, and finance.

Visual Manager – Seattle Washington, Phoenix Arizona, Las Vegas Nevada, and San Francisco Northern California, 1986 – 2006

Communicated and implemented corporate initiatives into store level including visual application, styling execution, and brand initiatives such as new cosmetic lines.

• Produced innovative and original visual displays and presentations. Maintained a consistent high profile while ensuring compliance with all signage standards, requirements, and corporate directives.

• Hired and trained stylists; trained individuals in both the culture and the brand execution; coached, developed, and mentored.

• Reinforced customer service standards, resulting in highly efficient and smooth flowing visual merchandising operations.

• Trained store staff in new, company-driven merchandising standards.• Received “All Star” award twice for leadership excellence.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Completed numerous specialized training including:• Communications Development • Difficult Retail Situations• Business Timelines and Organization