Smita Patel Email & Phone Number

United States

Introduces global brands to the North American market, identifying design solutions to increase profitability, productivity, and efficiency. Assists clients with strategic planning and execution, store operations, merchandising, talent acquisition and development, market research, and client insight. Bolsters customer engagement by designing and implementing strategies to create a cohesive team culture, reduce costs, and drive sales revenue.

Greater New York City Area

Oversaw management of P&L, staffing, payroll, sales, customer engagement, and marketing for 35 retail locations and collaborated with UK business partners to maximize sales and profits in US and Canadian markets. Designed business model transition strategies rolled out globally to adapt to changing retail environment and boost customer satisfaction and employee engagement. Analyzed P&L monthly to explore cost-reduction options, improving top and bottom line; exceeded EBITDA targets, and ensured shareholder satisfaction. Trained Managers and implemented leadership plan to support employee growth and improve customer service delivery. Integrated user-friendly client service tools and established accountability mechanisms to increase all KPIs. Promoted diversity and inclusion by implementing the Inclusive Workplace Model and fostering communication. Oversaw recruitment and training of Multi Store Managers. Successfully launched brands in the US and Canada, increasing revenue 10% year-over-year; obtained highest global conversion rates by driving sales with a focus on developing strong KPIs. • Spearheaded VIP client program that grew annual clientele business by 35%; negotiated better lease terms with partners and developed stronger marketing initiatives. • Established partnership with Bloomingdales and created a new business model in addition to brick-and-mortar shopping. Exceeded projected first-year sales figures by 15%. • Created a client engagement training program that increased all KPIs by double digits. Sales Per Hour (SPH) increased and client service scores went up by 15 points. • Through a focused program that included employee surveys, new training, and onboarding processes, decreased employee turnover from 70% to 20% within six months. • Created better product buying and allocation systems for the North American market. Increased store conversion (customer store visit vs customer purchase) from 9% to 16% in the first year.

Greater New York City Area

Provided strategic guidance and managerial oversight for sales and operations of 10 Mexx and 50 Juicy Couture high-end women’s fashion retail stores. Managed payroll for 100 employees using sales projections to decrease labor cost, drive sales, improve footfall conversion, and client experience. Stimulated merchandising, customer service, and sales generation through leadership and engagement improvement; trained management peers and designed accountability mechanisms. • Established client experience and employee programs and implemented effective operational processes to lower controllable overhead, surpassing sales projections by 18% per annum. • Improved client conversion rate from 14% to 19% through effective hiring, onboarding, and training programs.

Greater New York City Area

Managed flagship Rockefeller Center-based store with $40 million in annual revenue. Created and implemented strong customer service standards, consistently exceeding internal benchmarks. Acted as liaison between field, buyers, and planners and reviewed sales trends, floor layouts, merchandising, product assortment and placement to maximize sales. Organized seasonal training for 300 staff members to communicate customer service expectations, improving overall performance. • Oversaw financial reporting, trend analysis, merchandising, and operations, increasing divisional sales by 8.6%. • Acquired a team of 300 employees and reduced turnover from 40% to 15% within three months.

Greater New York City Area

Partnered with buyers and planners to identify and develop ideas and trends to increase sales. Generated weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports outlining key sellers to ensure client satisfaction, maximizing sales. • Enhanced client experience, improved employee retention, and developed product knowledge that generated $60 million in sales for luxury designer brands. • Graduate of the Macy’s Executive Training Program