Experiences at Williams-Sonoma

To a new employee at Williams-Sonoma, I would say be flexible, ask questions, and always assist the customers with a smile. Flexibility is important since you will be called upon to float from one task to another. Asking questions is crucial to understand the procedures and nuances of working the floor at Williams-Sonoma. There may be times when you have what you may think to be a stupid or silly question...ask anyway! The more you ask, the more you will be able to assist the customers. Assisting the customers is the most important aspect of working at Williams-Sonoma, so do it with a smile! Customers (even the frustrated and annoyed ones) will respond in kind and thank you for your kindness and assistance. Managers and other sales associates will notice and be appreciative as well....

Brand Marketing Achievements: Doubled revenue and tripled prospect database.
* Led marketing strategy for B2B channel. Defined target market to determine market opportunity and crafted value proposition to set strategy for marketing communication.
* Executed a diverse marketing plan including: targeted mail campaigns, sales collateral, online, e-mail, ad campaigns, sweepstakes and loyalty programs.
* Designed marketing metrics dashboard to report key metrics and provided early reads on campaign responses, highlighted cost drivers and augmented marketing strategy.

Financial Management Achievements: Managed a $500K marketing budget.
* Administered the budget, forecast, and close of all marketing expenses.
* Negotiated strategic alliances with vendors (i.e.: printers, mail houses) resulting in cost savings of 10%....

Managed product creative development and buying process, including understanding market opportunities and needs; pricing and margin planning; and vendor relations.

* Led a cross-functional team of merchandising, planning, product development, and marketing, delivered 17% Comp in 2003; developed, and presented pre-season/in-season merchandising and financial plan to senior management;
* Managed an assortment of Core Food 250 plus SKUs - merchandising strategy, marketing, sales performance forecasting and analysis, inventory and logistics; managed vendor relations and supply chain, interacted with over 150 domestic and overseas agents, vendors, and distribution centers in Europe, Asia, and the Americas;
* Coordinated new product launches, projected, tracked, and analyzed new launch sales performance; presented to senior merchandising and planning management strategies and specific action plans to maximize sales and profit, minimize markdowns and inventory liabilities....