Kevin Watts
Durham
Summary
Retail leader with 10+ years of experience across fashion and specialty retail, progressing from Sales Associate to Assistant Manager with multi-shop responsibilities. Consistently recognized as a top-performing, best-in-class salesperson and leader, known for driving results while elevating visual standards and team performance. Brings an international background, creativity, and a passion for fashion, storytelling, and culture. Store Manager–ready and looking to take on full store leadership within a premium or luxury retail environment.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Store Manager
Hugo Boss
Mebane
10.2021 - Current
- Support overall leadership of the HUGO BOSS Outlet in Mebane, driving sales, service standards, and brand-right presentation on the sales floor.
- Top salesperson at the Mebane location since starting with HUGO BOSS, consistently leading in key sales KPIs through best-in-class client engagement, styling, and closing.
- Recognized as Store Manager–ready talent and selected for a new store leadership opportunity before the opening was cancelled due to business reasons.
- Managed the HUGO BOSS shop at Saks Fifth Avenue in Triangle Town Center (Raleigh) and the HUGO BOSS shop at Macy’s in Crabtree Valley Mall (Raleigh), ensuring brand standards, visual execution, and elevated client experience across all three locations.
- Oversee daily operations, including floor supervision, opening/closing procedures, cash handling, and adherence to company policies and procedures.
- Drive performance by communicating daily and weekly goals, following up on KPIs, and coaching team members on selling behaviors, clienteling, and service.
- Partner with Store and Market leadership on visual merchandising and model store execution, ensuring a premium, brand-appropriate environment in each shop.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of team members; provide ongoing feedback and training to elevate performance and prepare talent for next-level roles.
- Assist with scheduling, task planning, and workload prioritization to balance service, operations, and visual execution.
- Participate in and support regional initiatives around culture, recognition, and shop standards to keep teams focused, fired up, and passionate.
Assistant Store Manager
Aldo
Raleigh
10.2020 - 10.2021
- Supported the Store Manager in leading Sales Associates and store staff to ensure efficient daily operations.
- Maximized personal and store sales by delivering a high level of customer satisfaction and coaching the team on service and selling techniques.
- Ensured all team members complied with company policies, practices, and procedures, including loss prevention, security, and credit policies.
- Helped manage the store within the predetermined budget (salary, inventory, expenses) by monitoring performance and addressing opportunities.
- Ensured all merchandise was properly ticketed and visually presented to company standards, creating an appealing and shoppable environment.
- Designated and coached ROS (Responsible of Section) roles to maintain merchandising standards and accurate ticketing in all areas of the store.
- Communicated stock and replenishment needs to the Store Manager to support sales and minimize missed opportunities.
- Assisted in training Sales Associates in product knowledge, visual presentation, sales techniques, and store administration.
Assistant Store Manager
Banana Republic
Mebane
07.2014 - 09.2020
- Advanced from Sales Associate to Assistant Manager/Merchant over 5+ years, progressing from Smithfield, NC to Mebane, NC.
- Monitored results and productivity through company reporting tools and shared regular performance updates with leadership.
- Participated in store walkthroughs with the Store Manager and Operations Leader to ensure high standards in service, visual presentation, and merchandising execution.
- Interpreted financial statements and store reports related to service, sales, and operations to support decision-making.
- Partnered with the Store Manager on scheduling to balance customer service needs and operational workload.
- Collaborated with the Operations Leader on planning, merchandising, and visual execution, including strategic product placement and end-of-season management.
- Drove product placement, visual presentation, and sales performance, including responsibility for brand credit card results.
- Coached sales personnel on service standards, product knowledge, replenishment, and store presentation to drive sales.
- Performed daily closing procedures, including cash handling, cash receipt accounting, and bank deposits.
- Managed staffing activities such as hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management of sales personnel.
Education
High School Diploma -
South Johnston
Four Oaks, NC07-2014
Skills
- Visual merchandising
- Sales strategies
- Clienteling techniques
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Marketing and promotions
- Hiring and training
- Cost control
- Business development
- Upselling and cross selling
- Inventory control
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
German
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Assistant Store Manager
Hugo Boss
10.2021 - Current
Assistant Store Manager
Aldo
10.2020 - 10.2021
Assistant Store Manager
Banana Republic
07.2014 - 09.2020
High School Diploma -
South Johnston