Sam Burgio

A lot of my friends asked me “Why do you work in retail? You have college degree. You have a corporate background. You could do better!” Everyone has their own journey and life goals. I want to have my own business in the future. No other job can groom me like a retail job. That’s why I applied to be a cashier with my college degree and 10 years experience in Public Relations and Marketing but 0 years of Retail experience. Retail workers are tough! Being a retail manager is not for everyone. Everyday is a new day. You have to be creative to handle some situations with customers. Internal and external theft is another challenging part of the job in recent years. Hiring and firing sometimes can be emotional. Coaching and developing have to be your strong suit. Optimizing the team and leading the way have to be done together in a balanced way. I can go on and on for all the skills that retail managers have to have! If I can be a retail manager and run a multi-million dollar store successfully, why can’t I run my own business successfully? #retail #leadership #entrepreneur #dreambig

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Experience vs. Opportunity: A Thought for Retailers Why are so many retailers hyper-focused on “experience” when hiring? I’ve realized something important: Experience Begins with a Chance. What does it say about an organization that isn’t willing to invest time in developing someone for a role? Why are so many companies hesitant to give someone the opportunity to grow into a position? The truth is, experience alone isn’t always enough. Skills can be learned. Passion, determination, and a willingness to grow are often far more valuable than years of prior experience. Retailers—and companies in general—need to think beyond resumes and focus on people’s potential. Organizations that value potential over convenience build stronger teams and future leaders. Giving someone a chance isn’t just an investment in them—it’s an investment in your company’s future. So, here’s the real question: Are you building future leaders, or just hiring for convenience? Let’s invest in people and give opportunities the same weight as experience. What are your thoughts? #Leadership #Development #RetailIndustry #Opportunity

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#podcast #retailleadership #retailgrowth Welcome to "From Store Assistant to Store Manager: Mastering Retail Leadership," your ultimate guide to climbing the retail career ladder. Whether you're starting as a store assistant or aiming for a management position, this podcast is designed to help you succeed at every level. We'll dive deep into the essential skills and competencies required for each role, from providing exceptional customer service and mastering communication as a store assistant to strategic planning and financial management as a store manager. Join us as we explore actionable insights and practical advice for career advancement. Learn how to demonstrate leadership, handle complex customer issues, and develop your team. Hear from an industry expert and successful retail professional who shares their experiences and tips on what it takes to excel and move up in the retail world. Tune in to discover how to navigate your retail career, gain the necessary skills, and unlock new opportunities. Whether you're looking to enhance your current role or ready to take the next step, this podcast equips you with the knowledge and confidence to achieve your career goals in the dynamic world of retail. https://lnkd.in/eqND6RJq

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Multi-unit retail leaders: I'm excited to offer you a free resume assessment. If you're an area manager, district manager, market manager, or regional manager in the US or Canada, just send it to [email protected], let me know if any positions are missing, tell me what type of position you're looking for, and ask for an assessment. Don't worry, this is not a generic, AI-driven template like so many others out there. I am a real person and I will review your resume and let you know what I think of it. How am I qualified to offer my opinion on resumes for area/district/regional leaders? 1) I've worked as a professional resume writer for 15+ years and I work exclusively with retail leaders (most resume writers work with pretty much anyone). In that time I estimate I've written resumes for several hundred multi-unit leaders. 2) I used to work in retail myself, which has given me an insider's perspective that most resume writers won't have. I know what district/regional managers do. 3) I've been fortunate to receive 500+ recommendations from past clients (and a few recruiters) for my profile. Here are just a few of their comments: - Every response from employers starts with "Your resume is extremely impressive!"​​​ - In the first week...I had several interviews...After two weeks I received several offers! - Thank you for a resume that caught the attention of 3 out of the 4 jobs I sent it to on the first day!​ - I landed two interviews with the two companies I have been trying to get into for years.​ - Within hours of posting my resume, I started seeing results. Within 3 days, I had 3 interviews... - ...within a day got a call from a recruiter of a company that I was targeting. - His resume got me more results in 3 months than my own did in a year. - ...the response after I shoot it off to employers is like I've never seen.​ Check out my profile for many more and email me at [email protected] with any questions.

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5 Must-Have Skills for Retail Managers 1. Leadership - Inspire your team through integrity, empathy, and a strong work ethic. 2. Effective Communication - Give clear expectations, listen actively, and keep everyone aligned. 3. Lead by Example - Show your team the standards you expect through your own actions and attitude. 4. Team Development - Spot individual strengths and help your team grow through feedback and training. 5. Problem-Solving - Tackle challenges efficiently, from customer complaints to operational hiccups. Master these skills to thrive as a retail manager!

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“It's okay not to be okay.” Nurturing mental wellness in Retail:A Managerial approach In the dynamic realm of retail, where shifts are stretched and demands are relentless, prioritizing mental wellness isn't just an option—it's a strategic imperative. As a manager, it's crucial to recognize the signs of stress and exhaustion among your team members without delay. Recognize the Telltale Signs Keep a keen eye on indicators of mental strain amidst your team. Look out for dips in performance, changes in behavior, or signs of fatigue. Establish an open-door policy where team members feel comfortable discussing their challenges without fear of judgment. Strike the Balance Balancing work commitments with personal well-being is pivotal. Encourage your team to carve out time for self-care amidst their demanding schedules. Offer flexibility in shift timings and advocate for regular breaks to prevent burnout. Foster a Supportive Culture Create a supportive environment where team members feel empowered to voice their concerns. Implement peer support networks and provide access to resources like counseling services. Cultivate a culture of empathy and understanding, where every team member feels valued and supported. Equip with Coping Mechanisms Arm your team with effective coping mechanisms to navigate stress effectively. Offer training sessions on stress management techniques tailored to the unique challenges of the retail environment. Empower your team to take charge of their mental well-being. Lead by Example Lead with empathy and authenticity. Demonstrate a commitment to your own mental wellness and encourage your team to do the same. Take regular breaks, practice self-care rituals, and prioritize your own well-being as a manager. Conclusion In the fast-paced world of retail, where shifts are stretched and stress is a constant companion, nurturing mental wellness is not just a moral obligation—it's a strategic imperative. By fostering a culture of support, empathy, and understanding, managers can empower their teams to thrive amidst the challenges of the retail landscape. Together, let's create a workplace where mental wellness is prioritized, and every team member feels supported in their journey towards a healthier and happier life. #RetailWellness #MentalHealthMatters #ManagerialApproach #WorkLifeBalance #SupportiveCulture #StressManagement #EmpathyInLeadership #SelfCare #TeamSupport #WorkplaceWellbeing #UAE #Retail #Corporate #Culture #Inspiring #Leadership

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NOSTALGIC RETAIL SERIES: 15 - LINENS 'N THINGS "In November 1958, Eugene Wallace Kalkin established a leased-linen department in the New Jersey discount retailer Great Eastern Mills. In August 1970, Great Eastern Mills opened the first Linens 'n Things store in East Brunswick, New Jersey. After a succession of corporate ownership changes and the bankruptcy of Daylin, Inc. in 1975, Kalkin bought seven locations out of bankruptcy and founded an independent parent company, which became Linens 'n Things, Inc.." *[Home Textiles Today]* In 1983, Melville Corporation acquired the 55 unit chain. By 2006, the chain boasted 571 stores in the U.S. and Canada. The company's business strategy was "to offer a broad selection of high quality, brand name home furnishings merchandise at exceptional everyday values, provide superior guest service, and maintain low operating costs."*[The Wayback Machine]* But with a ton of debt from private equity buyouts (I know we have never heard this story before), all Linens 'n Things stores were closed in late 2008. As with many of the retailers in this series, the brand went online only with a relaunch in early 2009 and then shut down their online-only presence in 2018. The rights to the brand were acquired by Retail Ecommerce Ventures in 2020 and the website was relaunched. As of today, it is active with brands of yesteryear showing on the top banner that live on in an online only fashion. Missed any posts in the series? Click here for the website with the full list: https://bit.ly/3YxvVfR #nostalgicretail hashtag#retail hashtag#shopping hashtag#brands hashtag#retailrealestate Photo: By Ildar Sagdejev (Specious) - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://bit.ly/40tAiK6

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Ready to take your retail career to the next level? 🌟 Whether you’re looking to grow your leadership presence or create a clear path for advancement, I’m here to help you strategize your next move with empathy and expertise. Let’s make your career goals a reality. 🚀 Grab a spot on my calendar today! Retailtrainer.pro #RetailCareerGrowth #LeadershipCoaching #RetailSuccess #CareerDevelopment #RetailTrainer

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Reminder: Behind that resume you're reviewing is a person who worked hard to get to where they are today and they're willing to learn what they don't know. Behind that nervous candidate being interviewed is someone who needs a job and wants to potentially join your team and contribute new ideas. Behind that non-selected final round candidate is someone who has been patiently interviewing for weeks and deserves proper communication for their time and efforts.

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I wish more people understood this. Self-awareness is key. Know your strengths and hire people with different strengths. Value what they bring to the team.

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When was the last time you were intentional in making moves towards your career goals? Learn why working with a Retail Career Coach could be your secret weapon to landing that new job, getting that promotion, or just becoming a better leader! Go to Retailtrainer.pro today to learn more 💙

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You want to know how leadership spreads? This past month our store recruited 3 new team members who were family members of current team members. This may not seem like a big thing to most but this tells me a couple things about culture more than any 360 or engagement survey ever could. 1) Our team members trust us to treat their family right. 2) We are living the value of proud to be your neighbor of there is always a seat at our table if you are a team member or guest. 3) We get to share the opportunity to teach and build relationships by meeting people where they are at the time. This may not be your career but it could be if you want it to be. I may never win a huge award for operating a grocery store but I can tell you I get the biggest gift everyday because I get the pleasure of people. Even on the rough days we are never in it alone. Proud of my team and my company for making it all possible. Happy Team Member Tuesday to all my Giant Eagle, Inc. friends! #leadership #recruiting #teamtuesday

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Don't ever be unprepared for that 'Surprise" notice from your "Best" Team Member due to: 👉 Winning the Lottery. 👉 Being abducted by Aliens. or the one I can understand and do appreciate: 👉 Moving onto the Career they always wanted or have studied for. This for me deserves a High Five and no Hard Feelings. In the end though you should always be ready for a notice through: 👉 Developing and having a strong Succession Plan. 👉 Building an Amazing Bench. 👉 A Culture of Always be ReCruiting (A.B.C) Yes I know we all don't have a Budget to carry someone in the "what if scenarios"..... But faced with this opportunity I bet we all wish we would have and should have. Stop the Madness. So you now have 2 options: 👉 Always Be Recruiting. 👉 Dress up like Superman and Spin around your Store Backwards to reverse Time and build that Bench. I prefer doing a combination of both 🤣. Please follow my Retail Leadership Madness Marathon and my Mental Health Journey by Subscribing to all of my Renegade channels at: 🌴 Portfolio: https://lnkd.in/eHQQFtyy ☎️ For Booking information: [email protected] And as always, Have a PHENOMENAL 🤩 Day.

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The universe has graciously gifted me a rare opportunity: time to reassess, reprioritize, and explore new opportunities—also known as being laid off 😅 While I'm an expert retail manager + visual merchandiser, I would like to use this time to apply my long list of skills to pivot to an opportunity outside of the realm of retail store management. I'm looking for roles that are remote: -Any elevated retail roles involving VM, NSO, or category management. -Any form of operation excellence + management, team or office management, project management, as well as any roles managing CX or sales. -I'm also very interested in getting my foot into a new industry such as design or sales, and willing to learn. I have 15 years of team management, driving metrics, balancing budgets, creative problem solving, prioritizing--then doing it again and again as needed, managing/writing challenging schedules, excellent communication, high level business analyzing/trending, coordinating PTO, training + development, customer service management, trade services, design services, visual merchandising, coaching + counseling, loss prevention, inventory management, feedback conversations, leading corporate level calls, managing facilities issues, project management, and of course, exceeding sales plans. All this to say-- If you have a role that requires someone to be an excellent problem solver + communicator, who can balance and prioritize projects without needing constant oversight, able to follow up + hold others accountable, schedule and coordinate, provide feedback + challenge, pivot and adjust on the drop of a dime--I'm your person. I may not have the job you're posting on my resume, but I can tell you I more than likely have the skills and certainly the drive + work ethic needed. I'd appreciate any support including an endorsement for a skill you've seen me exhibit, providing a referral on my page, share a role with me, connect me with someone, have feedback on my resume (please send help) or just say hi. 😊 #opentowork #layoff #laidoff #remotework

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Lead People to Believe in Themselves The best leaders are those who lead people to believe in themselves. People believe in themselves when they have a reason to commit to something significant and meaningful. When people feel inspired by their leader, leadership is at its best. When people are made to feel important, when they know they matter and they have an important role, they bring their best to all they need to accomplish. Inspiration drives motivation. When people understand the direction of the vision, leadership is at its prime. People need to know where they are heading and why they are headed there. Once they have that knowledge, they can leverage their talent to achieve great results. Direction fosters purpose. When people feel safe to make mistakes, leadership is supportive. While success relies on innovation and creativity, it also takes many mistakes to succeed. When your people feel safe to fail, you have done your job in preparing them to meet challenges and letting them know they will go unscathed when they make mistakes. A safety net promotes security. When people experience trust in their own ability, leadership is at its peak. Those you entrust feel important and empowered. Trust encourages people to bring their talent and knowledge and become part of the team. Trust leads to confidence. When people know they can contribute in a meaningful way, leadership is optimal. It is important for people to know that they have a genuine contribution to make, that what they do is instrumental in achieving significant results. Meaning creates justification. Lead From Within: When you believe in people, you get people to believe in themselves. And when that happens you can achieve great things together. By, LOLLY DASKAL https://lnkd.in/eFXm62Cv

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You are given the opportunity to influence and impact someone else’s life for the better. Whether you lead them for three months, three years, or three decades, the actions you take and the influence you make on them, can leave life-altering impressions. Being a leader is a privilege, and should never be taken for granted.

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🎄Retail - let’s talk about it🎄 We’re now Mid-November, folks…. And that means Black Friday is right around the corner!! 💥🙌🏼 ✅Every single Store Manager in America has spent Countless Hours prepping their stores for YOU!! ✅Countless team members have Already made sacrifices to their personal schedules to ensure YOUR Black Friday is incredible. 🔔Here are a few things to remember when you’re out shopping over these next few weeks…. 1. Employees are Already tired😑. Don’t be rude. If you have a complaint, don’t make a scene to draw a crowd (trust me, the other customers don’t want to hear you yelling either) 🤷🏻‍♀️ please ask for a manager and let them know your concerns, calmly. 2. 🫣Don’t mess up the store when you shop. Please, oh please, just grab what you need and go on your merry way. 3. 🤦🏻‍♀️Please don’t haggle employees over pricing. They are not decision makers over pricing (most of the time) and Yes, pricing IS higher this year …. Like everywhere else. I know you bought that $15 item back in 1994 for $4.99. But we can’t price match from decades ago. 4. 😁Smile. Just smile and be kind. 5. 😎If you’re feeling really ambitious - walk up to a random employee and give them a compliment, thank them for their hard work, let them know You appreciate them! Last, but NOT least #6 🎄Holiday Surverys!! 📝 Please do NOT rate a store (1-10 scale) a 9 and put in the comments “There is always room for improvement 🤦🏻‍♀️🫣😑” Here’s a breakdown of customer surveys (through the eyes of Liz Lewis 😉) 10-9 = store was clean, got what you needed, staff was friendly 7-8 = had an issues that wasn’t resolved in the store … need to give feedback. 1-6 = Bad experience, manager wouldn’t help us, have to go above their head for resolution. 🎄Happy Holiday Shopping Y’all!! 🎄 And remember - thank a Retail Worker Today!! They could use a High-Five too 😉🙌🏼

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Layoffs are never easy, especially when they affect customers as well as employees. laying off employees, and reducing work hours of employees who shop at Walgreens decreases Walgreens buttom line. It's time to reevaluate our priorities and get back to the basics. We need to focus on being a community-focused pharmacy and investing in our employees. Let's say goodbye to "change for the sake of change" initiatives and instead focus on what made us successful in the first place. We need to sell Boots alliance, Carecentrix, VillageMD and other failed ventures. As someone who has been following this industry closely and predicted and wrote about these outcomes in 2016, I am excited to work on my dissertation on the fall of pharmacy retail and the steps we can take to bring it back to its former self. Let's work together to create a sustainable model that can withstand economic downturns and be depression-proof as it was before our time.

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