About Us
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Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.
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RICK PLANOS, Consulting Partner
I have been honored to build and lead teams that deliver exemplary results at the intersection of service and sales for some of the leading retail brands in the world including: Apple, Barnes & Noble and Warner Bros.
Through positions as District Manager, Regional Director, Director of Stores, and Vice President, I have had the privilege to work all over the world with diverse team sizes and scopes. These experiences allowed me to see how many of the best in the industry win customers allegiance by making the store experience something that "wows" the customer on a consistent basis.
Understanding the regional nuances of customers in New York City, East Coast, West Coast, and the Midwest, as well as diverse global markets including the Middle East, Asia and Europe is crucial for building up a global brand. Throughout all of these scenarios, I have been able to deliver on my personal commitment to maximize the sales, service, growth and profits in every location.
I am aware of many of the challenges facing retail businesses today and I am fluent with omni-channel, ship to store, shop in shops, and outlet strategies (and how to determine which solution would be successful). I have been the change agent in turnaround roles and the leader for start-ups, plus experience both in the franchise and consultant business models. My Strengths Finder Top Five are: Achiever, Learner, Positive, Communicator and Individualization. I believe those strengths align well for the companies I am aligning with. Beyond the retail landscape I am also very involved in charitable pursuits focused on education, job search, and children. I currently do pro bono work for Make a Wish, University of Illinois, Ivy Execs, and others.
I would relish the opportunity to discuss my abilities and successes further and how Global Retail Solutions might contribute to the future of your company. While I am currently based in Chicago, I am open to relocation and travel.
Core Capabilities:
Delivering breakthrough revenue by providing visionary leadership at the intersection of the in-store customer experience, associate engagement, and online technology to top international retailers including Apple, Google, Macy's, Warner Brothers Studio, and Barnes and Noble.
Levels of P&L responsibility have ranged from Vice President of Stores, Director of Stores, and Vice President of International Franchised Stores to Regional Director and District Manager. Fast-track promotions based on consistent results in challenging global markets. Fluent with start-ups.
Senior sales leader experience encompasses directing over 120 locations simultaneously, grossing excess of $560 million in total sales, as well as grand-opening more than 150 locations including international flagship locations, large Apple stores and prototypical Google pop ups. Able to navigate the nuances of New York City, West Coast, East Coast, Midwest, and diverse global markets including the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
Additional areas of global, national, and regional specialization include:
Branded, licensed, and private label merchandising
Store, franchising and brand turnarounds, including strategic planning / P&L
Online and digital sales
E-commerce storefront, website, and app customer experience
Store within a store (shop-in-shop), pop ups, experiential retail
Real estate selection, store design, and customer journey mapping
Supply chain, distribution, and logistics
Team building, talent acquisition, mentoring, coaching, and award winning associate engagement scores
Store closing strategies, liquidation, bankruptcies
Career mentorship at collegiate, mid and senior executive level
Active volunteerism with Make a Wish Illinois, University of Illinois, Curt's Cafe, Ivy Execs and others