merchandise manager

Edward A. Pichardo 1758 Eastburn Avenue Apt. 5H Bronx, NY 10457 347-557-9935 edpichardo.ep@gmail.com Edward A. Pichardo 1758 Eastburn Avenue Apt. 5H Bronx, NY 10457 347-557-9935 edpichardo.ep@gmail.com Edward A. Pichardo 1758 Eastburn Avenue Apt. 5H Bronx, NY 10457 347-557-9935 edpichardo.ep@gmail.com February 4, 2012 Ms. Dionne Binns Recruiter Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation 851 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10451 Dear Ms. Binns, I am interested in the Merchandise Manager position with the Burlington Coat Factory soon to open this spring at the Gateway Mall here in the Bronx. I want to thank you in advance for the opportunity to share with you my accrued experience in various capacities in customer service, as a retail manager, specifically in men's specialty retail clothing. From my earliest exposure to the retail business I quickly incorporated the concept of the importance of honing excellent communication skills, including the necessity of being an even better listener, into my education for becoming a successful sales associate. At Phil’s Men’s Shop I learned the pride and responsibilities of ownership, to always deal honestly with our vendors, employees and customers. The rewards I reaped by following these tenets included client relationships which were nurtured over the years and a loyal following. As the seasons and fashions changed, I learned invaluable lessons that I continue to apply in all my endeavors. Upon retiring after over fifty years in business, the owner, Mr. Goldblatt referred me to Imperial Wear, a men's retail clothing specialty store in Rockefeller Center, in recognition of my work ethic. At Imperial I was given the opportunity to grow by being appointed as Manager of the Furnishings and Accessories departments. Later as Liaison as the union Shop Steward and finally as the Assistant Store Manager. After the demise of one of the partners at Imperial and our subsequent closure, I was approached by one of our competitors and neighbors in Rockefeller Center, Rochester Big and Tall. I started as a Sales Associate in the heart of Manhattan and eventually rose to Manager's Assistant when transferred to our Wall Street location until 9/11. I was retained by the Regional Manager, Robert Butler, to transfer as Store Manager of our location in Cleveland, Ohio and two years later to Aventura, Florida as the Assistant Store Manager. I have been able to transfer my Managerial skills such as the ability to train sales staff members in product knowledge, how to keep accurate and up to date client profiles and sales books. Other skills I mentored included the accurate accounting of inventories, monies and how to merchandise the sales floors for visual impact. By leading employee orientations I emphasized the need for them to acknowledge their roles and responsibilities to comply with corporate policies. Teaching techniques of selling and how to listen to a client’s concerns are all part of the skill sets that allowed me to delegate authority, share my knowledge, build the staff members’ awareness of their growth potential to ultimately create a cohesive team. Enthusiasm is contagious and is usually productive. As a Retail Manager in the iconic Radio City Music Hall, I was able to keep up with the fast pace of counting the banks and making change for all of the cashiers and concessions during and in between performances without shortages of cash or merchandise. At the Metropolitan Opera selling ticket packages and fundraising, my enthusiasm for the Arts shined through as I consistently met and exceeded quotas. In Ohio I found success with the Cleveland Indians also as a Retail Manager on the Box Suite level in the new Jacob's Field. My return to New York put me on board the "Crescent" with the National Passenger Railroad Corporation as the Lead Service Attendant, directing the food and beverage services and service staff in the Café’ and Dining Cars from New York to New Orleans. Currently with Bell’s Nurses Registry, I have the privilege to be affiliated with The Montefiore Medical Center supervising our Nurses’ Aides who provide an invaluable service to patients as Safety Monitors and Advocates. Here I must communicate clearly with medical professionals and our Aides as to the immediate needs and comfort of our patients while ensuring compliance to New York State laws of confidentiality and Montefiore’s protocols. I would enjoy speaking to you in person, if you feel that I may be an asset to your continued success, by setting a time at your convenience to discuss how I may best fit into your future plans. Please feel free to contact me via email or phone. Thank you again in advance for your time and consideration. Yours Truly, Edward A. Pichardo

Assistant Buyer

Bronx, NY