Zafer Karakus

• Managed daily operations across 70+ luxury beauty counters in a fast-paced, high-volume setting. • Led on-floor coaching, team coordination, and resolved escalated customer issues to maintain 5-star service. • Collaborated with brand managers and senior Selfridges leadership to ensure commercial readiness and floor efficiency. • Gained exposure to multi-brand, multi-team management aligned with luxury retail standards.

I have been working with my family, a rewarding and fulfilling experience during a challenging personal time. As I supported my daughter through her ACL injury and rehabilitation, I have gained a deeper appreciation for both resilience and determination in both my personal and professional life. My daughter is now rehabilitated, and I am excited to use my years of experience to make an impact in a new role.

Successfully led the opening of Prada store at Heathrow Terminal 5 and oversaw three refurbishments during my tenure • Profit & Loss: Managed P&L for the operational unit with a turnover of ~£8m, driving profitability through effective budgeting, forecasting and cost management. • Financial Performance: Analysed financial statements to identify trends and variances; implemented corrective actions to optimise financial performance and enhance revenue streams (up sell). • Team Leadership: Supervised a diverse team of 14 colleagues, fostering a high-performance culture through mentorship, training and regular performance reviews to achieve individual and team objectives. • Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborated cross-functionally with central support teams to deliver best in class experience for customers and colleagues. • Strategic Planning: Contributed to long-term operational strategies and risk management plans, aligning operational objectives with organisational goals and trends, with particular specialism in new store openings. • Performance Metrics: Established and monitored KPI’s to track productivity, operational efficiency, and service quality, providing regular reports to central senior management.

Led all aspects of the Prada concessions, including sales management, staff supervision, and customer service, ensuring exceptional brand representation and adherence to company standards. • Drove sales performance by developing and implementing strategies to maximize revenue, exceed targets, and capitalize on business opportunities. • Recruited, trained, and mentored a team of sales associates, fostering a culture of excellence and providing ongoing support to ensure customer satisfaction and achieve sales goals. • Maintained strong relationships with clients and partners, representing the Prada brand with professionalism and integrity to drive brand loyalty and repeat business. • Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including marketing, operations, and merchandising, to execute promotional initiatives, optimize product placement, and enhance the overall shopping experience. • Monitored inventory levels, conducted regular stock audits, and implemented effective inventory management strategies to minimize shrinkage and ensure product availability.

Assisted customers in selecting and purchasing merchandise, providing personalized service and styling advice to meet their needs and preferences. • Maintained a clean and organized sales floor, ensuring that products are properly displayed and stocked to enhance the shopping experience. • Processed transactions accurately and efficiently using point-of-sale (POS) systems, handling cash, credit card payments, and exchanges according to company policies. • Built rapport with customers to foster long-term relationships and drive repeat business, actively engaging with clients to promote new arrivals, promotions, and events. • Collaborated with team members to achieve sales targets and contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment. • Stay updated on product knowledge, including features, benefits, and styling tips, to effectively assist customers and drive sales through product recommendations and styling advice.

• Provided personalized assistance to customers, helping them select and purchase Bally products while delivering exceptional service and exceeding sales targets. • Maintained a neat and organized sales floor, ensuring that products are properly displayed and stocked to enhance the shopping experience.