RESUME OF DARLENE KOSTAK
Excellence in Retail Customer Service

1202 Chinkapin Oak Trail, Morgantown, WV 26501
(304) 435-5211, darlenekostak@gmail.com

EDUCATION

West Virginia University | Morgantown, WV
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude
Major: Marketing | Minor: Fashion Merchandising
European Study Tour Program
Dean’s List all 4 years

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Kirkland’s Home | Morgantown, WV
Sales Associate | November 2025

• Helped unload early-morning truck deliveries with the team
• Ran point-of-sale transactions and assisted customers
• Kept the store organized by restocking, cleaning, and arranging displays

Keeneland Shop | Lexington, KY
Sales Associate | October 2025 (Fall Meet)

• Provided exceptional customer service to race meet patrons
• Managed transactions using point-of-sale system and handled merchandise
• Maintained store appearance through restocking, cleaning, and visual displays

Chuck’s Furniture | Morgantown, WV
Designer | 2018 – September 2025

• Continued role as furniture designer with expanded responsibilities and client portfolio (details included in prior position below)

Talbots | Morgantown, WV
Sales Associate | October 2017 – 2018

• Provided exceptional customer service and assisted with product selection and styling
• Handled daily store operations, including sales transactions, inventory management, and maintaining clean sales floor
• Built customer relationships, achieved sales goals, and contributed to positive team environment

Chico’s | Rockville, MD
Sales Associate | August 2016 – September 2017

• Continued sales associate role with focus on customer service and achieving sales goals (details included in prior position below)

Arhaus Furniture | Rockville, MD
Designer | August 2016 – September 2017

• Focused on driving sales, providing exceptional customer service, and assisting clients with design and living space planning
• Met sales goals, followed up with customers before and after sales
• Maintained guest book and performed store opening and closing duties

Chuck’s Furniture | Morgantown, WV
Designer | September 2014 – July 2016

• Demonstrated sales success within 100,000 sq. ft. showroom featuring wide range of furniture manufacturers
• Consistently maintained monthly Ultra Shield sales quotas
• Developed extensive product knowledge with emphasis on unique Amish collections
• Acquired specialized sales skills for leading mattress brands
• Completed professional training at manufacturing sites, including Gat Creek, Norwalk, and Tempur-Pedic

Chico’s | Morgantown, WV
Retail Sales Associate | April 2011 – 2014

• Achieved top sales associate status through consistent performance
• Managed client outreach, “grow events,” merchandising, and special promotions

The Finery | Morgantown, WV
Retail Sales Associate | June 2010 – April 2011

• Specialized in customer service and product knowledge for various designer lines
• Managed special order sales and daily business opening/closing procedures

Coni & Franc | Morgantown, WV
Retail Sales Associate | August 2008 – June 2010

• Recognized as top sales producer, driving new sales and expanding client base
• Led sales for Doncaster and Nicole Miller lines, supported by in-store and corporate training
• Coordinated and executed major trade show showcasing entire store line
• Played key role in training new associates and interns

Saint Louise de Marillac School | Pittsburgh, PA
Cafeteria Worker | 2006 – 2008

• Prepared and served meals to students in school lunch program

Ann Taylor, Inc. | Mt. Lebanon, PA
Retail Sales Associate | 1999 – 2006

• Earned top sales associate title annually, exceeding all incentive and commission goals
• Averaged over $400 in sales per hour while managing personal clientele of over 400
• Excelled in fashion consulting, wardrobing events, and implementing visual standards
• Coordinated wardrobing events generating new store traffic
• Recruited, mentored, and trained new associates
• Readied store for executive walkthroughs; followed directions, prioritized tasks and met deadlines

Lord & Taylor, Inc. | Fairfax, VA & Washington, DC
Department Manager of Designer Sportswear | 1984 – 1985

• Promoted to manage and mentor team of four sales associates
• Maintained floor standards, managed staff schedules, and drove sales for top lines
• Trained on all systems and procedures related to sales, stock and credit transactions

Assistant Manager of Designer Sportswear | 1983 – 1984

• Developed personal clientele while learning to merchandise and meet sales goals
• Opened new charge accounts and met sales goals

Richard’s | Morgantown, WV
Retail Salesperson | 1983

• Responsible for sales, inventorying, setting displays, pricing, stocking and training new personnel

DeCarlo’s Wholesale | Morgantown, WV
Salesperson | 1977 – 1981

• Responsible for sales, computation of payroll, assisting buying, bookkeeping, displays and stocking

SKILLS

Customer Engagement: Proficient in building client relationships, wardrobing, and providing exceptional service in high-end retail environments

Sales & Operations: Experienced in POS systems, cash handling, inventory management, merchandising, and meeting sales targets

Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to all levels of management and public clientele, with outgoing personality; effective in team collaboration and client interactions

MEMBERSHIPS & AWARDS

Member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity (Officer), American Marketing Association, National Management Association, Fashion Business Association, and Ski Club

References available upon request