Open to opportunities

Sara Pannell

@sarapannell

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Retail assistant workshop manager who drives sales, customer service, and store operations.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking to continue in retail management where I can coach teams, drive sales, deliver strong customer service, and keep store operations running smoothly—handling opening/closing, cash handling, POS, and visually engaging floor sets.

I’m an assistant workshop manager and key holder trained to open and close the store, complete required paperwork, address customer and associate concerns, coach sales associate behavior, and run the cash register.

I support hiring by participating in second interviews, and I’ve also handled pre-screening and interviewing candidates. In prior roles, I took charge of a kiosk position and adapted from a smaller store to the United States flagship location at the Mall of America.

Before that, I worked as a sales lead and sales associate—maintaining store cleanliness, stocking product, and assisting with sales activities like selling and renting textbooks. I bring a BBA in Marketing plus strengths in Microsoft Office, visual presentation, graphic design, and POS.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Assistant Workshop Manager

Build-A-Bear Workshop

Aug 2020 - Oct 2025 (5 years 2 months)

Assisted in managing the store as a key holder, including opening/closing and completing required paperwork. Addressed customer and associate concerns, coached sales associates, sold products, built displays/floor sets, and ran the cash register.

Customer Service Leadership Sales retail management Cash Handling Visual Merchandising Coaching Store Opening Candidate Screening Interviewing

Aisles Online Shopper

Hy-Vee, Inc.

Mar 2020 - Aug 2020 (5 months)

Worked as an Aisles Online Shopper for Hy-Vee, Inc. in Sioux Falls.

Assistant Workshop Manager

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc

Aug 2018 - Nov 2019 (1 year 3 months)

Served as an assistant workshop manager and key holder with responsibilities including pre-screening/interviewing candidates and leading a kiosk position with another assistant. Adapted from a smaller store to the company’s flagship location at the Mall of America.

Customer Service Leadership Sales retail management Candidate Screening Interviewing

Sales Lead

Build-A-Bear Workshop

Mar 2016 - Aug 2018 (2 years 5 months)

Acted as an associate manager and key holder, handling store opening/closing and required paperwork. Managed customer and associate concerns, coached sales associates, led product sales and complimentary add-ons, built displays/floor sets, and ran the cash register.

Customer Service Leadership Sales retail management Cash Handling Visual Merchandising Coaching

Sales Associate

Sioux Falls University Center Shop

Jan 2015 - Mar 2016 (1 year 2 months)

Maintained the university center convenience store by stocking product and cleaning the store, and supported store opening/closing. Assisted with selling and renting textbooks to students.

Customer Service retail management Cleaning Sales Textbook Sales

Sales Associate

Peachwave Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt

Oct 2013 - Dec 2014 (1 year 2 months)

Opened and closed the store, maintained a clean food service environment, and ran the cash register. Engaged with guests and addressed concerns or issues.

Customer Service Cash Handling Cleaning Food Service Restaurant Experience