Dana

"I am genuinely in love with my job. At the end of the day, that helps my sales. I love learning more about the products I sell through seminars. I like to learn about different selling techniques through Bloomingdale's training and by watching my co-workers. I am also interested in my clients' lives, which enables me to better serve their needs."

Describe the contribution you make to your store and to Bloomingdale's.

I contribute to my store by trying my best every day. I try to treat each person in the store with respect and courtesy. This not only includes customers, but my co-workers as well. In addition, I tend to be upbeat and energetic, and this can be contagious to customers and co-workers alike.

You were recently recognized for your exceptional sales performance. Why do you enjoy selling and what makes it particularly rewarding on a daily basis?

I am so lucky because I am able to sell items that I truly believe in. As a brand selling specialist in my store, selling was a no-brainer. The clothes fit from my line amazingly and the fabrics are among the best in the fashion industry. In fact, my brand is my first choice for my own wardrobe. It is particularly rewarding to help customers who struggle to find the right clothes. I love to help my clients find the fits and styles to suit their specific needs and lifestyles, and of course, their specific shape. With the huge array of merchandise at Bloomingdale's, there is truly something for every one - regardless of size, shape, age or style preference.

What abilities or personal attributes make you a great salesperson?

I am genuinely in love with my job. At the end of the day, that helps my sales. I love learning more about the products I sell through seminars. I like to learn about different selling techniques through Bloomingdale's training and by watching my co-workers. I am also interested in my clients' lives, which enables me to better serve their needs.

What do you do to build relationships with customers and why is this important to you?

The first step to building a good client relationship is adding them to my client book. I add on information each time he or she comes in and include not only what the client purchases, but also additional details about the client's family, career, etc. My client book keeps client facts organized and easily accessible should I need the information quickly.

Providing consistent customer service is an ongoing challenge. How does your personal contribution and passion for the customer make your store the best it can be every day?

It is really important to treat each customer like he or she is the most important customer in our store. If a customer knows that you want to take care of their needs, they are more likely to return to your store, and hopefully back to you, for their future needs. This is how a customer becomes a loyal client. Loyal clients help make a salesperson successful.

What are your trade secrets? Are there any "techniques" you use to help initiate and/or close a sale?

I do not have any techniques or secrets. I just try to be myself. I am honest with my customers about fit and style, and they respect that. When a customer trusts you, they are more likely to become your client. I always close a sale by suggesting a Bloomingdale's card. As we all know, this is the easiest way to add clients to our books!

What is your most memorable sale?

This is a really difficult question. Initially, I thought my most memorable sales would be those that were the most expensive. I once had a Costa Rican woman on vacation spend over $5,000 on clothes, and it was her first time trying on my line! It was exciting for me to teach her about the fits and the fabrics and, of course, it was exciting to have such a great sale. I have also helped various famous people like Roberta Flack, Mary J. Blige, and Brandy. However, the most memorable sale I made was more recent. Less than a month ago I sold two suede jackets to the same woman. This was exciting on two levels. First and most obvious, it was a nice sale (over $1,500). However, the more exciting part of the sale was that it was very hot, about 100 degrees! This is not exactly suede jacket wearing weather! However, the customer understood that we only had one of the jackets in her size. If she did not purchase the item and waited for Fall, it would not be there. The customer understood the urgency of buying the merchandise when it arrives.