RUSSELL SCHALLER
2814 Hapner Way ♦ Batavia, IL 60510 ♦ T: 630-406-9808; M: 630-659-6151 ♦ 2snowdogs@att.net
http://www.webprofile.info/rschaller/
SENIOR OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE: SVP/EVP/COO
Dynamic Senior Executive with extensive experience leading operations supporting large, well-known retail chains
across multiple sites throughout North America – generating millions of dollars to top and bottom lines. Successfully
build and lead multicultural teams in launching “out of the box” store concepts and strategies in market, profit-driven
retail environments. Comprehensive profit-building experience in business restructurings, turnarounds, consolidations,
acquisitions, and divestitures. Highly effective leveraging key resources and process improvements to create workable
solutions that eliminate roadblocks to success and maximize ROI performance. Excel at creating and directing business
environments driven by “get it done and done well” mentality that balances importance of inspiring individuals and
teams to perform, succeed, and drive profitability.
CORE LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
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Multi-Site Global Operations Management
Acquisitions / Divestitures / Change Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration / Leadership
Strategic Growth Planning & Implementation
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Multicultural Team Development & Deployment
Process Improvements / Cost Control / Metrics
Warehousing / Inventory Planning / Logistics
Budgeting / Forecasting / ROI Accountability
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
HUDSON CAPITAL PARTNER, LLC – Newton, MA
2008 – Present
Management Consultant
Consulting firm providing store-closing services for mass retail merchants and department/specialty stores.
Provided consulting leadership and support for retail store closings that included managing capital resources in fixed
asset and inventory liquidations for client organizations (Tweeter, Linens N Things, and Circuit City Chains).
Selected Achievement
 $9 million sale in inventory and fixed assets achieved by supporting multicultural team in completing liquidation
of major retail location ahead of schedule.
NATIONAL STORES, INC. – Gardena, CA
2007 – 2008
Vice President – Store Operations
200 deep-discount store chain located throughout southwestern U.S. with annual sales exceeding $550 million.
Selected to lead all corporate/store operations with oversight for P&L, financial reporting, strategic direction and
vision, customer service management, marketing and sales, real estate, loss prevention, merchandising, and HR
functions. Supervised five senior-level direct reports. Devised and executed strategies to increase sales growth and
inventory turnover while minimizing operating expenses across warehouse, distribution, and store operations.
Selected Achievements
 $495 million in revenue growth garnered through launch of 10,000 sq. ft., “super kids” concept store with potential
for 200-store chain providing children's apparel, toys, and juvenile home products.
 Developed and implemented new merchandise concepts and profiles throughout test stores, generating 41% in
sales growth with 20% reduction in store inventories.
 $9.5 million in cost savings, representing 1.8% decrease in total store operating payroll expenses, captured by
streamlining and enhancing retail processes across store environments.
SAAN STORES LTD. – Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
2005 – 2007
Chief Operating Officer
142-store, rural Canadian, deep-discount retail chain with annual sales exceeding $250 million.
Managed operations for 142-member retail store chain with accountability for P&L, strategic planning and execution,
marketing and sales, logistics, real estate, loss prevention, and HR functions. Directed seven-member senior
management team. Crafted strategies supporting 142 store openings. Implemented financial/merchandising plans,
operating guidelines, marketing processes, and system requirements as part of returning company to profitability.
RUSSELL SCHALLER, Professional Experience…Continued
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Selected Achievements
 Nearly $497 million in projected annual revenue growth generated by constructing test plan to profitably operate
entire chain under Red Apple’s everyday low-priced, deep-discount community store concept.
 Leveraged key resources and “out of the box” methods to successfully facilitate inventory tracking for 142 retail
stores located throughout rural Canada, delivering $900,000 in annual cost savings.
 $5.2+ million saved through introduction of operational strategies to reduce warehouse, distribution, and
transportation costs critical to remaining market competitive.
 Established French/English store and home office support organization from ground up to more efficiently track
and manage operations for 142 stores.
 $21 million in total operating expenses saved after designing and implementing strategies to streamline and
enhance operations for both SAAN and Red Apple retail store chains.
 Turned around and revived bankrupted retail chain as result of creating company mission statement and core
values to provide new strategic vision and direction across entire operation.
TJX COMPANIES – Framingham, MA
1989 – 2005
Winners & HomeSense, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
SVP / Director of Store Operations (1999 – 2005)
Low-price, global retail store chain specializing in apparel and home fashions with annual revenues of $18.6 billion.
Promoted to pilot all home office and retail store functions for two Canadian banner stores (Winners & HomeSense).
Managed all aspects of sales/store operations including development and execution of company vision and strategies.
Oversaw eight senior-level reports supporting store/field operations. Tracked and managed $360 million expense
budget. Presented financial results. Reported directly to President.
Selected Achievements
 $1 billion sales increase representing 250% growth achieved as result of leading market expansion of entire retail
chain from 67 to 212 stores across Canada.
 $800 million in projected sales growth secured by establishing new store concept in support of opening 100 stores
(HomeSense) – becoming firm’s most successful new business since inception of TJ Maxx.
 Turned around and reengineered underperforming Canadian retail chain operating division into most profitable,
best performing division for four consecutive years with shrinkage under 1% and store payroll of 6.5%.
 Created HR team and served as store’s advocate in building and promoting positive work environment, resulting in
90% management retention with associate turnover below 70%.
 25% boost in sales with 29% slashed in operating expenses attained after rolling out “super store” concept that
combined two large retail chains – gaining cost efficiencies and becoming the standard throughout North America.
Marshalls Department Stores
VP of Operations – Midwest / Central Region (1989 – 1999)
Provided leadership and strategic direction for 140 stores within 16-state area generating $775 million in annual sales
volume. Managed development and performance of 13 district managers/regional directors. Designed and deployed
business strategy for expanding market growth within Midwest region. Spearheaded 185% regional growth from 49 to
140 stores. Consistently rated as #1 region in exceeding all sales, shrinkage, profit, and retention goals.
Selected Achievements
 $16 million in expense reductions with $10 million in incremental sales growth captured by serving as Chairman
of team committee assigned to develop innovative operating methodology and improve management structure.
 5% sales increase with 6.5% store payroll accomplished by establishing store receiving and processing procedures
that ultimately became standard for all operating divisions.
EDUCATION & AFFILIATIONS
NICHOLS COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION – Dudley, MA; Bachelor of Business
Administration (Marketing)
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA – Iowa City, Iowa: Parent Advisory Board of Directors, 1991-2005 – Involved in longrange projection of the University. Liaison between parents, students and university administration.
2814 Hapner Way ♦ Batavia, IL 60510 ♦ T: 630-406-9808; M: 630-659-6151 ♦ 2snowdogs@att.net