About Retail Merchandising Services
28
Years of Success
Since 1985, Retail Merchandising Services, Inc. (RMS) has provided in-store merchandising
solutions exclusively in all Target stores and has become a national leader in the
merchandising services industry by providing exceptional value to our clients.
In 2012, Target selected RMS as a business partner for all Canadian stores. RMS
merchandising reps service all Target Canada stores every week.
Mission & Vision
To provide fast, effective, & efficient solutions to Target and vendors through
superior execution of merchandising services in all Target stores.
Core Values
- Offer superior in-store execution on every service
- Operate with the utmost integrity
- Treat employees, vendors, and guests with complete respect and dignity
Ownership
Retail Merchandising Services is a family owned, family run and privately held company,
where employees and customers alike are treated like family.
Customers We Serve
Our business is focused on serving three major customer segments:
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Target Corporation – As a preferred merchandising firm, Retail
Merchandising Services has completed projects in every department in Target – and
routinely performs services in all areas of Softlines and Hardlines including Accessories
(sunglasses, etc.), Electronics, Health and Beauty, and Apparel.
-
Vendors that sell their products in Target – Our
extensive client list includes a vast array of national and international manufacturers.
-
Manufacturer’s Rep Firms and Sales Agencies – We frequently work
with sales organizations that sell manufacturers’ products to Target Corporation.
Leadership Team:
Phil Lamers - President
Mr. Lamers joined Retail Merchandising Services as President and CFO (Chief Financial
Officer) in 2000. Mr. Lamers has extensive employment experience in the service
industries. Mr. Lamers came to Retail Merchandising Services from Interactive Retirement
Systems, where he was a partner and had primary responsibilities for administration,
governmental compliance, and plan design for 6 years. Prior to that, he worked for
Wausau Insurance Companies for 12 years where he managed the Pension Administration
Department. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, a minor in economics,
and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin
– Oshkosh.
Kati Piorkowski - Chief Operating Officer
Ms. Piorkowski joined Retail Merchandising Services in 1998 and currently holds
the office of Chief Operating Officer. She brings 18+ years of Target Corporation
knowledge and experience to our team. During her tenure at Target, she held leadership
roles as a Store Team Leader (Store Manager) of multiple stores, was honored to
be a District Trainer, a member of the District Shortage Committee, mentored numerous
executives, and received an award for her store having the largest sales increase
(over last year’s sales) in her region. Ms. Piorkowski has a B.A. degree in Business
Administration with a minor in Human Resources from the University of Missouri –
St. Louis and is a graduate of the Minnesota Executive Program from the Carlson
School of Business.
Chris Nowak - Director of Operations
Mr. Nowak joined Retail Merchandising Services as Director of Operations in January
2012. He brings 13+ years of Target Corporation experience, including roles in Stores,
Store Operations, Food Operations and Finance. Mr. Nowak’s areas of expertise include
operations, strategic planning and analysis, project management, change management
and process planning. Mr. Nowak provides direction and leadership for all aspects
of one time client services and IT management. Mr. Nowak has a B.A. from St. John’s
University, MN.
Sherri Hughes - Account Manager One Time Services
Ms. Hughes joined Retail Merchandising Services as Account Manager for One Time
Services in February of 2013. She brings over 30 years Target retail experience.
Sherri has held leadership roles at Target and Super Target as a Store Team Leader
(Store Manager) at multiple stores for 13 years and 10 years as an executive Team
Leader in Minnesota and Wisconsin. She spent time as Field Operational Leader in
the Midwest and was honored to lead the District Operational team and was awarded
the Group Brand Hero award for brand standards. At Retail Merchandising Services,
she has the responsibility to work with clients and potential clients to resolve
their merchandising needs and ensure flawless execution of the resolution. Ms. Hughes
has a triple B.S. degree in Marketing, Finance, Real Estate and Insurance from Minnesota
State University - Mankato, MN.
Karen Johnson - National Field Manager
Ms. Johnson joined Retail Merchandising Services as National Field Manager in October
2000. She has over 18 years of retail experience including 7 years in leadership
roles at Target Corporation. While at Target as a Store Team Leader (Store Manager)
Ms. Johnson was also a member of the Leadership Development Team, was recognized
as a Field Trainer and served on district Risk, Safety and Store Assessment Teams.
At Retail Merchandising Services, she has responsibility for a national network
of 35 District Coordinators. She ensures our field rep training program is up to
date with Target’s policies and procedures. Ms. Johnson frequently tours Target
Stores throughout the United States, works with our reps and Target store teams
to ensure we are providing optimum service results. She frequently researches and
resolves store specific product issues using the RF unit and Target’s S&I system.
Ms. Johnson has a B.A. from Southern IL University, Carbondale, IL.
Michele Reusse - Director of Human Resources
Ms. Reusse joined Retail Merchandising Services in February of 2010. As the Human
Resources Director, Ms. Reusse provides direction and leadership for all HR programs,
including staffing for field and home office positions, performance management,
training, compensation, benefits and safety. Ms. Reusse came to Retail Merchandising
Services with more than 10 years of Human Resources and management experience, a
Bachelors degree in Human Resources Management, a Masters degree in Organizational
Management and is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR).