|
Al Briscoe started his retail career at the legendary specialty grocer Jim Jamail & Sons in Houston--a $50 million-plus a year business. With a passion for store operations and delivering unsurpassed customer service, he further boosted his skills working as manager of the Real Foods stores in San Francisco for five years. He then went on to become Director of Operations for A.G. Ferarri & Sons, an 80-year-old specialty chain that specializes in Italian artisanal foods and wines. During his five-year tenure there, he oversaw the growth of the company from 3 stores to 15. Al joined Elephant in 2002 to oversee store operations and was immediately put in charge of the Berkeley location (the only store at the time). During his two years at the store, he was able to increase the average daily sales figures by 500%. He was also instrumental in helping create and refine the store’s unique environment and helping Elephant build a strong relationship with the Berkeley community, a relationship that has been key to Elephant’s successful entry into new markets. After his time at the Berkeley store, Al came to the home office to lead the buying group, which now includes eight people. He oversees the buying for all stores and all departments, with a special and natural affinity for natural body care, cosmetics, and lifestyle products. | 