Job Summary
The Store Manager will play a critical leadership role in launching and operating a Japanese company's first U.S. resale retail store specializing in secondhand merchandise. This position holds high decision-making authority and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of store operations, including merchandising, inventory control, staff management, financial performance, and customer experience, and overall store safety compliance. As a hands‑on leader, the Store Manager will be accountable for building daily operational excellence while also managing non‑routine situations such as hiring, training, issue resolution, and process improvement. This role is ideal for a manager who thrives in a startup retail environment and is motivated to build a store operation from the ground up.
Role & Responsibilities
- Merchandising & Inventory Management
- Oversee all merchandise acquisition activities, including purchasing and appraisal decisions
- Manage inventory levels, stock rotation, and physical inventory counts
- Determine product pricing, sales floor layout, and merchandise presentation
- Conduct competitive research and market analysis to optimize assortment and pricing
Store Operations Management
- Create and manage staff schedules and shift assignments
- Perform store opening and closing activities, which may include locking/unlocking doors, setting alarms, and conducting facility walkthroughs
- Ensure efficient and consistent execution of operational standards
Financial & Performance Management
- Manage sales, gross margin, inventory turnover, and other key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Set operational targets and implement improvement initiatives based on performance data
People Management
- Recruit, hire, train, evaluate, and develop store staff
- Build a collaborative, motivated, and high-performing team
- Manage staff performance, attendance, and workplace conduct
Customer Service & Risk Management
- Handle customer complaints, returns, and escalations with appropriate judgment
- Make initial decisions regarding in-store incidents and elevate when necessary
Compliance & Security
- Implement theft prevention measures and ensure compliance with company policies
- Maintain cash handling, register controls, and internal rules
- Maintain a safe work environment through consistent enforcement of safety rules, hazard prevention, and employee safety training.
Other Duties
- Perform additional responsibilities as assigned based on business needs
Minimum Requirements
- Associate degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and work experience
- 3–5 years of experience in retail store operations, including leadership or supervisory responsibilities
- Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to instruct, develop, and motivate staff
- Solid understanding of retail store operations, including sales floor management, inventory control, scheduling, and POS systems
- Basic financial and KPI management skills (sales, gross profit, inventory turnover, etc.)
- Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and retail management or inventory systems
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience as a Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager in retail (reuse, apparel, thrift, or similar)
- Experience in team recruitment, training, and performance evaluation
- Experience opening new stores or working in startup / growth-phase environments
- Interest in fashion, clothing, brands, and trends
- Japanese language ability preferred but not required
- Approachable, communicative, and positive attitude
- Service-oriented mindset with strong sense of ownership and reliability
- Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities in a fast‑paced environment
Work Environment
- Work is performed in a retail store environment, including the sales floor, backroom, stockroom, and receiving areas
- Work schedule may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs
- Must be able to respond promptly to operational issues, customer incidents, or safety concerns as they arise in the store environment
Additional eligibility qualifications
- Legally authorized to work in the United States (NO VISA SUPPORT)
Physical Demands
- Stand and walk for extended periods (typically 6–8 hours per shift)
- Lift, carry, push, and pull merchandise or equipment weighing up to 30–45 lbs regularly, and up to 50 lbs with assistance
- Bend, kneel, reach, squat, and climb step stools or ladders as needed for merchandising and store operations
- Perform repetitive tasks such as pricing, folding, tagging, and handling merchandise
- Safely use standard retail tools and equipment, including box cutters and tagging devices
- Respond promptly to operational, customer, or safety-related incidents
- Move and adjust retail fixtures such as racks or shelving when necessary
- Work in a retail resale environment that may involve exposure to dust, cleaning products, or allergens associated with previously owned merchandise