Showroom Store Manager – (Chicago, IL)

Integratedcooling; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Commission opportunities

Job summary

Mood Fabrics is seeking a Store Manager for its new showroom concept in Chicago, bringing fabric and sewing expertise, retail leadership, and a passion for the sewing community.

You will oversee daily operations, train staff, manage schedules, and coordinate local outreach while ensuring exceptional service, merchandising, and events in a vibrant, customer-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Strong fabric and sewing knowledge, including fabrics, fiber content, drape.
• 2+ years in retail or customer-facing roles; previous store leadership preferred.
• Proficient with POS systems and basic computer use; able to learn new tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily store operations and deliver outstanding customer service.
• Manage staff schedules and training.
• Coordinate local B2B outreach with marketing.
• Oversee inventory and restocking of notions, trims, and supplies.
• Support in-store events and classes with community partners.
• Ensure store cleanliness, merchandising, and signage.

Skills

Fabric knowledge

Retail experience

Leadership

Tools

POS systems

Computer skills

Job description

Company Overview

Mood Fabrics is a leading destination for fashion, sewing, and DIY enthusiasts, known for our vast selection of quality textiles, trims, and sewing supplies, as well as our strong connection to the design community. We are launching a new showroom concept that combines a fully stocked notions and trims store with an interactive fabric showroom where customers can see and feel fabric headers and place quick-ship orders. This location will also serve as a hub for classes, events, and community-building for sewists, makers, and fashion creatives.

Position Summary

The Store Manager will lead the opening and day-to-day operations of Mood’s new concept store, ensuring an inspiring, educational, and service-oriented environment for customers and staff. The ideal candidate brings strong fabric/sewing knowledge, hands-on retail experience, and genuine enthusiasm for the sewing and fashion community.

Compensation

• Salary range: 55,000–65,000 per year base, depending on experience.
• Additional: eligibility for commission and performance-based incentives.

Paid Time Off

• Paid time off, including vacation and sick time, for eligible full-time employees.
• Details to be discussed during the interview process.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage local B2B outreach and coordinate with marketing team.
• Lead daily store operations, ensuring outstanding customer service and a welcoming, professional atmosphere.
• Provide expert guidance to customers on fabric selection (using headers), notions, trims, muslin, pattern paper, and related sewing supplies.
• Train, coach, and mentor sales associates in product knowledge, customer engagement, and visual standards.
• Create and manage employee schedules to ensure coverage during store hours (7 days a week).
• Oversee register operations, opening/closing procedures, and basic reporting.
• Monitor inventory levels for notions, trims, and supplies; coordinate orders and restocking as needed.
• Maintain store standards, including cleanliness, merchandising, signage, and organized sample/header displays.
• Support planning and execution of in-store events, workshops, and collaborations with local sewing and fashion influencers.
• Provide clear performance feedback, help resolve customer issues, and uphold company policies and procedures.
• Partner with central teams on processes related to ordering from headers and quick-ship fulfillment.

Requirements

• Strong, demonstrable knowledge of fabrics and sewing: familiarity with fabric types, fiber content, drape, appropriate end uses, and basic garment or project construction.
• 2+ years of retail or customer-facing experience; prior store leadership or keyholder experience strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to advise customers on fabric and notions for specific projects (garments, home décor, cosplay, costume, etc.).
• Comfort with point-of-sale systems, basic computer skills, and learning new tools related to ordering and fulfillment.
• Excellent communication, organization, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to align with store hours.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and to lift and move boxes of merchandise as needed.
• Genuine passion for the sewing community and interest in supporting education and events.

Equitable Opportunity

Mood Fabrics is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person