Store Manager

Yorktown Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

Employee discount

401(k)

Employee Discount

Career Development

Job summary

A national fashion retailer is seeking a dedicated Store Manager in Chicago, Illinois. This role requires a minimum of 1 year of store management experience and a passion for fashion. You will lead a team to achieve sales goals, maintain store standards, and drive a positive customer experience. Benefits include competitive pay, health coverage, and career growth opportunities. If you're passionate and innovative, this could be the perfect fit for you.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience in store management.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire a team.
• High motivation and proactive sense of urgency.

Responsibilities

• Recruiting and onboarding exceptional employees.
• Training and mentoring top-tier talent.
• Maintaining a positive and energized store atmosphere.
• Elevate selling culture by promoting AKIRA's selling steps.
• Provide timely feedback through real-time and written communications.
• Drive daily/weekly/monthly sales to exceed targets and uphold AKIRA standards.

Skills

Store management

Leadership

Customer service

Communication

Organizational skills

Flexibility

Visual merchandising

Budgeting

Team motivation

Tools

POS systems

Retail software

Job description

Founded in 2002 with our first women's boutique in Chicago, AKIRA has grown into a national fashion powerhouse with 35+ retail locations and a thriving eCommerce platform at shopAKIRA.com.

What sets us apart? Fanatical, obsessive attention to our customers' needs and desires. At AKIRA, every team member is empowered to Act and Think Like an Owner, a mindset that fuels innovation, accountability, and success across the business.

The Position: Store Manager

*** New Store Opening February 2026 ***

Overview:

AKIRA Store Managers are fanatical salespeople, driven by goals and dedicated to servant leadership. They excel in ensuring customers are styled by knowledgeable experts who are deeply immersed in the world of fashion. Our mission is to help customers look and feel their best. Store Managers are relentless in recruiting and developing top-tier talent to maintain a high-performing team. By leading through example and adopting an ownership mindset, they go above and beyond to achieve both personal and store objectives.

Essential Functions:

• Recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding exceptional employees and managers.
• Training, mentoring, and retaining top-tier talent to foster growth and excellence.
• Cultivating and maintaining a positive and energized store atmosphere.
• Elevating the selling culture by championing AKIRA's 5 Steps of Selling.
• Providing timely, constructive feedback both in real-time and through written communication.
• Inspiring and motivating employees and managers to perform at their best.
• Ensuring seamless store operations and maintaining impeccable visual presentation aligned with AKIRA standards.
• Upholding and enforcing all AKIRA policies with consistency and integrity.
• Exceeding individual sales goals with enthusiasm and determination.
• Driving the store's daily, weekly, and monthly sales goals to surpass expectations.
• Leading by example to embody and promote AKIRA's culture and Code of Conduct through our 4 Principles.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 1 year of experience in store management
• A passion for fashion and a keen eye for trends.
• An unwavering work ethic and dedication to excellence.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire and guide a team.
• Exceptional communication and organizational abilities.
• High motivation coupled with a proactive sense of urgency.
• At least one year of experience in retail management.
• Expertise in supervising, motivating, and effectively directing employees.
• Flexibility to adapt to new directions and embrace change with enthusiasm.
• Comprehensive knowledge of visual merchandising and superior customer service practices.
• Strong understanding of store operations, including inventory management, loss prevention, retail systems, and budget preparation.
• The ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment, where a hands‑on approach drives success.
• A collaborative mindset, fostering strong and sustainable relationships with employees and managers.

Physical Requirements:

• Move product, supplies and/or boxes repetitively; ability to push, pull, lift a maximum of 50 lbs. based on needs of the role
• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time, including a 10-12 hour shift

Benefits and Perks:

AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and employee discount. We are committed to encouraging internal development and providing significant career enrichment opportunities. Most importantly, what has propelled AKIRA's growth and success over the years has been the dynamic culture within the company - if you're filled with passion, have a strong desire to get things done, and if you want to go to a place where you know your work matters and where you can implement your ideas and decisions, then AKIRA just might be the place for you.

Job Type: Full Time

Compensation: At AKIRA, we are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.