Store Manager – Washington, D.C.

Blu Dot; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Blu Dot is seeking a Store Manager to lead daily store operations, drive sales, and develop a high-performing team while strengthening Blu Dot's service and visual standards.

You will manage inventory, merchandising, and staff, ensuring an exceptional customer experience and a welcoming, design-forward environment for all shoppers in our DC-area stores.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of retail leadership with a proven track record of driving sales.
• Background in premium retail or design-focused environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience managing store operations, scheduling, inventory, and expenses.
• Authorized to work in the United States (E-Verify).

Responsibilities

• Lead daily store operations and drive sales goals.
• Coach and develop a high-performing team.
• Oversee merchandising and visual standards.
• Ensure customer service excellence and issue resolution.
• Manage inventory, scheduling, and store expenses.

Skills

Store leadership

Customer experience

Coaching & development

Organization & operations

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Retail systems

Microsoft Office / Google Workspace

Job description

TITLE: Store Manager

REPORTS TO: Regional Director

ABOUT US: Blu Dot (www.bludot.com), an award-winning designer and maker of modern home furnishings, is currently searching for a Store Manager to join our dynamic and values-driven company.

Company Purpose: Inspire a more creative way of living through good design that's good to everyone.

Core Values

• Good design is good. Good design should be reflected in everything we do.
• Keep it simple. Strive for economy in all that you do.
• Everyone is invited to our party. Treat every individual with respect & dignity.
• Our glass is half full. Focus on the positive.
• Be humble. We take nothing for granted.
• Turn it up to 11. Determine what is expected and do a little more.
• Stay curious. Try, learn, improve, repeat.

About the Role

As Store Manager, you'll lead the day-to-day operations, creating an exceptional experience for customers while inspiring and developing a high-performing team. You'll drive sales, uphold Blu Dot's standards for service and visual presentation, and ensure operational excellence across every aspect of the store. As a brand ambassador, you'll help grow awareness of Blu Dot as an American design studio, cultivate lasting customer relationships, and create a welcoming, design-forward shopping experience for everyone who walks through our doors.

Who You Are

• A natural leader. You inspire, coach, and develop others while creating a positive, inclusive environment where people enjoy coming to work.
• Customer-obsessed. You believe every interaction is an opportunity to create an exceptional experience and build lasting relationships.
• Passionate about good design. You have an appreciation for modern design and enjoy helping customers discover products that fit their lives and spaces.
• Organized and adaptable. You thrive in a fast-paced environment, balancing competing priorities without losing sight of the details.
• A proactive problem solver. You take ownership, make thoughtful decisions, and look for solutions rather than waiting for direction.
• Aligned with our values. You lead with humility, treat everyone with respect and dignity, and consistently go the extra mile to create a welcoming experience for customers and teammates alike.

What You Will Do

Sales, Marketing and Merchandising

• Represent and expand the customer's connection to the Blu Dot brand through a personable and professional demeanor.
• Develop and maintain relationships with all customer cohorts.
• Meet monthly sales goals and maximize profitability.
• Use product information and design knowledge to demonstrate merchandise features and benefits.
• Suggest additional items based on assessment of customer's needs.
• See sales through to completion and follow up with the customer as necessary.
• Communicate accurate pricing, delivery expectations and tracking information.
• Enter customer orders according to company policy and procedures.
• Actively prospect and cultivate relationships with new retail customers and trade clients.
• Implement and maintain visual merchandising standards of the showroom.
• Maintain supply of sales & marketing materials and distribute effectively to customers.
• Create and maintain accurate customer email database for communicating sales, promotions, and events.
• Help with marketing functions such as sales, advertising, direct mailing, quarterly trade events, Open Studio, and other special projects as directed by Blu Dot.
• Partner with the Market Development Manager (if applicable) to drive traffic and activate the store space.

Customer Service

• Train and empower your team to make the best decisions for the customer while maintaining company policies.
• Respond to all incoming emails and phone calls within 24 hours.
• Communicate an in-depth working knowledge of product construction and care to customers.
• Provide outstanding customer service by handling all merchandise returns and customer issues in a positive and expeditious manner.
• Utilize problem-solving skills to swiftly determine the best solution to service issues while remaining mindful of company policies.
• Accurately communicate in stock status and delivery lead times to customers.
• Assist in quality control efforts by tracking product issues and alerting direct supervisor and quality control team to issues and inconsistencies.
• Provide assembly instructions to customers as needed.
• Provide catalogs, samples, and marketing materials to customers upon request.
• Communicate customer and assortment feedback to direct supervisor and Product Development team.

Operations

• Receive all incoming inventory and floor samples in compliance with company standards.
• Perform inventory cycle counts as directed and assist BDMN team in reconciling variances.
• Consistently follow and demonstrate an understanding for order entry and inventory management processes, policies, and systems.
• File freight claims and return process documents as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compelling shopping space.
• Coordinate order shipping logistics with customers and local white glove delivery providers: obtain contact info, correct billing address and delivery quotes as needed.
• Work with Store Operations to manage and own the local final mile delivery company relationship and keep accurate records of product that may reside at their storage facilities.
• Ensure that the delivery experience provided by local delivery partners in keeping with company customer service standards.
• Partner with accounting team to maintain accurate sales and billing records.
• Assist in inventory planning and forecasting as required.
• Maintain company loss prevention standards; responsible for store inventory shrink.
• Submit expense reports monthly and adhere to company purchasing policies.
• Alert direct supervisors to any system inaccuracies: pricing, inventory, etc.

Staff Management/HR

• Lead the team with respect and professionalism.
• Foster curiosity for design.
• Create and promote a positive and safe work environment.
• Write weekly staff schedules that provide appropriate coverage for sales traffic.
• Ensure all team members are meeting sales goals and consistently demonstrating excellent customer service skills.
• Provide developmental feedback; create action plan for staff members not meeting sales goal or service standards.
• Train staff as needed/directed.
• Partner with Store Operations to seek feedback on team performance and instigate necessary process training as required.
• Recruit and hire staff as needed/directed.
• Write and deliver annual performance reviews.
• Hold regular monthly meetings with staff to discuss product knowledge, sales goals/tactics, and customer service issues and successes.

Other Duties

• Make showroom available for after hour events and private parties as instructed.
• Projects as assigned.
• Drive Store Activations.
• Host Quarterly Trade Events.

Ideal Experience/Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• 5+ years of retail leadership experience with a proven track record of driving sales, developing high-performing teams, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
• Background in premium retail, home furnishings, interior design, architecture, or another design-focused environment preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to coach, motivate, and develop others.
• Experience managing store operations, including scheduling, inventory, visual merchandising, and expense management.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Passion for modern design and creating an inspiring, customer-focused shopping experience.
• Proficiency with retail systems and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Everyone's welcome to our party! Blu Dot always welcomes candidates with unique and diverse backgrounds. Blu Dot is a member of E-Verify. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Salary: $90,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year