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Retail Store Manager Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Retail Store Manager, or Store Manager, provides management and day-to-day oversight of a retail store. Their duties may include leading a team of staff, opening and closing the store, and keeping track of financials and merchandise.

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Retail Store Manager duties and responsibilities

To succeed as a Retail Store Manager, applicants need to be responsible and have an acute attention to detail. They have important tasks to manage and execute to run the store successfully, including:

  • Overseeing inventory by working closely with vendors
  • Creating protocols to protect the store, including theft management
  • Adhering to health and safety protocols and policies
  • Constructing a schedule for employees and manage their time off, sick leave, and time tracking
  • Developing holiday promotions to drive traffic to the store
  • Managing financials, including bank drop-offs, for the entire store
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What does a Retail Store Manager do?

A Retail Store Manager is an integral member of the operations of any retail store. They work closely with the owner of the store to ensure day-to-day operations are in order. Managing a team of staff requires an understanding of retail best practices, confidence, responsibility, and adherence to policies and protocols. The role of a Retail Store Manager may vary depending on the size of the store, as it dictates the amount of staff they need to manage, volume of customers, and the amount of staff scheduling.

Retail Store Manager skills and qualifications

To be a successful Retail Store Manager, candidates will need to have a variety of existing skills and qualifications, including:

  • Computer skills, including spreadsheets, databases, scheduling software, financial or payment software
  • Excellent customer service insight, with a friendly demeanour and attitude
  • Ability to lead a team towards a common goal, like monthly financial targets
  • Organization and scheduling skills to manage multiple team members’ availability and desired hours
  • Experience with budgeting and financial tools
  • Proven history of training employees and guiding them towards success

Retail Store Manager experience requirements

Retail Store Managers require extensive experience in a retail environment. At a minimum, if they do not have direct experience with retail, they can have experience as a Manager in another sales or customer service-focused industry like hospitality. Ideally, a candidate will have been a Manager or Assistant Manager at a retail store in the past. These transferrable skills make them well-qualified to take on a role as a Retail Store Manager.

Retail Store Manager education and training requirements

While there is no specific degree required for a Retail Store Manager, a variety of programs could benefit this role. If your store is in the fashion retail industry, a candidate with a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising or fashion communications is well-qualified. Likewise, if hiring for a sports retail store, a candidate with a bachelor’s degree in a sports-related field is an asset. Studies in business, marketing, sales, and communications may also be relevant.

Additional certifications related to retail or customer service are a plus. For example, candidates who have a membership with the Canadian Customer Service Association are likely to have great customer service skills.

Retail Store Manager salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average income for a Retail Store Manager in Canada is $20.64 per hour. Wages depend on the size of the store, the store’s location, and a candidate’s previous experience.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Retail Store Manager isn’t quite what you’re looking for, consider other roles including: 

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Retail Store Manager job description FAQs

What is the difference between a Retail Store Manager and an Assistant Retail Store Manager?

A Retail Store Manager is the highest person in the chain of command at the store, aside from the Owner or District Manager. All employees at the store report to the Retail Store Manager. The Assistant Retail Store Manager helps the Retail Store Manager with their duties and has more junior staff reporting to them.

Do Retail Store Managers have different responsibilities in different industries?

On any given day, a Retail Store Manager manages various tasks or duties to ensure the store runs smoothly. The Retail Store Manager needs to create budgets and schedules for the week ahead. They may need to train an employee or work with the Assistant Store Manager to create financial plans. Their days vary in what they need to accomplish, so time management is crucial.

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Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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