Assistant Boutique Manager
Apricot Lane Boutique in Manchester Center, VT, is seeking an Assistant Boutique Manager. Apricot Lane is a locally owned, franchise women's fashion boutique.We are looking for experienced, fun, fashionable, and talented individuals dedicated to delivering a unique and captivating experience for our customers.
Overview
The successful manager will have specialty retail experience either as an assistant or store manager, with a strong emphasis on product, customer service, and visual presentation. They will lead a team of associates motivated to deliver superior customer service to maximize sales and profit. They are responsible for meeting and exceeding all given sales goals and expense targets. They must possess an entrepreneurial spirit and be an effective problem solver. This role requires strong leadership, a passion for fashion, and the ability to collaborate effectively with both the in-boutique team and Headquarters support team.
Key Responsibilities:
Customer Experience & Sales Leadership:
- Lead by example to deliver an outstanding customer experience, ensuring that every guest is greeted with a warm, personalized, and seamless service.
- Drive store sales by identifying opportunities to enhance the customer experience and offering styling solutions that align with the brand's assortment.
- Foster a welcoming, positive and inclusive environment where customers feel valued and inspired to shop.
- Collaborate with local businesses and the community to host 1-2 events per month
Team Development & Leadership:
- Hire, train, and develop a high-performing team of stylists, ensuring they are knowledgeable about the brand, products, and customer service standards.
- Set clear goals for team members and provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and performance reviews.
- Cultivate a positive, collaborative, and motivating store culture that aligns with company values.
Merchandising & Visual Presentation:
- Oversee the execution of visual merchandising standards to create an inviting and inspiring store environment that reflects the brand’s style.
- Collaborate with the visual merchandising team and HQ merchants to ensure the latest collections and seasonal trends are effectively showcased.
- Regularly assess store layout, product placement, and stock levels to optimize sales and maintain a fresh, on-brand look.
Retail Operations & Inventory Management:
- Ensure smooth daily store operations, including opening and closing procedures, cash handling, and security compliance.
- Maintain accurate inventory levels, conduct regular stock checks, and work closely with HQ merchants and product analytics to ensure timely replenishment of popular items.
- Address operational issues, from customer complaints to inventory discrepancies, with a solutions-oriented approach.
Collaboration with HQ Teams:
- Partner with HQ Merchandising, Marketing, and Operations teams to ensure alignment between boutique priorities and company goals.
- Provide feedback to the merchandising team regarding customer preferences, trends, and inventory needs.
- Support the execution of in-boutique marketing campaigns and promotions to drive foot traffic and sales.
Sales Reporting & Performance Analysis:
- Monitor and analyze sales performance, track KPIs, and develop action plans to meet or exceed sales targets.
- Ensure the store achieves its goals for customer satisfaction, Conversion rates, Average Transaction Value, and other key metrics.
Compliance & Brand Standards:
- Ensure adherence to all company policies, procedures, and visual standards.
- Stay up to date with industry trends, competitor activity, and local market conditions to adapt the store’s strategy as needed.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 1 year of experience managing a specialty and preferably a fashion retail store
- College graduate or 2-year Retail Management degree preferred, but not required
- Demonstrated leadership and integrity with experience managing retail associates
- Strong merchandising and visual skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proactive and creative problem-solving ability
- Proficient computer skills in Apple, Microsoft Word, and Excel
- Flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to work weekends, nights, and holidays.
Competitive Wage
Pay: From $18.75 per hour
Expected hours: 25.0 – 40.0 per week
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
