what is a store manager?
A store manager is responsible for overseeing a retail store's operations, including managing staff, meeting sales targets, and ensuring customer satisfaction. In this role, you are accountable for the store's profitability, ensuring that it remains financially viable. Your role involves many responsibilities, including hiring and training employees, managing inventory, setting sales targets, and developing marketing strategies to attract and retain customers.
You have excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. You use these skills to motivate your team and maintain a positive work environment. You also make decisions quickly and efficiently, especially in situations where customer service is required.
If a career as a store manager sounds like it would suit your organisational and leadership skills, keep reading to find out more about this profession, including the skills and qualifications you need to succeed.
store manager jobsaverage salary of a store manager
According to Payscale, the average salary of a store manager is ₹450,000 per year. This figure falls on the lower end of the overall pay scale for store managers in India. That scale starts at around ₹325,000 per year for inexperienced store managers and can reach as high as ₹900,000 for the most experienced store managers.
One potential reason for the average salary being towards the lower end of the pay range is that it is common for successful store managers to move on to more senior roles.
factors that affect store manager’s pay
The level of experience you have as a store manager plays a significant role in determining your salary. Store managers who have been in the retail industry for a longer time and have more experience managing a store's operations tend to earn higher salaries than those who are just starting out.
Having advanced skills, such as financial management, merchandising, and marketing, can also help you earn higher salaries. With these skills, you are more valuable to your employers, as you can bring more to the table in terms of driving the store's profitability and success.
The location of the store you work in also plays a role in your potential earnings. Store managers working in larger cities or metropolitan areas tend to earn more than those working in smaller towns or rural areas. This is because the cost of living in larger cities is generally higher, and employers need to offer higher salaries to attract and retain top talent.
types of store managers
While the basic role of a store manager is the same, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the job, there are different types of store managers. Each type has certain unique qualities and responsibilities. Here are some of the most common types of store managers:
- department store manager: department store managers oversee the operations of a single department within a larger retail store. In this role, you are responsible for managing your department's sales, inventory, and staff. You work closely with other department managers to ensure that the store operates efficiently and meets its sales targets.
- retail chain store manager: as a retail chain store manager, you manage multiple stores within a retail chain. You are responsible for ensuring that each store meets its sales targets, maintains inventory levels, and operates efficiently. You oversee the store managers of each location, providing guidance and support as needed.
- boutique store manager: You oversee the operations of a smaller, independent retail store. You often have a more hands-on role in the store's operations, working closely with customers and staff to ensure that the store succeeds.
- franchise store manager: franchise store managers are responsible for managing a retail store that operates under a franchise agreement. You work with the franchise owner to ensure that the store hits any targets it needs to meet as part of its franchise agreement. You are also responsible for ensuring that the store meets the franchisor's standards and guidelines.
- flagship store manager: flagship store managers are responsible for managing a store that represents the brand's image and values. In this role, you work closely with the brand's marketing and merchandising teams to ensure that the store's layout and design reflect the brand's identity.
working as a store manager
Store managers are necessary for all levels of retail, from small boutique stores to global franchises. Your job focuses on increasing sales and meeting sales targets. Below we will look at some of the more specific duties you have as a store manager.
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store manager job description
The specific duties of a store manager include:
- managing staff: you are responsible for hiring and training staff, creating work schedules, and ensuring that your team operates efficiently. You motivate your staff to meet the store's goals and provide feedback to help your team members grow and develop.
- meeting sales targets: store managers are responsible for meeting the store's sales targets and ensuring that the store remains financially viable. You need to develop sales strategies to attract and retain customers, monitor sales performance, and adjust sales tactics as needed.
- managing inventory: you are responsible for managing inventory levels and ensuring that the store has the right products at the right time. You monitor inventory levels and place orders with suppliers to avoid running out of stock.
- developing marketing strategies: marketing strategies are necessary to attract and retain customers, and part of your role involves developing these strategies. You work with your marketing team to create marketing campaigns and promotions that drive traffic to the store and increase sales.
- ensuring customer satisfaction: ensuring that customers are satisfied with their shopping experience is a fundamental aspect of the success of a store. You monitor customer feedback, handle complaints, and ensure that the store's staff provides excellent customer service.
- store maintenance: you are responsible for ensuring that the store is clean, organised, and well-stocked. You ensure things like repairs and cleaning are taken care of and that the store's appearance is attractive to customers.
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work environment
Store managers work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment that requires excellent time management and organisational skills. You work under pressure, especially during busy periods, such as holidays and sales events. Your physical environment will often be a typical retail setting, though some stores—such as those in hardware and construction—may be more industrial in nature.
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who are your colleagues?
You work closely with a range of people, including sales associates, assistant managers, district managers, and the head of sales. In smaller stores, you may also work directly with accountants. You communicate effectively with all levels of staff and build strong relationships with your colleagues. In larger organisations, you also need to be able to work collaboratively with other departments, such as marketing and merchandising, as well as senior colleagues, such as marketing managers and marketing executives.
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work schedule
As a store manager, you may need to work long hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. This means you need to be flexible and adaptable, as your work schedule can change at short notice. In addition, you may be required to work overtime during busy periods. While the retail industry offers many roles on a part-time basis, being a store manager is typically a full-time job.
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job outlook
The outlook for store managers is positive in that it is a job that is always in demand within the retail industry. That industry is projected to see a lot of growth over the coming years. It is also a role that has a lot of room for progression into more senior roles.
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advantages of finding a store manager job through randstad
Finding your store manager job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid on a monthly basis
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a store manager is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
While it may be possible to reach the level of store manager by working your way up within an organisation, most employers prefer at least a bachelor’s degree. Some of the academic qualifications for store managers include:
- bachelor’s degree: a bachelor’s degree in a relevant topic, such as business management or retail management, should be considered a minimum requirement if you are looking to become a store manager.
- master’s degree: a master’s degree is not necessary to become a store manager. However, it can help during the hiring phase, as well as improve your potential earnings. Having a master’s degree is also valuable if you are looking towards career progression beyond store management.
- experience: employers are highly unlikely to hire someone as a store manager if they have no experience working in a retail setting.
store manager skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a store manager include:
- leadership: store managers motivate and lead their teams effectively. You delegate tasks and provide feedback to your staff.
- communication: effective communication is essential in a store manager's role.
- problem-solving: you are able to make decisions quickly and efficiently, especially in situations where customer service is required. You resolve conflicts and make decisions that benefit the store and its customers.
- customer service: store managers need to be customer-focused and ensure that their staff provide excellent customer service. You handle customer complaints and resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
- organisational skills: you are highly organised and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. This includes prioritising tasks and managing your time effectively.
FAQs about working as a store manager
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a store manager.
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how can I become a store manager in India?
It is possible to be promoted into a store manager position after working your way up, though a bachelor’s degree and experience are typically the best way to approach the profession.
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what is the job role of a store manager?
A store manager is responsible for overseeing a retail store's operations, managing staff, meeting sales targets, and ensuring customer satisfaction while maintaining the store's profitability.
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is a store manager a good job?
Being a store manager can be quite stressful and require long hours, but it is a role with a lot of scope for career progression. This makes it a good job if you have your sights set on more senior roles in the future.
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what qualifications does a store manager need?
There are no formal qualifications needed to become a store manager, and it may be possible to reach this position via promotion from within. That being said, a bachelor’s degree in a related subject, such as business management or retail management, should be considered a basic requirement.
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is store manager the highest position?
Store managers are rarely the highest position in an organisation’s hierarchy, though they do rank above many roles, such as assistant managers and sales representatives. General managers, regional managers, and corporate executives are all more senior roles.
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how do I apply for a store manager vacancy?
Applying for a store manager job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!