Store Manager Duties
There are different kinds of stores, such as, departmental stores, retail stores, specialty stores and shopping malls. Many of the store manager duties will vary in accordance to the kind of store he is working in, although his basic job will more or less remain the same. The main job of a store manager is to overlook the day-to-day functioning of the store operations to ensure that everything runs smoothly and the store makes profits. In order to fulfill these goals, he performs a number of duties.
Sales and Profits
The foremost duty of a retail store manager is to make sure that there are enough sales taking place and the store is making profits. He decides on the various marketing strategies to be used, events to be conducted and promotions to be done in order to lure more customers and increase the store profits. Preventing thefts and losses, which can otherwise eat into the profits of a store is another responsibility. A store manager has to keep himself updated on the techniques and strategies which the other competing stores are following so that he can take measures and derive strategies to counter them.
Customer Satisfaction
Since the profits will depend upon the customers of the store, ensuring customer satisfaction is one of the prime duties. For this, a manager supervises the employees on various floors from time to time and sees to it that they cater to and interact with the customers in the best possible manner. Also, if there is some issue which a customer is facing, regarding a product or its pricing, it is the duty of the manager to talk with the customer and amicably settle the issue, then and there.
Inventory
Ensuring that the store has enough stock of products to meet the customer needs and requirements also falls under the job description. A store manager overlooks the way various items are displayed in a store to attract maximum customer interest. A manager, through his employees, keeps himself updated on the kind of products the customers need and accordingly takes the buying decisions regarding the store items.
Hiring and Training
A store manager trains the employees so that they can perform all their duties aptly. Training is necessary to ensure that the employees are able to meet their individual targets. He is also responsible for hiring new employees.
Appraisals
Appraisal of the employees is another important duty of a store manager. The manager handles the employee performance appraisal and accordingly decides which employee needs training, who needs to be promoted, etc. Thus, by taking appraisals a store manager is in a way motivating the employees by deciding increments for them as well as improving their skills by referring them for training.
Security
Maintaining and taking care of the security of the customers as well as the employees is the manager's responsibility. A manager should see to it that the store is following all the safety norms. During the training, a store manager arranges for safety drills and safety training for the employees so that they are well prepared to meet all kinds of emergencies while working in the store.
Looking at these duties, it can be said that he is the one who is responsible for projecting a certain kind of image of the store to the customers. If the store is big, a manager acts as the link between the store employees and the corporate office, communicating to them the organizational goals. A store manager can expect a salary of around USD 70000, if he is working in a big store. As you can see, the job is very demanding and you will need to put in long hours, even during the festivals. If you are prepared to do the hard work, if meeting, leading and motivating people is what gives you a high, you are well suited for this job!
