Store Manager – Washington DC - Blu Dot

TITLE: Store Manager - Washington DC

REPORTS TO: Regional Manager

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.

POSITION FUNCTION: To achieve monthly sales goals and provide exceptional service to all visitors of the Blu Dot store in Washinton DC. Perform and supervise all activities to meet sales, service, merchandise presentation/design excellence, and control expenses as directed by Blu Dot. Further the awareness and reputation of the Blu Dot Brand as an American Design Studio. Create a compelling shopping experience for all.

QUALIFICATIONS: Passion for, and a background in design, architecture, or design-based retail preferred. Associate, B.S., or B.A. degree or equivalent experience. 3-5 years of retail management experience and a successful track record of generating revenue, developing ongoing customer relationships, and managing a budget is required. The ability to effectively communicate, multitask, maintain organization, make timely decisions, and prioritize is a necessity. Experience in leading and directing a professional and successful team.

COMPENSATION: In addition to your base salary, you are eligible for quarterly bonuses for meeting established budgeted sales goals for the Washinton DC Store location. Your annual bonus potential is 30% of your base salary.

WORK PERFORMED:

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 new customers and to the trade client base
• 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 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 Blu Dot Washinton DC 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 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

*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.