The Boutique Manager will be responsible for the overall operations, profitability, and
customer experience of our yarn and craft store, which specializes in high-quality yarns,
knitting, crochet, and other craft supplies. A key aspect of this role involves overseeing
and facilitating our in-store learning sessions, including knitting and crochet classes for
all skill levels. The ideal candidate will be a passionate crafter with strong retail
management experience, excellent interpersonal skills, and a genuine desire to foster a
vibrant and inspiring creative community.
Key Responsibilities
- Retail Operations & Sales:
- Oversee daily store operations, ensuring a clean, organized, and visually
appealing environment.
- Achieve sales targets by effectively managing inventory, merchandising,
and promotional activities.
- Develop and implement strategies to increase foot traffic and customer
loyalty.
- Process sales transactions accurately using the POS system and handle
cash, credit, and gift card payments.
- Manage opening and closing procedures, including cash reconciliation
and security protocols.
- Monitor and manage store expenses within budget.
- Inventory Management:
- Conduct regular inventory counts and manage stock levels to prevent
overstocking or stockouts.
- Place orders with suppliers, negotiate favorable terms, and build strong
vendor relationships.
- Receive, unpack, and organize incoming merchandise efficiently.
- Customer Service Excellence: o Provide exceptional customer service, offering expert advice on yarn
types, patterns, tools, and craft techniques.
- Handle customer inquiries, complaints, and returns professionally and
efficiently, aiming for satisfactory resolutions.
- Build strong relationships with customers, fostering a sense of
community and belonging.
- Learning Sessions & Community Engagement:
- Develop, schedule, and promote a diverse range of knitting, crochet, and
workshops.
- Oversee the registration process for classes and manage class sizes.
- Ensure class materials and equipment are readily available and in good
condition.
- Organize and host crafting events, "knit nights," and community
gatherings to engage customers.
- Utilize social media and local marketing to promote classes and store
events.
- Marketing & Merchandising:
- Collaborate with the owner to develop marketing strategies and
promotional campaigns.
- Manage the store's social media presence (e.g., Instagram, Facebook)
with engaging content.
- Stay updated on industry trends, new products, and popular craft
techniques.
- Administrative Duties:
- Maintain accurate sales records, customer data, and employee files.
- Generate regular reports on sales performance, inventory, and class
registrations.
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and retail regulations.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, or a related
field preferred.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of proven retail management experience, with a strong
preference for experience in specialty retail (e.g., craft stores, hobby shops,
boutiques).
- Demonstrable experience in managing a team.
- Experience with POS systems, inventory management software, and basic
accounting principles.
Skills & Knowledge
- Knowledge in Knitting and Crochet: basic or beginner knowledge in both
knitting and crochet.
- Business Acumen: Strong understanding of retail metrics, sales forecasting,
inventory control, and profit margins.
- Leadership & Team Building: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a
high-performing team.
- Exceptional Customer Service: A genuine passion for helping customers, with
a friendly, patient, and approachable demeanor.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for
interacting with customers, staff, suppliers, and for marketing purposes.
- Organizational Skills: Highly organized with strong attention to detail, capable
of managing multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to identify issues, analyze problems, and implement
effective solutions.
- Marketing & Social Media Savvy: Experience in utilizing social media for
business promotion and engaging with online communities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic retail environment and adapt to
changing trends and customer demands.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Google
Workspace.
