Incase You Didn't Know - Retail Leaders are Bad Ass.

There I said it. Here's why.

Jul 20, 2023

For most of my retail career, it was clear that the people I encountered outside my store had no idea what my job was.

"Oh, you work retail? That's nice. You must shop all the time since you get a discount on clothes, huh?"

Um, yeah. That's what I have time for - shopping.

I ran a multi-million dollar building with fifty sales associates and four leaders, but yes - absolutely - shopping for clothes at a discount was high on my list each week.

What the actual fuck?

Let me break down a typical week for you.

On Monday, I managed an onslaught of communication from corporate and my three bosses. Yes, three: district manager, regional manager, and loss prevention manager.

I opened the store, walked shipment, strategized with the merchandiser, ran the floor, and then set aside a few hours to be off the floor to take conference calls and write schedules. I almost never left on time.

Sometimes three sales associates would call out, and I'd have to be floor coverage which threw off my entire week.

On Tuesday, I would close. I'd finish leftover work from Monday, connect with my leadership team, and run the sales floor. Sometimes I'd have more than ten associates on my floor. I'd have to ensure they were cared for and productive throughout the day.

Wednesday, I'd open. I'd come in early to walk shipment and talk to the merchandiser. We'd review floor sets, window changes, and discuss what was or was not selling. I'd run payroll and be on the floor all day, helping customers and partnering with the sales team.

Thursday was typically my day off. Was I shopping? No. I was trying to recover from the past three days. I was cleaning my house, doing laundry, and running errands.

On Friday, I would close to ensure the store was set up for success on the weekend, and I'd check in again with leaders in the store. If I needed anything from my bosses, this was my last chance to catch them before they were off for the weekend.

We'd get all the shipment out on the floor Friday to sell it. The merchandiser was off on the weekend as well. It was up to us to re-merchandise and fill holes for the next two days so our sales floor felt full.

I'd open on Saturday and sell. We were always busy. We'd usually have two families waiting at the front door for us to open in the morning. They'd stand outside and stare at us while we cleaned the store and got the tills ready. I'd unlock the doors, and it would be GAME ON.

On Sunday, I was usually off. However, I would be sure to work one Sunday a month because I'm not a jerk.

When you see people consume all day, every day, it gets old.

Oh wow! Look at all that time I had to shop throughout the week.

I once had a district manager that tried on new arrivals over her clothes in the middle of the sales floor as she did three other things. When we do shop, that's how we shop.

By the time I left my retail career, I didn't even want to buy anything anymore.

When you see people consume all day, every day, it gets old. Then you see all the stuff get returned. Piles of it. After a while, you're like, "What's the point?"

For the past year, I've adopted a uniform of a black tank top and jeans. It's all I wear. I found a tank I loved for not much money and bought ten of them. I found jeans I liked and bought three pairs. I wear them so much that they literally wear out.

Retail leaders operate as business owners.

We manage everything from

shipment
merchandising
planning
hiring
training
schedule writing
cleaning
inventory control
and more

I still don't understand why more people don't get it.

Who do you think manages all the stuff?

Newsflash - it's the store managers, people.

But oh yeah, I'm all about that discount on clothes.

If you are a manager in retail - I SO get you. I see how hard your job is, and you're doing great.

If you're not a store leader, I hope this sheds some light on the business.

If you are ever in a position where someone with a retail management background applies - put their application to the top of the pile and interview them. They bring a unique skill set to any environment. You can thank me later.

MAILBOX

A DM came through a few days ago on LinkedIn.

I host a membership group called The Break Room for retail leaders. It's just getting started, so I lowered the price (a lot) because I want everyone to join who wants in. This is the lowest price it will ever be, so check it out now.

Anyway, this person suggested I change some of the wording around my offer. Her suggestion was excellent, and I wrote her back and thanked her.

Great ideas come from all over. Be wise enough to pay attention.

LEVEL UP

Don't be a jerk - work a Sunday every now and then.

In all seriousness, be fair. Pulling rank or tenure isn't cool.

My friend worked at a hotel for like ten years. Everyone in his department had been there longer than him, so his boss always said, "Oh well, you get the crummy shift because you're the new guy."

Even after like TEN YEARS.

Spoiler alert - he quit.

Be fair. It costs nothing and makes people way more invested in the job and more trusting of your leadership.

Get Your Guide

My book, The Retail Leader's Field Guide, is now available in paperback. 🤓

This is the how-to handbook you wish your company had given you.

I spill all my best practices for running productive, cohesive teams.

"This book truly lays out the foundation for being a successful store manager. It's refreshing to read a leadership book from the perspective of a fellow store manager.
Even as a seasoned and successful store manager, this book was such a great read to remind me that these basics are what lead to success as a retail manager!"

Get it Now.

Stay Connected

Do you lead teams in a frontline environment? Do you wish you had easy access to a group of your peers? A place where you could ask questions, be yourself, and take a breath for five minutes?

Now, you do!

Join us in The Break Room, a safe space for leaders.

Come as you are, ask questions, connect, give, and get advice. This is your space. Take five and vibe. Leave feeling refreshed.

See you there. As I said above, I just slashed the price. Take advantage of this. Once you join, I'll never raise the price on you.

Take me to The Break Room.

Thank you for being here. If you dig my writing, please share this email.

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You're the absolute best.