Retail Store Manager

Location:

Brand:

Role Overview

The Retail Manager will lead the flagship retail operations, serving as the custodian of KARDO’s philosophy in a physical space. This role combines operational excellence with cultural sensitivity, requiring both managerial precision and a deep respect for design, textiles, and craft. The ideal candidate will see the store not only as a point of sale but also as a cultural environment—where narratives of fabric, technique, and community are shared with customers in meaningful ways.

Key Responsibilities

1. Store Leadership & Operations

●   Oversee day-to-day functioning of the flagship store, ensuring smooth, efficient, and inspiring operations.

●   Develop and implement store SOPs (customer experience, stock handling, visual merchandising, after-sales service).

●   Maintain inventory accuracy, replenishment cycles, and coordination with the production and warehouse teams.

●   Manage store budgets, expense control, and reporting.

●   Uphold operational standards that balance efficiency with hospitality and warmth.

2. Customer Engagement & Experience

●   Act as the primary face of KARDO for walk-in clients, industry visitors, and press.

●   Share knowledge of textiles, crafts, and the design philosophy with sensitivity, making each interaction an experience of learning and discovery.

●   Train staff to embody the brand’s ethos, ensuring every customer interaction is thoughtful, intelligent, and memorable.

●   Build and sustain long-term customer relationships—encouraging repeat visits and loyalty.

3. Brand Storytelling & Education

●   Translate the brand’s narratives—craft techniques, artisan collaborations, design inspirations—into engaging in-store storytelling.

●   Conduct private walkthroughs or presentations for VIP clients, buyers, stylists, and press.

●   Develop initiatives such as workshops, talks, or trunk shows to position the store as a cultural hub.

●   Partner with marketing and communications teams to align in-store messaging with broader campaigns.

4. Visual Merchandising & Atmosphere

●   Ensure the store environment reflects KARDO’s aesthetic—minimal, refined, and rooted in Indian craft traditions.

●   Curate product displays that highlight textiles, craftsmanship, and collection narratives.

●   Collaborate with design teams to refresh displays seasonally or for special collections/events.

●   Maintain an atmosphere of care: lighting, music, scent, and hospitality elements.

5. Team Management & Development

●   Recruit, train, and mentor store staff, with emphasis on cultural sensitivity, product knowledge, and customer care.

●   Build a culture of respect, collaboration, and learning within the store team.

●   Conduct regular training sessions on crafts, fabrics, and brand values.

●   Monitor staff performance and support their growth in alignment with KARDO’s ethos.

6. Sales & Business Development

●   Drive store performance by achieving monthly and annual sales milestones without compromising the brand’s ethos.

●   Identify business opportunities through clienteling, personal shopping, and building networks with industry professionals.

●   Provide customer feedback and insights to design, production, and communication teams.

●   Support wholesale and international buyer appointments at the store when required.

7. Community & Craft Advocacy

●   Act as an ambassador of Indian craft traditions in customer conversations and external engagements.

●   Promote the artisans’ stories with authenticity and pride, making craft knowledge accessible to diverse audiences.

●   Engage with local and global communities—designers, stylists, journalists, students—strengthening KARDO’s positioning as a cultural as well as commercial brand.

Desired Qualifications & Attributes

●   5-8 years of experience in retail management, preferably in fashion, luxury, or craft-driven brands.

●   Strong understanding of textiles, garment construction, and Indian craft traditions.

●   Excellent communication and storytelling skills—able to convey brand narratives with intelligence and warmth.

●   Proven ability to lead and inspire a team, balancing discipline with care.

●   Strong business acumen, with experience in driving sales, analyzing reports, and managing P&L.

●   Aesthetic sensibility aligned with KARDO’s ethos—minimal, thoughtful, and culturally rooted.

●   Resilient, adaptable, and sensitive to both people and context.

NOTE:

The flagship store is more than a retail outlet—it is KARDO’s living room. It is where customers, collaborators, and press first encounter the spirit of the brand. The Retail Manager will be the steward of this space, weaving together operations, storytelling, and hospitality. In doing so, they will help not only grow sales but also deepen KARDO’s cultural presence in India and internationally.