Store Manager, Retail & Store Manager

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Full Time Lincoln, Chicago, IL, US

4 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $60,000.00 To $85,000.00 Annually

We make objects for people who are curious about the world.
We make fountain pens, notebooks, watercolors, leather goods, house shoes, sunglasses, and other tools that help people think, create, travel, and live with greater attention.

We believe the most important moments rarely begin with certainty. They begin with a question, a blank page, a wrong turn, or a thought not yet fully formed.

To be lost is not always a problem to solve. It is often where discovery begins. We make tools for those moments.

A pen to discover what you think. Paper to give shape to an idea. Watercolors to slow down and see more carefully. Objects to carry through the world. House shoes that mark the transition from the outside world to the sanctuary of home.

As a Japanese company, many of these rituals are inspired by Japanese life, where simple acts are elevated through repetition, attention, and care.

Designed between Boston and Tokyo, our products are developed with exceptional makers, craftspeople, and industrial designers around the world. We seek lasting materials, enduring construction, and timeless utility—not because objects are meant to be admired, but because they are meant to be used.

Our shops are found in some of the world’s great creative neighborhoods. More than stores, they are places to discover tools, exchange ideas, attend workshops, and spend time with others who share a love of making, writing, drawing, and thoughtful living.

The best tools earn their place quietly and become more valuable with time.

Role Overview
As Store Manager, you bring the Topdrawer story to life through leadership, creativity, and operational excellence. You’ll run your store like a creative studio, delivering an inspiring, community-centered experience for both customers and your team. You serve as both brand ambassador and cultural steward—connecting people to our products, purpose, and philosophy of quiet design.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Experience & Community

Deliver a high-touch, educational, and personalized customer experience that builds long-term loyalty.

Share authentic product storytelling and follow up consistently to deepen relationships.

Cultivate partnerships with local businesses, creative hubs, and community leaders to expand reach and traffic.

Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing team, empowering them to think like business owners.

Set clear expectations, delegate effectively, and maximize productivity on every shift.

Foster a culture that is inclusive, kind, performance-driven, and purpose-led.

Store Operations & Merchandising

Take full ownership of daily operations: opening/closing, inventory flow, cash management, and compliance.

Uphold visual standards that reflect Topdrawer’s refined, purposeful assortment while optimizing sell-through.

Partner with leadership on product launches, seasonal stories, and in-store events that drive engagement.

Sales & Business Growth

Drive sales to exceed daily, weekly, and monthly targets for revenue, conversion, and average transaction value.

Monitor performance metrics and quickly adapt strategies to capture opportunities.

Ensure the store is always guest-ready with exceptional presentation, merchandising, and team energy.

You Are

A hands-on leader with 2+ years of retail management experience

Passionate about creativity, sustainability, and intentional living

Detail-oriented and operationally strong, with an eye for beautiful, functional tools

Warm, dependable, and energized by…