Retail General Manager

Description

We The Hobby  is a thriving sports entertainment company with global reach, headquartered in Rochester, NY. We value creativity, diversity, innovation, dedication, and our community!

• Modern office setting
• Strong growth opportunities
• Flexible working hours
• Lively atmosphere
• A team that cares about one another
• Welcoming and inclusive culture

We The Hobby , a trusted and respected brand in the sports collectibles industry, is looking for an experienced and strategic Merchandising Manager to lead our flagship sports card hobby shop/lounge. Reporting directly to the Chief New Business Officer, the Merchandising Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the store’s daily operations, ensuring exceptional customer experiences, managing staff, and driving revenue and overall store-related traffic growth.

This role is full-time, located onsite at our beautiful new Headquarters in the Village Gate neighborhood in Rochester, NY.

• Oversee daily operations of the retail store, ensuring smooth and efficient processes from opening to closing.
• Implement best practices to maintain high levels of store performance, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
• Manage the layout, inventory, and merchandising to ensure an engaging and attractive shopping environment.
• Monitor and analyze sales performance, adjusting strategies as necessary to meet revenue targets.
• Train and manage the scheduling of the retail team, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.

• Ensure top-tier customer service by leading by example, resolving escalated issues, and maintaining a customer-first approach.
• Develop and execute promotional strategies and loyalty programs to drive customer engagement and sales.
• Engage with customers, collectors, and the local community to build strong relationships and grow the store’s presence.

• Create a warm, welcoming environment for all customers, ensuring they feel valued and appreciated.
• Implement hospitality-driven initiatives that elevate the customer experience, such as offering refreshments or upselling beer/wine.
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Events Team to create and oversee in-store events, private viewings, and product launches to enhance the overall customer experience.
• Foster a culture of personalized service, where retail staff members anticipate customer needs and deliver tailored shopping experiences.
• Collaborate with other departments to provide seamless experiences for high-profile clients and collectors, offering concierge-level services.

• Collaborate with the Director of Product and operations team to ensure optimal stock levels, product availability, and accurate pricing.
• Analyze inventory data to ensure efficient product turnover and minimize overstock or shortages.
• Ensure accurate reporting of sales and inventory using point-of-sale (POS) and other systems.

• Work with the marketing team to create in-store and community-based events that promote brand awareness and drive foot traffic.
• Build partnerships with local businesses, sports organizations, and hobbyist communities to foster store growth.

• Own the visual merchandising strategy for the retail space with a focus on maximizing revenue per square foot.
• Design, implement, and continuously optimize store layouts, product placement, and displays to drive sales, improve traffic flow, and increase average transaction value.
• Leverage sales data and customer behavior insights to inform merchandising decisions, product adjacencies, and featured display locations.
• Partner with the Product and Retail team to prioritize high-margin, high-velocity, and promotional products in prime selling locations.
• Ensure all merchandising aligns with brand standards, seasonal initiatives, product launches, and in-store events.
• Regularly audit floor space performance and adjust layouts to test, learn, and improve revenue efficiency across the sales floor.

• Ensure store operations comply with company policies, local regulations, and health and safety standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe store environment for employees and customers.

• 5+ years of retail management experience, preferably in specialty retail or the sports collectibles industry.
• Proven track record of driving sales and profitability in a retail environment.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a focus on customer satisfaction.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in retail management systems, POS systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

In accordance with applicable Federal and State laws, the anticipated annual salary range for this position based upon location in…