New York Retail Store Director

Company Description Susan Alexandra is a New York–based brand that celebrates color, humor, and self-expression through joyful, detail-focused design. Founded in 2014 by Susan Korn as a bedroom-run jewelry business, the brand grew quickly after its signature beaded bags, made in NYC, gained viral attention. Today, Susan Alexandra offers an expanded range of products, including handbags, jewelry, Judaica, homeware, and pet and baby accessories. With collaborations with brands such as Vans, Post Cereal, Sweetgreen, Warby Parker, and Disney, the company continues to grow and explore new creative categories and frontiers. Team members join a playful, vibrant environment where creativity and individuality are highly valued.Role Description The Retail Store Director is a full-time, on-site role based in New York, NY, responsible for leading the daily operations of the two Susan Alexandra retail stores. This role oversees staff scheduling, coaching, and performance to ensure an engaging, inclusive, and efficient retail environment. The retail director drives sales, motivates retail teams, monitors inventory, maintains visual merchandising standards that reflect the brand’s aesthetic, and ensures retail revenue goals are met. This role serves as the key operational bridge between brand leadership and the front-line retail experience. The ideal candidate brings a high level of energy, a passion for whimsical design and luxury retail, exceptional team management skills, and a strong track record of sales performance.Key ResponsibilitiesStore OperationsOversee and streamline daily store opening, operating, and closing procedures across both retail spaces.Maintain impeccable visual merchandising standards, store aesthetics, and cleanliness that reflect the brand's unique identity.Manage stock levels, inventory transfers, stockroom organization, and product replenishment between store locations and our studio.Enforce operational compliance, inventory control, and loss prevention protocols.Team Leadership & SupportRecruit, train, onboard, and mentor retail sales associates and keyholders.Construct optimized weekly schedules that align labor costs with foot traffic and peak shopping hours.Lead by example on the sales floor, cultivating an engaging, inclusive, and highly motivated team culture.Conduct routine check-ins, performance reviews, and professional growth coaching for staff.Customer ExperienceEnsure every customer receives a welcoming, memorable, and personalized retail experience.Build and retain direct relationships with top clients, VIPs, and brand followers.Handle customer inquiries, special custom orders, and service resolutions with grace and efficiency.Sales & PerformanceDrive daily, weekly, and monthly sales targets for both store locations.Monitor key retail metrics (conversion rates, average order value, foot traffic trends) to identify revenue growth opportunities.Implement effective clienteling strategies and incentive initiatives to exceed revenue goals.Communication & CollaborationServe as the central communication nexus between retail staff, the Founder, and executive leadership.Provide clear, actionable regular updates regarding store performance, inventory needs, and customer feedback.Partner with the marketing and events teams to seamlessly plan and execute in-store activations, pop-ups, and special collection launches.Schedule & AvailabilityMaintain full-time availability, including mandatory weekend coverage, peak retail holiday seasons, and special evening store events.Split operational time strategically between 1088 Madison Avenue and 33 Orchard Street based on business needs and event schedules.Candidate QualificationsExperience: 6+ years of retail store management or assistant management experience, preferably in contemporary fashion, boutique luxury, or specialized lifestyle retail.Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and inspire an energetic retail sales team.Operations: Strong proficiency in POS platforms (e.g., Shopify POS), inventory management tools, and spreadsheet tools.Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with strong attention to visual and interpersonal detail.Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, creative, and evolving entrepreneurial environment.