Store Manager

Job Description

Store Manager — ChicagoAbout Topdrawer\n

We make objects for people who are curious about the world.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

Role Overview\n

As  Store Manager for Topdrawer Chicago , you will bring the Topdrawer story to life through leadership, creativity, community building, and operational excellence.

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You will take ownership of the store as both a business and a creative space—leading a team, developing meaningful customer relationships, driving sales, and creating an environment that people want to return to.

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This role is about more than managing a retail floor. You will serve as a brand ambassador and cultural steward for Topdrawer in Chicago, connecting customers to our products, philosophy, and approach to thoughtful living.

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You will also play an important role in building Topdrawer’s presence within Chicago’s creative community by developing relationships with local artists, designers, makers, businesses, and cultural organizations.

Key ResponsibilitiesCustomer Experience & Community\n

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• Deliver a high-touch, educational, and personalized customer experience that builds long-term customer loyalty.
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• Develop meaningful relationships with customers and create a welcoming environment that encourages discovery and connection.
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• Lead authentic product storytelling and ensure the team understands the history, craftsmanship, and purpose behind our products.
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• Develop relationships with local businesses, artists, designers, makers, creative organizations, and community leaders to increase awareness and store traffic.
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• Identify opportunities to bring the Chicago creative community into the store through workshops, events, collaborations, and other experiences.
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• Represent Topdrawer within the Chicago community and build the store into a destination for discovery and creativity.
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Team Leadership & Development\n

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• Recruit, train, coach, and develop a high-performing retail team.
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• Create a culture that is inclusive, kind, accountable, performance-driven, and aligned with Topdrawer’s values.
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• Set clear expectations and provide consistent feedback and coaching.
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• Empower team members to take ownership of the customer experience and business results.
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• Build strong product knowledge across the team and ensure employees can confidently tell the Topdrawer story.
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• Lead by example and remain actively engaged on the sales floor.
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• Schedule and staff the store effectively based on business needs, traffic patterns, and sales opportunities.
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• Recognize and develop talent while addressing performance issues appropriately and consistently.
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Store Operations & Merchandising\n

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• Take full ownership of daily store operations, including opening and closing procedures, inventory management, cash management, staffing, and compliance.
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• Maintain a clean, organized, and inspiring store environment that reflects Topdrawer’s brand and aesthetic.
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• Uphold visual merchandising standards and ensure products are presented thoughtfully and effectively.
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• Partner with leadership on product launches, seasonal stories, merchandising initiatives, and in-store experiences.
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• Maintain accurate inventory and minimize loss through strong operational practices.
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• Ensure all company policies, procedures, and safety standards are consistently followed.
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• Identify operational challenges and proactively develop solutions.
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Sales & Business Growth\n

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• Take ownership of the store’s financial performance and drive sales to achieve or exceed daily, weekly, and monthly goals.
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• Lead the team in achieving key performance metrics, including sales, conversion, average transaction value, and customer engagement.
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• Analyze sales and business performance to identify opportunities and adjust strategies accordingly.
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• Create a sales culture that is focused on service, product knowledge, and building long-term customer relationships.
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• Develop local initiatives and partnerships that increase brand awareness, customer traffic, and sales.
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• Communicate business insights, opportunities, and challenges to leadership.
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• Continuously look for ways to improve the store experience and grow the Chicago business.
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You Are\n

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• A hands-on retail leader with 5+ years of retail management experience .
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• Passionate about creativity, design, craftsmanship, and thoughtful living.
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• Excited by the opportunity to build something within the Chicago creative community.
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• A natural relationship builder who enjoys meeting customers and developing long-term connections.
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• Detail-oriented and operationally strong, with an appreciation for beautiful and functional products.
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• Warm, confident, dependable, and energized by leading and developing people.
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• Curious, adaptable, and comfortable working in an entrepreneurial and evolving environment.
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• Comfortable balancing the creative and operational sides of retail.
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• Skilled or interested in visual merchandising, product storytelling, and experiential retail.
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• Comfortable analyzing sales and business performance and using data to make decisions.
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• A strong communicator who can collaborate effectively with both store and corporate teams.
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• Someone who takes initiative, solves problems, and follows through.
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• Excited to represent Topdrawer and help establish a strong presence in Chicago.
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Why Join Topdrawer?\n

Be part of a global creative community rooted in timeless, functional design. Work for a mission-driven company that values originality, craftsmanship, sustainability, and meaningful connection.

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At Topdrawer, your ideas matter. You will have the opportunity to shape the customer experience, develop a team, build community partnerships, and help grow our presence in Chicago.

Benefits — Full-Time\n

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• Generous Employee Discount
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• Vacation and Sick Leave
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• Paid Holidays
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• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
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• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Health and Dependent Care
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• Company-Paid Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), and Life Insurance
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• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Matching
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• Commuter Benefits
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• Monthly Sales Commission Opportunities
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• Salary: $60,000–$85,000 , based on experience and qualifications
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Additional Information\n

Topdrawer is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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Physical Requirements: This role requires standing and walking for extended periods and may require regularly lifting or moving items weighing up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact HR at  View email address on ziprecruiter.com.

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• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.  Topdrawer does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
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