VP, Retail Sales

Overview AKIRA VP, RETAIL SALES In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com). AKIRA is poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand. AKIRA's culture emphasizes fanatical, obsessive attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees is to Act and Think Like an Owner, reflected across the company. The Position: VP, Retail Sales Location: Corporate Headquarters in Chicago with 50-75% travel to 40+ stores Overview Take charge of driving sales and building strong customer relationships across AKIRA Fashion's 40+ stores. Lead Stylists to surpass sales goals by setting clear metrics (e.g., client outreach through Endear), delivering training, managing client books, and using StoreForce to track performance in a fast-fashion environment with over 60,000 SKUs. Collaborate with regional managers to drive revenue, foster customer loyalty, and keep stores energized. Key Responsibilities Sales Performance & Strategy: Create bold sales plans to boost revenue; set high-impact targets for Stylists (e.g., conversion rates, transaction values); track progress and adjust tactics to consistently surpass goals. Clienteling Metrics & Execution: Set and enforce clear metrics (e.g., 3+ client calls/day via Endear); monitor client book growth and engagement to drive repeat business and personalized sales. Stylist Training & Motivation: Develop and lead training programs on sales techniques, client relationships, and fast-fashion trends; provide hands-on coaching and incentives to create a high-performing sales team. Technology Utilization: Use Endear to track client outreach and StoreForce for real-time sales insights; streamline reporting and enable data-driven decisions. Travel & Field Support: Travel 50-75% to check on sales performance, coach Stylists, address gaps, and roll out initiatives that drive immediate revenue. Customer Loyalty & Retention: Lead efforts to create personalized client experiences; promote new arrivals (60k+ SKUs) to drive repeat business and long-term loyalty. Team Leadership: Hire, develop, and inspire top Stylist talent; partner with regional managers to align on goals; coach underperformers and recognize top performers. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coordinate with merchandising, marketing, and operations to ensure product availability, promotions, and strategies align for seamless sales execution. Financial Analysis & Forecasting: Analyze sales data, forecast trends, manage P&L components, and optimize pricing/promotions to boost profitability. Market & Competitor Insights: Monitor industry trends, competitors, and customer behaviors to identify opportunities and adjust strategies for growth. Qualifications Experience: 8+ years leading retail sales, ideally in fast fashion or apparel; proven success in driving revenue, clienteling, and managing multi-store teams in high-SKU environments. Skills: Expertise in sales strategy, client management, data analytics, and team motivation; proficient with retail tech (e.g., Endear, StoreForce, CRM); strong negotiating, presenting, and coaching abilities. Education: Bachelor\'s in Business, Marketing, Retail Management, or related field; MBA preferred. Other: Willingness to travel frequently; driven to exceed targets; thrives in a fast-paced, high-energy setting; deep understanding of fast-fashion trends and drivers of sales. Benefits & Perks AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and employee discounts. We are committed to internal growth and meaningful development opportunities. Compensation Compensation for this position ranges from Pay Range $135,000 - $205,000, determined based on experience and qualifications. Additional compensation and benefits may apply and will be discussed during the hiring process. Job Type: Full-Time #J-18808-Ljbffr AKIRA