Assistant Store Manager FT - Garden State Plaza

AKIRA – Assistant Store Manager (Full Time)

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 extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand.

AKIRA's culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Other-Worldly Customer Service and Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner , and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.

Position: Assistant Store Manager

Position Summary:
AKIRA Assistant Store Managers are goal-driven leaders and dynamic salespeople. They are deeply committed to delivering a world-class styling experience, fostering a high-energy team environment, and driving consistent results. By leading through action and operating with an ownership mindset, our Assistant Store Managers play a critical role in talent development, customer satisfaction, and store performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist store management in recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding exceptional team members

• Support training, coaching, and talent retention to build a high-performing team

• Help create and maintain a positive, energized, and inclusive store atmosphere

• Reinforce and embody AKIRA's 5 Steps of Selling on the floor

• Deliver real-time and written performance feedback to team members

• Motivate and inspire employees to exceed individual and team goals

• Ensure daily operations, merchandising, and store visuals meet AKIRA standards

• Support in upholding and enforcing company policies and procedures

• Achieve and exceed personal sales goals with passion and consistency

• Contribute to overall store sales goals (daily, weekly, and monthly)

• Lead by example and promote AKIRA's brand values and 4 Principles

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of retail experience, with some exposure to leadership or management

• Passion for fashion and strong awareness of current trends

• High energy, strong work ethic, and performance-driven mindset

• Leadership potential with the ability to guide, support, and motivate a team

• Excellent communication, organizational, and time-management skills

• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment

• Willingness to adapt to change, take initiative, and solve problems

• Familiarity with visual merchandising and exceptional customer service standards

• Basic knowledge of store operations, including inventory control and loss prevention

• Collaborative spirit with the ability to build strong working relationships
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to repetitively push, pull, and lift up to 50 lbs.

• Comfortable standing and walking for extended periods, including 10–12 hour shifts

Benefits and 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 a generous employee discount. We’re committed to internal growth, providing meaningful development and career advancement opportunities.

Job Type: Full-Time

We are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.

We may utilize AI-assisted and automated tools as part of the recruiting and hiring process. All employment decisions are made in compliance with applicable laws and without discrimination.