Store Manager
HOW TO BECOME A SPORTS STORE MANAGER
Weekend warriors or totally addicted to sports alike, the French prefer to buy their sports gear in specialist stores. France is home to an increasing number of retail stores, notably thanks to the work of store managers.
What is a sports store manager?
In 2017, the French spent over 19 billion euros on sports, according to the Institut National pour la Jeunesse et l’Éducation Populaire (National Institute for Youth and Popular Education). . A figure that continues to grow, much to the delight not only of sports equipment manufacturers but also of specialist retailers, where store managers play a key role.
Sports store managers strive to promote their products and meet their customers’ needs and expectations.
The retail industry, and the sporting goods business in particular, is highly competitive, and store managers and their teams must do their utmost to secure the loyalty of demanding customers.
Sports store managers must know all the products they sell to perfection, as well as other products on the market and those from competitors to provide customers with the highest quality information.
To this end, they must monitor new trends and consumer needs to offer customers the latest sporting goods.
In addition to their advisory role, store managers must also be able to manage a sales team, which may vary considerably depending on the size of the store. They also manage workshop technicians and department managers with whom they collaborate on a daily basis.
Store managers allocate tasks to their team and ensure that operations run smoothly.
But that’s not all, sports store managers may also be required to collaborate with their company’s purchasing manager and with sports brand representatives.
In addition, because store managers oversee recruitment, they must also have some background in human resources. They are also in charge of training new staff and should demonstrate good interpersonal skills and certain teaching aptitudes.
Finally, to optimize their products and their store, store managers must meticulously organize their store’s departments to showcase certain products and brands, in line with current trends and with a mind to the competition.
The position of store manager therefore involves considerable responsibilities, both financial and commercial since these professionals define key targets and draw up action plans to increase their company’s sales.
What are the duties of a store manager?
To achieve optimum store performance, store managers oversee a range of tasks, such as:
- promoting products in the sales area
- monitoring consumer needs : store managers should always keep an eye on the competition
- meet customer expectations: store managers and their teams must guarantee customer satisfaction
- manage sales staff, which requires managing skills
- develop action plans
- draw up the store’s sales strategy and achieve set goals
- develop and evaluate the store’s economic performance and profitability
- comply with the brand’s sales policy
- moderate work meetings
- manage the store’s stocks
- oversee merchandising initiatives
. Sports store managers are responsible for carrying out all these tasks, drawing on a well-defined skill set and with the help of the many other professionals who contribute to the store’s success.
Key qualities and skills of a sports store manager
To stand out from the crowd, and especially from other candidates to the position of store manager, a number of skills as well a key qualities are required to embrace this career.
First, these managers must have in-depth knowledge of the sports industry, and of sporting products and equipment in particular.
Then, to negotiate with customers, store managers must have a flair for sales, good interpersonal skills, be able to analyze the market and understand how to manage budgets. Failing such skills and qualities, it would be difficult to perform in this line of business.
In addition, store managers must be proactive and have good management skills. Not only are store managers at the head of a store, but they must also lead and coordinate a team.
Finally, the following strengths will make a difference:
- good teaching skills
- a flair for organization
- diligence
- good listening skills
- dynamism
- availability: store managers usually work long hours
- proficiency in English
- a good grasp of marketing techniques
- ability to deal with stress
Salary range and career prospects
A sports store manager’s salary will depend on store size and revenue. In France, store managers typically earn between €30K and €50K gross per annum.
In addition, it should be noted that access to the position of store manager is seldom by recruitment. In fact, professionals typically rise to the position of store manager through internal evolution. In other words, through internal promotion.
Finally, if sports store managers are enthusiasts, motivated and ambitious, they may open their own sports store. They can also specialize in a given field to stand out from the fierce competition in the business.
Another career option is to supervise several stores of the same brand by becoming regional manager, when working for a company such as Decathlon, for example.
What qualifications are required to become a sports store manager?
To become a sports store manager, you must have a baccalaureat. Thereafter, it is preferable to continue your studies at least up to bac+3.
However, if you want to have a position with more responsibilities such as that of store manager, it is advisable to go up to 5 years of education. Thus, the student will be able to deepen his knowledge and the sports sector will no longer have any secrets for him.
Training to become a sports store manager can be done in business, management, or in schools specializing in sports.
If you are determined and have the soul of a leader, embark on one of the courses that will train you to become a store manager, such as a Bachelor specializing in sports professions (bac+3) or a Master degree’s (bac+5).
The job of store manager is very demanding. The young graduate will therefore have to demonstrate perseverance if he wishes to have a place in the world of large or small surfaces dedicated to sporting goods, which is constantly evolving.
In 2017, the French spent over 19 billion euros on sports, according to the Institut National pour la Jeunesse et l’Éducation Populaire (National Institute for Youth and Popular Education). . A figure that continues to grow, much to the delight not only of sports equipment manufacturers but also of specialist retailers, where store managers play a key role.
Sports store managers strive to promote their products and meet their customers’ needs and expectations.
The retail industry, and the sporting goods business in particular, is highly competitive, and store managers and their teams must do their utmost to secure the loyalty of demanding customers.
Sports store managers must know all the products they sell to perfection, as well as other products on the market and those from competitors to provide customers with the highest quality information.
To this end, they must monitor new trends and consumer needs to offer customers the latest sporting goods.
In addition to their advisory role, store managers must also be able to manage a sales team, which may vary considerably depending on the size of the store. They also manage workshop technicians and department managers with whom they collaborate on a daily basis.
Store managers allocate tasks to their team and ensure that operations run smoothly.
But that’s not all, sports store managers may also be required to collaborate with their company’s purchasing manager and with sports brand representatives.
In addition, because store managers oversee recruitment, they must also have some background in human resources. They are also in charge of training new staff and should demonstrate good interpersonal skills and certain teaching aptitudes.
Finally, to optimize their products and their store, store managers must meticulously organize their store’s departments to showcase certain products and brands, in line with current trends and with a mind to the competition.
The position of store manager therefore involves considerable responsibilities, both financial and commercial since these professionals define key targets and draw up action plans to increase their company’s sales.
To achieve optimum store performance, store managers oversee a range of tasks, such as:
- promoting products in the sales area
- monitoring consumer needs : store managers should always keep an eye on the competition
- meet customer expectations: store managers and their teams must guarantee customer satisfaction
- manage sales staff, which requires managing skills
- develop action plans
- draw up the store’s sales strategy and achieve set goals
- develop and evaluate the store’s economic performance and profitability
- comply with the brand’s sales policy
- moderate work meetings
- manage the store’s stocks
- oversee merchandising initiatives
. Sports store managers are responsible for carrying out all these tasks, drawing on a well-defined skill set and with the help of the many other professionals who contribute to the store’s success.
To stand out from the crowd, and especially from other candidates to the position of store manager, a number of skills as well a key qualities are required to embrace this career.
First, these managers must have in-depth knowledge of the sports industry, and of sporting products and equipment in particular.
Then, to negotiate with customers, store managers must have a flair for sales, good interpersonal skills, be able to analyze the market and understand how to manage budgets. Failing such skills and qualities, it would be difficult to perform in this line of business.
In addition, store managers must be proactive and have good management skills. Not only are store managers at the head of a store, but they must also lead and coordinate a team.
Finally, the following strengths will make a difference:
- good teaching skills
- a flair for organization
- diligence
- good listening skills
- dynamism
- availability: store managers usually work long hours
- proficiency in English
- a good grasp of marketing techniques
- ability to deal with stress
A sports store manager’s salary will depend on store size and revenue. In France, store managers typically earn between €30K and €50K gross per annum.
In addition, it should be noted that access to the position of store manager is seldom by recruitment. In fact, professionals typically rise to the position of store manager through internal evolution. In other words, through internal promotion.
Finally, if sports store managers are enthusiasts, motivated and ambitious, they may open their own sports store. They can also specialize in a given field to stand out from the fierce competition in the business.
Another career option is to supervise several stores of the same brand by becoming regional manager, when working for a company such as Decathlon, for example.
To become a sports store manager, you must have a baccalaureat. Thereafter, it is preferable to continue your studies at least up to bac+3.
However, if you want to have a position with more responsibilities such as that of store manager, it is advisable to go up to 5 years of education. Thus, the student will be able to deepen his knowledge and the sports sector will no longer have any secrets for him.
Training to become a sports store manager can be done in business, management, or in schools specializing in sports.
If you are determined and have the soul of a leader, embark on one of the courses that will train you to become a store manager, such as a Bachelor specializing in sports professions (bac+3) or a Master degree’s (bac+5).
The job of store manager is very demanding. The young graduate will therefore have to demonstrate perseverance if he wishes to have a place in the world of large or small surfaces dedicated to sporting goods, which is constantly evolving.
