Retail Store Manager

Clutch Cafe is an independent menswear store in London, specialising in high-quality Japanese, American and European clothing with a strong focus on craftsmanship, heritage and timeless design.

We are looking for an experienced and motivatedStore Manager / Assistant Store Managerto join our team and play an important role in the day-to-day running and continued development of the store.

This is a hands-on position. We are looking for someone who enjoys working directly with customers and the team, while also taking responsibility for the organisation and performance of the store.

The Role

Store Manager / Assistant Store Manager

Clutch Cafe – London

Full-time

About Clutch Cafe

Clutch Cafe is an independent menswear store in London, specialising in high-quality Japanese, American and European clothing with a strong focus on craftsmanship, heritage and timeless design.

We are looking for an experienced and motivatedStore Manager / Assistant Store Managerto join our team and play an important role in the day-to-day running and continued development of the store.

This is a hands-on position. We are looking for someone who enjoys working directly with customers and the team, while also taking responsibility for the organisation and performance of the store.

The Role

You will help manage the daily operation of Clutch Cafe, ensuring that the store runs smoothly and that customers receive the level of service expected from us.

Depending on experience, you will work closely with the owner and management team while taking increasing responsibility for the store.

• Manage the day-to-day running of the store
• Lead, support and motivate the retail team
• Maintain a high standard of customer service
• Build strong relationships with regular and international customers
• Ensure staff are knowledgeable about products, brands and their stories
• Organise staff duties, daily priorities and shop-floor coverage
• Support staff training and development
• Monitor individual and store sales performance
• Help the team achieve sales targets without creating a high-pressure sales environment
• Maintain excellent visual merchandising and store presentation
• Ensure new deliveries are processed and presented efficiently
• Monitor stock levels and communicate stock requirements
• Work closely with the buying, e-commerce and administrative teams
• Handle customer enquiries, returns and occasional complaints professionally
• Support events, launches, collaborations and other Clutch Cafe activities
• Help improve store procedures and overall efficiency
• Take responsibility for opening and closing procedures when required

About You

We are looking for someone who is mature, organised and comfortable taking responsibility.

You should enjoy working with people and understand that excellent retail is about more than simply selling products — it is about creating relationships and giving customers a reason to return.

Ideally, you will have:

• Previous experience in premium fashion, independent retail or a similar environment
• Previous supervisory, Assistant Manager or Store Manager experience
• Strong communication and people-management skills
• A natural and confident approach to customer service
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of retail sales
• The ability to lead by example
• The confidence to make day-to-day decisions independently
• An interest in clothing, design, craftsmanship and product history
• Good spoken and written English

Knowledge of Japanese and American casual clothing is an advantage, butnot essential. We are more interested in finding someone with the right attitude, character and willingness to learn.

Japanese language ability would also be useful but isnot required.

The Person We Are Looking For

Clutch Cafe has a relatively small team, so personality and attitude are extremely important.

We are looking for someone who is:

Responsible— someone we can trust with the store and the team.

Proactive— someone who sees what needs to be done rather than waiting to be asked.

People-focused— someone who can manage different personalities and create a positive working environment.

Commercially minded— someone who understands that great service and strong sales should work together.

Genuinely interested in the product— you do not need to know every brand when you start, but you should want to learn.

Hands-on— this is not an office-based management position. You will be on the shop floor, talking to customers, supporting staff and helping wherever necessary.

Additional Experience

Experience inPR, press, communications, events or brand marketingwould be highly desirable, but is not essential.

We are particularly interested in candidates who may be able to contribute beyond the day-to-day running of the store, including:

• Building and maintaining relationships with press, stylists, creatives and industry contacts
• Supporting PR and press enquiries
• Helping organise store events, launches and collaborations
• Identifying opportunities to increase awareness of Clutch Cafe
• Supporting social media, content and wider brand communication
• Representing Clutch Cafe professionally within the fashion and creative community

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Full-time position
• Staff discount
• Product and brand training
• Opportunity to work with some of the world's leading independent and heritage clothing brands
• A friendly, international working environment
• The opportunity to take on greater responsibility as Clutch Cafe continues to develop

For the right person, we see this as a long-term position with the opportunity to become an important part of the management of Clutch Cafe.