Retail Store Manager
As a multi-channel retailer and now in our third decade on the high street, we are seeking a Retail Store Manager to join our Worthing team.
Who are Cotton Traders?
CT for short, we are a clothing retailer and established in 1987 by England rugby captains and legends Fran Cotton and Steve Smith. Supported by a growing online and offline (catalogue) presence, we have 80 stores nationwide in England, Scotland and Wales and employ 800 people across the country. We have an ambitious 5-year plan to grow the business across all touch points and we can only do this with the best people around us.
From humble beginnings but with great belief and dedication from our people, we’ve grown CT from the ground up starting with a single shop and growing into the well-known, nationwide, trusted high street retailer we are today.
What’s in the role and what are we looking for?
We are recruiting for an enthusiastic and driven Retail Store Manager to lead our store colleagues. You’ll be responsible for the store and everything that it entails – sales, service, targets. Most importantly, you’ll be a leader. A leader of people and a leader in the current and challenging world of retailing. You’ll have bundles of passion and energy in driving a small team forward; you’ll epitomise our standards of customer service and you’ll put smiles on people’s faces – customers and staff.
Traditionally, our Store Managers are responsible for:-
- Leading by example
- Recruiting and training new employees
- Merchandising the store in line with our brand guidance
- Managing store stockrooms, ensuring effective replenishment and stock control
- Completing rotas for your people
- Setting goals, achieving targets, and driving KPIs
- Striving for operational excellence
Key skills and behaviours that we look for: -
- Passionate about retail/customer service
- Proven track record of leadership
- Seeks positive outcomes
- Open to change and challenge
- Flexibility
- Strives for excellence and seeks to improve & innovate
- Competent with computers and willing to engage with technology
- Kind with morally sound values
What’s on offer?
We are protective and proud in equal measure of our culture and suggest you take a look at our values on our website to gain a better understanding of life at CT. Once you’re part of the team, you’ll be rewarded with, alongside other things: -
- £28,000.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week
- 25 days holiday from day one, rising to 30 days with service, plus bank holidays
- Very generous clothing allowance
- Employee discount for you and your family
- Private Medical Insurance
- Health cash-plan
- Long service awards
Next steps
Many applicants contact us to discuss life at CT and you are most welcome to drop by any of our stores or telephone us to learn more. And when you’re ready to apply, following the site instructions and we very much look forward to hearing from you.
To view the full job description for the role please click the link below. https://cottontradersextra.net/job-descriptions/store-manager-2025.pdf
#INDMGR
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Store Manager in Worthing
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Cotton Traders, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Cotton Traders!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Cotton Traders, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Cotton Traders and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Cotton Traders that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cotton Traders
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
