At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team, drive sales, and create an inspiring store environment.
- Company: Join Positive Retail, a B Corps-certified company focused on impactful retail change.
- Benefits: Enjoy 20% staff discount, flexible hours, and a living wage of ÂŁ15/hr.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that values people, planet, and profit.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills, visual merchandising experience, and a passion for retail sustainability.
- Other info: Work in Dalston with quarterly HQ visits and engage in meaningful customer education.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 ÂŁ per year.
Positive Retail is a B Corps-certified company built on a foundation of disruptive change. Our people are central to that mission—we’re a team of retail activists. This role requires a heart-led individual who can champion our values while driving sales with both passion and purpose. The responsibilities are structured around the four pillars of our business: People, Product, Planet, and Profit.
People
This role calls for a heart-led individual with a strong backbone—someone who can lead with integrity, inspire their team, energise the store, connect meaningfully with customers, and champion our values with drive and purpose. You must have an intuitive understanding of humans and how they operate. It’s about reading the energy of everyone who walks into the store, responding appropriately, and bringing good vibes, compassion, and fun. People remember how you make them feel. As the lead for the store, you’ll be responsible for the team—motivating them, treating them with fairness and empathy, and ensuring they perform to Positive Retail’s high standards. Just as understanding others is vital, so too is understanding yourself. We lead ourselves every day, and how you choose to show up matters deeply. Above all, be a solid, good egg—someone who takes pride in their work and who the company is proud to have on board (and vice versa). You will run the rota for the store.
Product
Our stores look fantastic—a result of great taste, vibrant energy, and sensible thinking. As store lead, you’ll be responsible for maintaining this high visual standard at all times. A strong visual merchandising (VM) skillset is essential. Displays are arranged by colour palette, and it’s your responsibility to ensure the shop always feels premium, curated, and cohesive. Positive Retail is proud to partner with exceptional brands like Universal Works, Margaret Howell, and Aligne. This role requires a solid understanding of each brand’s identity and values, so you can confidently communicate this to customers. Non-clothing brands—beauty, books, jewellery, and more—also deserve care and attention. Staying on top of stock levels and flagging replenishment needs to HQ in good time is a key part of the job.
Planet
We’re all aware of the urgent challenges our world is facing—and the fashion and retail industries carry a significant share of responsibility. Understanding why change is needed is essential to what we do at Positive Retail. This role requires a broad awareness of the problems within the retail system, as it’s vital to be able to engage customers meaningfully on these topics. We are both disruptors and educators—our job is 50% selling, 50% educating. An understanding of how retail has shifted over the last 20 years, and how Positive Retail fits into that change, is key to the mission. To help build this awareness, every team member receives a copy of Consumed by Aja Barber—our core critical text. We also share updates, hot topics, and cultural conversations in our store WhatsApp group to keep everyone connected and informed.
Profit
We’re here to take pride in creating something new in retail—delighting customers with brilliant experiences while staying true to the mission of the business. At the same time, we must ensure the business remains profitable. This role requires a solid understanding of how your store is trading. What’s working? Where are the opportunities? What’s the balance between clothing and non-clothing product mixes? You’ll be expected to analyse and interpret weekly and monthly figures, forming your own view of performance. A grasp of the wider business context and how your store contributes to it is essential. Quarterly PR leadership meetings will take place at HQ, where trade performance is reviewed, insights are shared across stores, and plans for the future are shaped collaboratively.
Working Conditions
- Hours: 4-5 days per week (shop hours to be determined)
- Weekends required
- Salary: ÂŁ15/hr (we are a living wage employer)
- Work Environment: Dalston store, 58 Dalston Lane, E8 3AH, London. Quarterly Head Office visits at 22-23 Cecil Square, Margate.
Benefits
- Staff Discount - 20% off in store, 10% off Haeckels
Store Leader employer: Positive Retail
Contact Detail:
Positive Retail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Store Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Positive Retail's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and community engagement will help you connect with the team and demonstrate your alignment with their goals during any conversations.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing past experiences where you've motivated a team or improved store performance. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to inspire others and create a positive work environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your visual merchandising skills. Since maintaining high visual standards is crucial for this role, consider visiting other retail stores to observe effective displays and think about how you can apply similar techniques in your own work.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the local community and stay informed about current trends in retail and sustainability. This knowledge will not only help you in discussions but also show your genuine interest in the brand and its impact on the planet.
We think you need these skills to ace Store Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Company Values: Before applying, take some time to understand Positive Retail's mission and values. Highlight how your personal values align with theirs in your application, especially focusing on the four pillars: People, Product, Planet, and Profit.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your experience in retail leadership and visual merchandising. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to inspire a team and maintain high standards, as these are crucial for the Store Leader role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for retail and your understanding of the challenges facing the industry. Discuss how you can contribute to Positive Retail’s mission and provide examples of how you've successfully engaged customers in meaningful conversations.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Emphasise your leadership style and how you motivate and connect with your team. Provide anecdotes that illustrate your ability to lead with integrity and empathy, as these qualities are essential for the Store Leader position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Positive Retail
✨Show Your Heart-Led Leadership
Demonstrate your ability to lead with empathy and integrity. Share examples of how you've inspired teams in the past, and be ready to discuss how you connect with customers on a personal level.
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the brands Positive Retail partners with, such as Universal Works and Margaret Howell. Be prepared to discuss their values and how you would communicate these to customers effectively.
✨Understand the Planet's Challenges
Research the current issues facing the retail industry, especially regarding sustainability. Be ready to engage in meaningful conversations about how Positive Retail is addressing these challenges and how you can contribute.
✨Analyse Trade Performance
Brush up on your analytical skills. Be prepared to discuss how you would interpret sales figures and identify opportunities for improvement in the store's performance, showing that you understand the balance between profit and purpose.