A gift shop manager is someone who manages the day-to-day operations of a store that sells gifts, novelties, home accessories, and possibly even flowers and gift foods like chocolate or baked goods. A manager may be in charge of hiring and supervising employees, ordering merchandise, merchandising the store, and assisting with sales promotions and discounts. A background as a retail sales associate is advantageous for becoming a gift shop manager. Business and merchandising courses at a community college are also beneficial.
A gift shop’s product line can be quite diverse, so it’s critical for the manager to be well-versed in all of the store’s offerings. If the gift shop, for example, specializes in organic and recycled products, the manager must understand where the products came from, how they were made, and what materials were used in their manufacture. If the gift shop specializes in memorabilia from a specific city, the manager should be well-versed in the city’s historic landmarks and sports teams, as this will be reflected in the merchandise.
Whether the store is privately owned, a franchise, or part of a chain, the scope of a gift shop manager’s responsibilities varies. If the store is privately owned, the manager will most likely report to the owner or owners and collaborate with them to develop store-wide strategies. If the store is part of a franchise or chain, the manager will most likely report to a corporate-level executive who is in charge of either all of the company’s stores or just one region. While each manager position differs slightly depending on the needs of the company, the type of store ownership is one of the most important factors in determining a manager’s responsibilities and role.
A gift shop manager may be entitled to monthly, quarterly, or annual bonuses based on the sales performance of the store they supervise, depending on the business model and compensation packages offered to employees. These types of incentives can be a great motivator for a gift shop manager to improve sales records or maintain a high volume of sales. If the store experiences a period of below-average sales or profits, a manager may be asked to explain poor sales records.