Retail Store Location Manager

New Location: 1501 12th Street, Bellingham, WA 98225

Expected Opening Date: June 2025

About the Role

Outdoor Research is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Retail Store Location Manager to oversee the operations of our new retail store in Bellingham, WA. As the Store Manager, you will be responsible for driving sales, managing daily store operations, and leading a team to provide exceptional customer experience. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a leading outdoor brand in a vibrant and growing community.

Key Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement: Greet and assist customers in a friendly and professional manner, ensuring each interaction leaves a lasting positive impression.
• Sales Leadership: Drive the sales team to meet and exceed monthly and yearly sales goals. You’ll also manage the store’s operational budget, ensuring financial objectives are met.
• Team Development: Lead and mentor the team, ensuring new hires receive thorough training in customer service, sales techniques, and product knowledge. Foster a culture of Curiosity, Passion, Innovation, Collaboration, and Community.
• Merchandise Management: Collaborate with the Retail Sales Manager to implement store layout changes and execute rotating merchandising plans to maximize product visibility and sales.
• Innovation & Process Improvement: Proactively identify and suggest improvements to retail processes to maintain a competitive edge in the ever-evolving outdoor retail market.
• Community Engagement: Partner with local community groups to host events, build brand awareness, and foster a sense of connection between Outdoor Research and the Bellingham community.
• Building Management: Act as the primary point of contact for property management and building owner. Address building facility issues promptly and ensure the store is properly stocked non merchandise operating supplies
• Emergency Contact: Serve as the after-hours emergency contact for property management issues.
• Travel: Willing to travel to our Seattle office for meetings and training.

Qualifications

• Experience: At least 5 years of experience in retail sales, with a proven track record in retail management and team leadership.
• Outdoor Knowledge: Active participation in one or more of Outdoor Research’s core sports (e.g., climbing, skiing, hiking) is preferred. Advanced knowledge of outdoor gear and equipment, particularly Outdoor Research products, is a strong plus.
• Leadership Skills: Strong ability to lead, motivate, and inspire a team. Experience in hiring, training, and developing staff to create a positive and productive work environment.
• Business Acumen: Familiarity with merchandise planning, sales tracking, and budgeting. Comfortable managing store financials and staying within budget.
• Technical Skills: Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word) and point-of-sale systems.
• Education: A college degree or equivalent experience.
• Community Knowledge: Familiarity with Bellingham’s outdoor recreation scene and community is a plus.

What We Bring to the Table:

• 11 paid holidays each year and 3 floating holidays
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans
• 401k with discretionary company match
• PTO and sick/safe time
• Paid volunteer time
• Ron Gregg Annual Benefit
• Product discounts