The Position: VP, Retail Sales
Location: Corporate Headquarters in Chicago with 50-75% travel to 40+ stores
OverviewTake charge of skyrocketing sales and building strong customer relationships across AKIRA Fashion's 40+ stores. Lead our Stylists to crush sales goals by setting clear metrics (like client outreach through Endear), delivering top-notch training, managing client books, and using StoreForce to track performance in our fast-fashion world with over 60,000 SKUs. Work closely with regional managers to drive revenue, spark customer loyalty, and keep our stores buzzing with energy.
Key Responsibilities- Sales Performance & Strategy: Create bold sales plans to boost revenue; set high-impact targets for Stylists (like conversion rates and transaction values); track progress and adjust tactics to consistently surpass goals.
- Clienteling Metrics & Execution: Set and enforce clear metrics (e.g., 3+ client calls/day via Endear); monitor client book growth and engagement to drive repeat business and personalized sales.
- Stylist Training & Motivation: Build and lead dynamic training programs on sales techniques, client relationships, and fast-fashion trends; provide hands-on coaching and incentives to create a fired-up, competitive sales team.
- Technology Utilization: Use Endear to track client outreach and StoreForce for real-time sales insights; streamline reporting and make data-driven decisions to fuel growth.
- Travel & Field Support: Hit the road (50-75% travel) to check on sales performance, coach Stylists, fix gaps, and roll out initiatives that drive immediate revenue.
- Customer Loyalty & Retention: Lead efforts to create personalized client experiences; promote new arrivals (60k+ SKUs) to keep customers coming back and build long-term loyalty.
- Team Leadership: Hire, develop, and inspire top Stylist talent; partner with regional managers to align on goals; coach up underperformers and celebrate top performers.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Team up with merchandising, marketing, and operations to ensure product availability, promotions, and strategies align for seamless sales execution.
- Financial Analysis & Forecasting: Dive into sales data, predict trends, manage P&L components, and fine-tune pricing/promotions to boost profitability and stay competitive.
- Market & Competitor Insights: Keep an eye on industry trends, competitors, and customer behaviors to spot sales opportunities and adjust strategies for ongoing growth.
Qualifications- Experience: 8+ years leading retail sales, ideally in fast fashion or apparel; proven success in driving revenue, clienteling, and managing multi-store teams in high-SKU environments.
- Skills: Master of sales strategy, client management, data analytics, and team motivation; skilled with retail tech (e.g., Endear, StoreForce, CRM); strong at negotiating, presenting, and coaching.
- Education: Bachelor's in Business, Marketing, Retail Management, or related field; MBA preferred.
- Other: Ready for frequent travel; driven to exceed targets; thrives in a fast-paced, high-energy setting; deep understanding of fast-fashion trends and what drives sales.
Benefits and Perks:AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and a generous employee discount. We're committed to internal growth, providing meaningful development and career advancement opportunities.
Compensation:At AKIRA, we are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position (Pay Range $135,000 - $205,000) will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.
Job Type: Full-Time
Department WOH Role VP, Retail Sales Locations Chicago Headquarters Yearly salary $135,000 - $205,000 Employment type Full-time
