The Secret Lives of Retail Managers: Lots of Work But Lots of Pay

Then there are those instances when your career presents its self. This was the case for Patty Barba of Patty’s Closet Fashion Boutique, a Las Vegas based chain that recently began franchising. Barba has always enjoyed fashion and got her first job at a clothing store. After her son was born with down syndrome a few years later she switched directions and decided to train as a medical assistant, to better assist with her son’s care.

Like any great love, her desire to once again be part of the fashion industry returned. So with little experience beyond true grit and a spouse that shared her dream, Barba sank her savings into her first store. At once she became joint store manager, buyer, sales assistant and back-office team.

“A lot of mistakes were made at first. Our first store we signed the lease in May thinking we would open within a month but due to various issues we did not open until November. So we had to layer the items purchased for summer to work in the winter,” said Barba.

“We brought clothes with our own savings and we knew if we had the clothes we had no other choice but to open the store,” she contends. “Sometimes we do things backwards, but we have learned and I think this is what has made our store so successful.”

Like is often true, strong managers also played a critical roll in the success of Patty’s Closet stores. Since store managers are on the front line – often for customers – the experience they receive from them influences the level of satisfaction and loyalty they have for that store.

With such pressure it is no wonder why turnover rates (which range between 10 to 15 percent) among retail store mangers seem to be on the rise. Yet Vicky Staten says these rates really depend on personal leadership, love of the industry and how much employees are empowered to solve customer clothing issues.

“If you’re about to enter the rat race, make sure you are working for a company that sells products you love to wear or use,” she stressed. “Your environment should fit your personality.  You should be proud of where you work.  Your company’s brand image should rock your world!”