Retail Store Manager

Job Title:
Retail Store Manager
Reports to:
Chief Operating Officer
Direct Reports:
Assistant Retail Store Manager

The museum Retail Store Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and daily operations of the museum’s retail store. This position ensures the store delivers an exceptional guest experience, reflects and enhances the museum’s mission, and achieves revenue goals. The Manager will collaborate closely with multiple museum departments, including Exhibitions, Education, Marketing, and Visitor Services, to develop a unique and cohesive retail identity that supports institutional priorities and inspires visitors.

This role requires a leader who can effectively manage current operations while also setting a long‑term vision that strengthens the store’s future growth and relevance.

Develop and implement a compelling retail identity that aligns with museum exhibitions, programming, and brand values.

Provide strategic leadership in both short‑term and long‑range retail planning, ensuring the store is well‑positioned to evolve with visitor expectations, institutional priorities, and market trends.

Balance effective day‑to‑day management with forward‑thinking initiatives that drive innovation, growth, and sustainability.

Lead planning for seasonal and multi‑year merchandise cycles, including collaborations tied to major exhibitions and upcoming museum projects.

Analyze sales trends, visitor demographics, and performance metrics to inform both present decision‑making and future strategy.

Partner with the Exhibitions team to design product lines and specialty items that complement current and upcoming exhibitions.

Work with Education to develop retail items that enhance learning experiences and support museum initiatives.

Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to ensure store promotions, signage, and visual identity are consistent with museum branding.

Coordinate with Visitor Services to ensure a seamless visitor experience from entry to exit, including integrated store messaging.

Engage with Development on donor or member events where retail opportunities exist.

Manage day‑to‑day store operations, including opening/closing procedures, cash handling, inventory control, and visual merchandising.

Ensure high standards of customer service, fostering a welcoming and knowledgeable environment for all visitors.

Maintain store appearance, creating visually appealing displays that reflect museum themes and seasonal priorities.

Oversee the museum’s e‑commerce platform, ensuring accurate listings, order fulfillment, and customer communication.

Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise store staff, ensuring strong performance and excellent guest engagement.

Provide ongoing coaching and professional development, conduct performance reviews.

Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

Identify and cultivate relationships with local artisans, mission‑aligned suppliers, and specialty vendors.

Negotiate pricing, terms, and consignment agreements when appropriate.

Ensure compliance with museum policies and ethical sourcing standards.

Bachelor’s degree in business, retail management, arts administration, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered.

5‑7 years of progressive retail management experience, preferably within a museum, cultural institution, or specialty retail environment.

Demonstrated ability to think strategically and develop long‑range plans that align retail operations with the museum’s mission, audience needs, and future institutional goals.

Proven success in balancing immediate operational needs with forward‑looking initiatives
, ensuring both daily efficiency and long‑term growth.

Strong skills in merchandise planning, buying, vendor relations, and product development.

Experience using sales data, visitor trends, and financial metrics to inform strategic decision‑making and multi‑year planning.

Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across…