Retail Expansion Specialist:
About the Company:
Founded in 2022, CIY - Craft it Yourself is a retail and online marketplace start-up dedicated to art, crafts, decoration, hobby supplies, and handmade products. As a creative marketplace in India, we offer a vast range of products that have had a paradigm shift for hobbyists and craft makers in the art and craft industry.
For the past 76 years, CIY has pioneered in providing all art, craft, hobby, and embroidery supplies under one roof through our legacy store, Samrat Laces & Crafts - established in 1946. CIY is the new-generation brand of this storied heritage, bringing a modern touch to our rich history.
About the Role:
The Retail Strategy and Expansion Manager is a full-time, on-site role based in Pune, responsible for developing and executing strategic initiatives to optimize CIY's offline retail operations and drive growth. This individual will lead efforts in store optimization, franchise plan development, and own brand store expansion.
Responsibilties:
- Develop and implement comprehensive retail strategies to drive store growth, optimization, and profitability.
- Conduct market research and analysis to identify opportunities for expansion and improvement.
- Monitor and analyze store performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
- Oversee the planning and execution of new store openings, including site selection, layout design, and merchandising.
- Create and manage a comprehensive franchise development plan, including the recruitment and training of franchisees.
- Enhance in-store customer experiences to ensure high levels of satisfaction and loyalty.
- Collaborate with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to align retail strategies with broader business objectives.
- Optimize inventory levels and turnover rates to maximize profitability and minimize stockouts.
- Lead and mentor store managers and staff, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
- Manage relationships with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely and cost-effective procurement of products.
- Develop and manage budgets for retail operations, ensuring financial targets are met.
Skills Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/ Retail Management/ Finance/ Marketing, or a related field (MBA preferred).
- Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in retail management or a similar strategic role.
- Proven track record of developing and executing successful retail expansion and optimization strategies.
- Excellent leadership and team management skills.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in retail management software and tools.
- Ability to travel as needed for site visits and store openings.
- Experience in finance and management consulting.
Other Details:
Job type - Full time WFO
Working Days - Tuesday-Sunday
Job Timing - 10:30am-7:30pm
Job location - CIY Store, Aundh, Pune
