VP, Retail Sales

AKIRA VP, RETAIL SALES

In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com.) AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand. AKIRA's culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.

The Position: VP , Retail Sales

Location: Corporate Headquarters in Chicago with 50-75% travel to 40+ stores

Overview

Take 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