retail management

There are a number of pitfalls that store managers frequently encounter as they try to make the move to multi-unit management. One of the most common is trying to run a district or region the same way you ran your single store.

It’s only natural to build on past successes and the practices that got you where you are today, but multi-unit management is a different animal that requires a shift in mindset and focus. No matter how great of a store manager you were, managing at this level requires a new set of skills and more sophisticated thinking.

The contrast is clear when you look at what it takes to be successful at multi- vs. single-store management. Ultimately, multi-unit management, whether you’re a regional, district or area manager, is about leading from a distance strategically. You not only have to get everyone aligned, on the same page and moving in the same direction, you also have to be able to navigate an added layer of complexity: the lack of daily physical proximity.

To do it well takes planning, communication savvy, new ways to motivate sales teams (including a growing Millennial workforce), and, more and more, the effective use of technology—because when you’re leading remotely, with store visits at a minimum due to time and distance, you have to rely on technology and know when and how to use it so it works for everyone.

And while retailers tend to emphasize the importance of making store visits, our national research has revealed that maximizing the quality of those visits comes not just from what you do during the visit but, just as importantly, what you do before and after those events as well.

At a high level, our work with retailers around the country has consistently shown that the most successful multi-unit managers are able to:

  1. Develop others’ strengths
  2. Let go of control
  3. Look at the big picture every day
  4. Avoid getting caught up in doing the store’s job

The transition to multi-store management is more than just a move up the ladder. What are some of the obstacles you’ve seen store managers face as they transition into regional, district and area management roles? Tweet us @mohrretail.

Posted in Retail Multiunit Management and tagged
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About Michael Patrick

Michael held positions in retail management, merchandising, and human resources before joining MOHR Retail’s predecessor in 1986. In 1990 he purchased the retail division of that firm to form today’s MOHR Retail. Michael holds true to his retail roots by delivering learning that changes behavior—providing both immediate and lasting business impact. In addition to facilitating MOHR Retail training programs, he offers executive-level coaching in one-on-one sessions dealing with critical strategic issues such as succession strategies and executive team development. The author of “The New Negotiation Mindset: Guarantee A Bigger Slice,” Michael is a longstanding member of NRF as well as ISA: The Association of Learning Providers. He has a B.A. from San Diego State University, completed Master’s level work at Arizona State University, and lives with his family in New Jersey.