Running a retail store involves the completion of small tasks that are essential for the seamless operations of the store. These small tasks begin long before the customers start coming to the retail store. Every task contributes to the proper functioning of the retail store that cannot be taken for granted by the business. The retail store manager is responsible for ensuring that tasks are being performed with the utmost care and in the proper sequence. They ensure that all the employees are aware of the tasks of the day and in what in the order it is to be performed. The delegates duties among different employees ensuring there is no confusion and chaos and everything seamlessly takes place. This will ultimately affect the level of customer service of the retail store. But many times the store manager might forget about one or two tasks that are essential for a smooth flow of working and thereby disrupt the momentum of the retail store. Therefore it is essential to maintain a retail store manager daily checklist.
The retail store manager checklist will keep track of all the tasks that are to be performed by the manager as well as employees and in what order. It will provide the required guidance and direction to the whole of the retail store. These checklists are prepared after a thorough discussion between the manager and the employees. These checklists are then circulated to all the employees ensuring that everyone involved in running the store is aware of what tasks they are expected to perform. When the tasks get completed one can mark these to avoid confusion whether they are performed or not. There are two types of checklist that are prepared by the retail store manager i.e. opening and closing checklist. These checklists are essential for the retail store manager to perform their responsibilities. These checklists are explained as below:
- Opening Checklist: Starting your day can be cumbersome if one tries to do all the tasks in one go. It will lead to confusion and chaos and one will not be able to perform all the tasks in a proper manner and on time. So, therefore, opening a checklist is of paramount importance as it will give details of all the tasks that are to be performed, and following this will make it possible to complete them on time. The activities included an opening checklist of retail store manager are :
- Preparation: A good way for a retail store manager is by starting their day is to reach the store at least 30 minutes before the customer starts arriving. This will provide them with plenty of time to complete all their tasks in time without any stress. Every other task will therefore be performed with care and full attention. The store manager must ensure they all the keys before leaving their house so that there is no need of running back and forth as it will lead to wastage of time. It is equally important for the other employees to be present on time.
- Inspection: The next task that is to be undertaken by the retail store manager is to walk around the store and inspects every window and all the entry and exit points to ensure that nothing is to be suspicious of. If something is no right, one must right away call the police and leave matters to their hands.
- Entry: After the inspection is done from outside the premises of retails store, it is time for the retail store manager to open the store door and after entering lock it again and open it only when it is time for the customers to come in. Employees must be let in one at a time and the door must be locked after every entry.
- General inspection: Under this, all the general tasks are to be performed and inspected. These include switching on the lights, ensuring housekeeping up to the mark so that customers are always welcomed by a presentable retail store. The retail store manager has to ensure all the shelves are properly arranged by the employees. There must be a proper temperature log in retail to maintain the quality of products and it must be inspected daily by the retail store manager.
- Electric system: Retail store manager must also see that all the electronics are switched on such as cash registers, electronic POS systems, TV, displays, Air conditioning, etc. The retail store manager must see that correct promotions are being displayed otherwise it will confuse the customers.
- Staff Meeting: The last and important task under the opening checklist of the retail store manager is to hold the staff meeting. The staff meeting is necessary as it will make them aware of their duties and targets for the day.
These are the important tasks that are to be completed by the retail store manager in their opening checklist.
- Closing Checklist: Closing checklist tasks are important as they will impact the next working day. Therefore all the tasks must be performed with due care. These include:
- Clearing the store: Before the actual closing time of the store, the store manager must announce at least 15 minutes before as it makes it easier to clear the store without any chaos.
- Restock: The retail store manager must see that employees must restock the inventory as well as reorganize the stock as it becomes easier to start the next day. Everything must be put back to their right position by the employees.
- Cash Register: After counting the cash, close all the cash register and drawers properly. Counting cash must always be done in the presence of the manager.
- Final Walkthrough: Before finally closing the store, the final walkthrough must be performed by the retail store manager to see all the electronics, displays are switched off. Every window is locked and ensures all the points are properly secured and locked.
These are some of the tasks that are to be performed during the closing hours of the retail store.
Hence retail store managers are entrusted with responsibilities that they must perform with all care and attention. The checklist helps them in doing so.
