Showroom Store Manager – (Chicago, IL)

Mood Fabrics•Chicago, IL

7d•$55,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

Mood Fabrics is launching a new showroom concept that combines a fully stocked notions and trims store with an interactive fabric showroom where customers can see and feel fabric headers and place quick-ship orders. This location will also serve as a hub for classes, events, and community-building for sewists, makers, and fashion creatives. The Store Manager will lead the opening and day-to-day operations of Mood’s new concept store, ensuring an inspiring, educational, and service-oriented environment for customers and staff. The ideal candidate brings strong fabric/sewing knowledge, hands-on retail experience, and genuine enthusiasm for the sewing and fashion community.

Requirements

Strong, demonstrable knowledge of fabrics and sewing: familiarity with fabric types, fiber content, drape, appropriate end uses, and basic garment or project construction.
2+ years of retail or customer-facing experience; prior store leadership or keyholder experience strongly preferred.
Proven ability to advise customers on fabric and notions for specific projects (garments, home décor, cosplay, costume, etc.).
Comfort with point-of-sale systems, basic computer skills, and learning new tools related to ordering and fulfillment.
Excellent communication, organization, and time-management skills.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to align with store hours.
Ability to stand for extended periods and to lift and move boxes of merchandise as needed.
Genuine passion for the sewing community and interest in supporting education and events.

Responsibilities

Manage local B2B outreach and coordinate with marketing team.
Lead daily store operations, ensuring outstanding customer service and a welcoming, professional atmosphere.
Provide expert guidance to customers on fabric selection (using headers), notions, trims, muslin, pattern paper, and related sewing supplies.
Train, coach, and mentor sales associates in product knowledge, customer engagement, and visual standards.
Create and manage employee schedules to ensure coverage during store hours (7 days a week).
Oversee register operations, opening/closing procedures, and basic reporting.
Monitor inventory levels for notions, trims, and supplies; coordinate orders and restocking as needed.
Maintain store standards, including cleanliness, merchandising, signage, and organized sample/header displays.
Support planning and execution of in-store events, workshops, and collaborations with local sewing and fashion influencers.
Provide clear performance feedback, help resolve customer issues, and uphold company policies and procedures.
Partner with central teams on processes related to ordering from headers and quick-ship fulfillment.