melin Retail Store Manager- Victoria Gardens, Rancho Cucamonga

At melin we believe that with more thought, time and care invested into how we make our products, we can actually extend the life of our hats and the adventures we take them on. We are looking to expand our internal family and are seeking one incredible human capable of excellence in a fast-paced work environment and eager to join an elite, yet small team of “A players”. This is a new location set to open in October 2026. The Store Manager will play a key role in helping to launch and establish this new store from the ground up.

About the Role

The Store Manager will lead and coach the store team to provide the highest level of connection and focus to each guest that enters a melin store. The role involves putting the team and guest first, building lifelong relationships with each melin guest and the melin brand, and handling store operations including opening/closing procedures, inventory management, POS system oversight, staff hiring/training, scheduling, and overall store upkeep. The ideal candidate will have scheduling flexibility, excellent management skills, a customer service orientation, and strong problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Store Manager to drive sales through a premium guest experience, coaching best-in-class sales experts, and running an effective operational system aligned with melin’s Culture and Retail Operating Principles.
• Manage and execute store product flow, back-of-house operations, supply needs, and daily store maintenance.
• Assist with staff hiring, onboarding, and training.
• Deliver strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written), independent work ethic, time management, and organizational abilities.
• Support store marketing event activations and execute seasonal floor sets/visual merchandising directives while maintaining visual standards and brand image.
• Product Knowledge:
  • Be the product expert, understand customer needs, and guide customers to product selections that meet their needs.
  • Exhibit deep and extensive product knowledge to support all client inquiries, questions, and concerns.
  • Maintain awareness of the competition and what melin brings to the market.
  • Share product knowledge with staff and provide coaching on selling techniques to foster productivity.
  • Maintain a positive, outgoing, high-energy, entrepreneurial, and sales-focused attitude.
• POS Management:
  • Manage POS issues, reconcile tills, and process returns, exchanges, gift cards, and discounts accurately.
• Staff Management (40%-50% of your time):
  • Lead by example, support, and train the team to deliver the melin premium guest experience.
  • Motivate and inspire staff with enthusiasm and energy on the sales floor.
  • Assist the Store Manager with recruiting, hiring, training, and career development in collaboration with Corporate Human Resources.
  • Open/close the shop independently as needed.
  • Manage staff schedules, including time off, coverage swaps, breaks, lunches, and schedule gaps.
  • Support employee relations, conflict resolution, and performance check-ins with staff.
• Inventory Management (20% of your time):
  • Properly merchandise and re-merchandise all items in the store as needed.
  • Assist with managing store inventory, monthly cycle counts, restocking, and receiving new product.
  • Identify inventory gaps and place fill-in orders to maintain correct stock levels.
  • Lift, carry, or move objects weighing up to 15 pounds and use ladders or stairs for merchandising.
• Events/Marketing (10%-15% of your time):
  • Support and assist with all store events; required to be present unless otherwise approved.
  • Promote and market store events professionally and responsibly.
  • Conceive, execute, and manage at least one unique event per quarter for the flagship location.
• Goals:
  • Lead the sales team to deliver exceptional customer service that builds loyalty and inspires word-of-mouth promotion.
  • Drive continuous improvements to the Sales/Customer Service approach to help melin evolve.
  • Create a unique and interesting retail store that embodies melin’s brand values.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of retail experience, with at least 1 year of management experience.
• College degree is a plus, but retail experience and results are prioritized.
• Ability and willingness to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
• Self-motivated leader with strong entrepreneurial skills.
• Innate guest-centric mindset with elevated communication skills tailored to the audience.
• Willingness to take on store manager responsibilities in their absence.
• Ability to bring a fun, positive energy to the team and foster a culture of collaboration, teamwork, and service.

Benefits

• Employee discount to all Archipelago brands (OluKai, Roark, Melin).
• Comped yearly product from all Archipelago brands.
• Flexible work schedule.
• Snack/beverage reimbursement up to $100/month.
• Bonus program eligibility.
• Team-building events and paid community service opportunities.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• 401k with employer match in accordance with plan guidelines.
• Paid time off accrued annually.