Akiba Texas Store Manager

Description

Akiba Texas is looking for an enthusiastic, creative, and experienced Store Manager to lead our downtown Austin location!

From anime figures, Gundam models, and gachapon to Sanrio favorites, plush, accessories, and uniquely Texas-inspired treasures, Akiba Texas brings together the colorful world of Japanese pop culture and the independent spirit of Austin.

As part of the locally owned Toy Joy family of stores, Akiba Texas is built on a love of discovery, individuality, and community. We're looking for a leader who shares that enthusiasm and can turn it into an exceptional experience for both our customers and our team.

Our ideal candidate is an approachable, hands-on leader who balances creativity with accountability, communicates openly, takes ownership of challenges, and genuinely enjoys helping others succeed.

Role Overview

The Store Manager oversees daily operations, develops and supports a high-performing team, maintains exceptional customer service, and ensures the store reflects Akiba Texas's unique personality and our company's standards.

This role requires strong leadership, organization, operational accountability, and a collaborative approach to working with our ownership team and fellow store leaders.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, motivate, and support a team of sales associates, supervisors, and assistant managers.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where employees feel valued and supported.
• Set clear expectations, provide regular coaching and feedback, and help employees grow professionally.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, training, and performance evaluations.
• Address workplace concerns proactively, fairly, and professionally.

Store Operations & Customer Experience

• Confidently manage high-volume shopping periods, large crowds, and special events while maintaining excellent customer service, store organization, and a safe, welcoming environment.
• Remain calm, adaptable, and solution-oriented in a fast-paced retail environment, effectively directing staff and adjusting priorities as business needs change.Oversee daily store operations, ensuring a welcoming, engaging, and well-organized shopping environment.
• Manage scheduling, staffing needs, and operational priorities.
• Troubleshoot point-of-sale, computer, and other day-to-day operational challenges.

Inventory & Merchandising

• Oversee inventory receiving, transfers, documentation, and regular inventory counts.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and support efficient stockroom organization.
• Collaborate with buyers and company leadership on product selection, merchandising, and emerging trends.
• Help create exciting product displays that encourage discovery and reflect the Akiba Texas brand.

Financial & Administrative Accountability

• Maintain accurate cash-handling procedures, bank deposits, petty cash, and related documentation.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, operational procedures, and workplace safety standards.
• Communicate regularly with company leadership regarding store performance, opportunities, and challenges.
• Monitor store needs and maintain appropriate supplies and resources.

Community & Brand Engagement

• Represent Akiba Texas as an enthusiastic ambassador within the Austin community.
• Help plan and execute in-store events, promotions, and community partnerships.
• Identify creative opportunities to increase sales, strengthen customer relationships, and grow brand awareness.
• Stay engaged with relevant merchandise trends, fandoms, and pop culture communities.

Why Akiba Texas? 

We're an independent Austin business that believes retail should be fun, imaginative, and full of personality. Our stores are places where customers discover something unexpected, employees can be themselves, and creativity is part of the everyday experience.

As Store Manager, you'll have the opportunity to help shape a growing brand, build a team you're proud of, and make a meaningful impact on a one-of-a-kind Austin shopping destination.

If you're a thoughtful leader with a love of pop culture, a talent for bringing people together, and the drive to make a great store even better, we'd love to meet you!

Benefits

- Subsidized Medical Insurance available the first day of the month following 60 days of employment, as well as affordable, self funded dental and vision insurance.

- Subsidized commuting benefit or access to company provided parking.

- A generous employee discount of cost plus 10% (averaging a fifty percent discount) at all stores - except Yummi Joy which has a flat discount of 50%

- Free beverage or ice cream from Yummi Joy during every shift.

- Free employee assistance program begins your first day of employment -  this program offers free therapy, legal advice, financial advice and much more.

- Paid Time Off

Requirements

 What We're Looking For 

• Previous retail management experience, preferably in a specialty retail environment.
• Strong leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to coach, motivate, and develop employees.
• Ability to thrive in a busy, high-energy retail environment, remaining composed under pressure while leading a team through peak shopping periods and unexpected challenges.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities.
• A proactive, hands-on management style and a willingness to lead by example.
• Confidence managing inventory, cash handling, scheduling, and daily retail operations.
• Preferred: enthusiasm for Japanese pop culture, collectibles, anime, gaming, or related interests.
• A commitment to creating a respectful, inclusive, and engaging environment for employees and customers.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.