Thrift Store Manager

THRIFT STORE MANAGER

YGK Thrift | Almost Home – Kingston, Ontario

Full-Time, Salaried | 40 hours per week | Health Benefits

Turn great retail into meaningful community impact.

YGK Thrift is looking for an experienced, energetic and results-oriented Thrift Store Manager to lead our downtown Kingston store.

YGK Thrift is more than a thrift store. It directly supports Almost Home, a Kingston charity that provides affordable temporary accommodation to families whose children are receiving medical treatment at Kingston-area hospitals. Families are asked to contribute just $10 per night, and no family is ever turned away because of an inability to pay.

Every sale at YGK Thrift helps make that possible.

Since opening in 2021, YGK Thrift has grown into a vibrant community destination for second-hand shopping while creating employment and volunteer opportunities, supporting sustainable reuse, and generating vital revenue for Almost Home.

We are looking for a Manager who can take ownership of the store’s performance and help us build on that success.

The Role

The Thrift Store Manager leads YGK Thrift as a successful retail operation and social enterprise, with a primary focus on driving sales and revenue, delivering an exceptional customer experience, and leading an engaged team of staff and volunteers.

You will be accountable for the overall performance of the store, from sales results, merchandising and inventory to customer experience, staff development, marketing and community engagement.

Most importantly, you will understand the connection between the store and the mission it supports: stronger sales at YGK Thrift mean greater support for families staying at Almost Home.

What You’ll Do

Drive Sales & Retail Performance

• Take ownership of overall store performance and identify opportunities to grow revenue.
• Establish and meet sales goals.
• Monitor sales, customer engagement, inventory and other key performance indicators.
• Implement strategies to increase store traffic, customer engagement, repeat business and revenue.
• Maximize the value of donated merchandise through effective sorting, pricing, merchandising and selection of sales channels.
• Identify high-value, vintage, designer and specialty merchandise and pursue appropriate in-store and online resale opportunities.
• Create attractive, creative, seasonal and trend-conscious displays that encourage discovery and sales.
• Provide regular sales and operational reporting to the Executive Director.

Create an Exceptional Customer Experience

• Make YGK Thrift a store customers are excited to visit—and return to.
• Provide friendly, welcoming and professional customer service and lead by example.
• Coach staff and volunteers to deliver consistently excellent service.
• Build strong relationships with customers and respond professionally to questions, concerns and feedback.
• Ensure the store is clean, organized, accessible, safe and inviting.

Lead Staff & Volunteers

• Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, mentor and support store staff and volunteers.
• Build a positive, respectful, inclusive and collaborative workplace.
• Motivate the team around shared sales, customer service and organizational goals.
• Support volunteer engagement and retention.
• Address performance, attendance, workplace concerns and conflicts appropriately.

Manage Store Operations

• Oversee day-to-day store operations, including opening and closing.
• Manage receiving, sorting, processing, pricing and merchandising of donations.
• Manage the store budget and monitor financial performance.
• Oversee cash handling, reconciliation, deposits, invoices, payroll and financial records.
• Maintain accurate administrative and operational records.
• Ensure health and safety requirements are followed and implement effective loss- prevention practices.

Grow Our Community Presence

• Develop and oversee YGK Thrift’s social media, marketing and online presence.
• Create or coordinate engaging photography, video, promotional and social media content.
• Plan special sales, clothing drives, store events and fundraising initiatives.
• Build relationships with donors, businesses, schools, community organizations and other partners.
• Work closely with Almost Home’s Fund Development team to grow awareness, donations, customer engagement and fundraising revenue.
• Represent YGK Thrift and Almost Home positively in the Kingston community.

What We’re Looking For

Required qualifications:

• 3–5 years of retail management or supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience driving retail sales and achieving revenue and performance targets.
• Strong customer service, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience managing, training and motivating staff and/or volunteers.
• Experience with retail operations, cash handling, budgeting and financial reporting.
• Strong leadership, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong computer and digital literacy.

These would be an asset:

• Thrift, consignment, boutique or second-hand retail experience.
• Knowledge of fashion, vintage, designer and student trends.
• Social media, digital marketing, photography or online resale experience.
• Non-profit, fundraising, volunteer or community partnership experience.

Who You Are

You are a seasoned retail leader who enjoys seeing results. You understand how great merchandising, smart pricing, engaged employees and volunteers, effective marketing, and exceptional customer service translate into stronger sales.

You are friendly and approachable, but also comfortable setting expectations and being accountable for results. You are creative, resourceful and willing to work hands-on alongside your team in a busy retail environment.

Above all, you are motivated by the opportunity to use your retail expertise for a larger purpose. At YGK Thrift, your success as a store manager directly strengthens Almost Home’s ability to support families during some of their most difficult days.

Position Details

Position: Thrift Store Manager

Location: YGK Thrift, Kingston, Ontario

Position Type: Full-Time, Salaried

Hours: 40 hours per week

Starting Salary: $43,000-$48,000 per year + Health Benefits

Reports To: Executive Director

Supervises: Thrift Store Staff & Volunteers

The position requires the ability to lift and carry up to 16 kg (35 lbs.) and to stand, walk, bend, reach, sort, steam, clean and organize merchandise. Occasional evening, weekend and special-event work will be required.

How to Apply

Please email your cover letter and resume to Laurie Morgan, Executive Director, at lauriem@almosthome.on.ca by Friday, October 2 at 12:00 p.m.

Applicants are also welcome to drop off their resumes to Almost Home, 118 William Street, Kingston, in person during our open house:

Tuesday, September 29 and Wednesday, September 30

9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Almost Home, including YGK Thrift, is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives.

We thank all applicants for their interest in helping YGK Thrift grow its impact in our community.