I want to make a store with a comfortable atmosphere at anytime for any visitors. M･A UGG Store Manager
Entering the world of apparel that one longed for
I studied English Literature at university, and I joined a general company because I wanted to use my English skills at work. However, I was never allowed to do anything more than assistant-type work, so I was stressed. Then, an apparel brand was recruiting opening staff in Nagoya, where I lived, with a perfect timing, and I knew that was it. The world of apparel was what I had dreamed of when I was a child. I started my long-cherished career. I pursued my career for twelve years with the brand, as a staff member devoted in service. I felt that I was able to fully acquire service skills and was thinking about expanding my possibilities on the management side. At that time, I heard that Deckers Japan was recruiting a store manager. I had some hesitation about going to Tokyo, but thinking back, I was able to start working in the apparel business because I got the chance at the right time. My mind was already made up.
Making an environment easy to work in by everyone for everyone
My first impression of Deckers Japan was that it is a company where headquarters and the stores can communicate closely, and that is also kind to people. The company takes work life balance seriously, and provides about the same holidays as a general company. There is also a culture to welcome opinions regardless of experience in the company or age, and I feel that everyone understands their own role and aims to realize the sound management of the company. I think such atmosphere is more effective to improve performance, instead of assigning a quota. The opinions from the home country or the management are never forced, and the company values individuality. I am also constantly paying attention as a store manager so that the staff members can also express their individual character through their fashion, such as encouraging them not to wear the same shoes as others or making sure not all of them are wearing denim pants. Further, I believe that it is important to provide an environment that allows everyone to express their opinions, because we see each other almost every day. I am trying to make such atmosphere starting with myself to try conveying my opinions to others in a way that reaches their heart. The key is to communicate frequently. It's simple, but it's important. Then, I try different ways, such as speaking differently depending on the person, talking on a one-on-one basis, or vice versa, talking in front of everyone. It is also important whether it is the right time for the person to accept my message. You can tell that mostly by having talks. The timing differs among people, so I try to be patient.
Good company cultures is made by good members.
When I consider my future career, there are many ways to step up, including working at headquarters, but I want to continuously work as a store manager. That is because I believe it is the best for both customers and the development of the brand to continue encouraging the growth of staff members and establishing a store with good culture. And above all, I am enjoying myself being at the store. Products by UGG® are definitely good. These days, a product can be purchased online if you know it is good. When I think about how to make customers happy as a store manager, I think it comes down to having a lively staff and a good atmosphere in the store space. In order to realize that, it is important to make the staff feel confident of themselves. If there are some things they think they cannot do, or don't want to do, I purposely appoint such work to encourage them to overcome the challenge and gain confidence. I want my staff to be people who can do a great job at any store, or any other company. I am the person I am today because I had a senior staff members who gave me that kind of management. In such way, I want to be a store manager to make a store that is comfortable to work at and that makes people want to drop by casually.
My favorite pair of shoes
I like this form seen from the back. The silhouette is also stylish. I like the unusual character among the UGG® products that usually have a round silhouette. You must be more aware and be more interested in shoes than ordinary people to recommend products to customers. Especially in my store, we are careful that the staff members try not to wear the same shoes as others, so we really study and try many shoes. Among such wide range of products, this silhouette matches my taste the best. I also like the color.
ENTRY
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