They define store managers' responsibilities and regularly meet with them to make sure that stores attain sales and profit goals, that merchandising and pricing techniques are up to date and comply with company procedures, and that the store and specific departments are clean and follow company guidelines. In order to evaluate the productivity of each individual store, district managers make on-site visits, and often report back to the top executive of the company. Customer service and satisfaction are important duties of retail managers. Most retail managers have offices within the store itself, while senior level managers may have offices at corporate headquarters. Though much of their time is spent in the office completing merchandise orders or arranging work schedules, for example, a large portion of a retail manager's time is spent on the sales floor of the store.
Work hours vary greatly among retail establishments.
The work schedule of retail managers usually depends on consumers' needs. Most retail managers work around 40 hours a week, but longer hours are common, especially during holidays, busy shopping hours and seasons, sales, and store inventory. Retail managers are expected to work evenings and weekends, but usually are compensated by getting a weekday off. Hours can change weekly, and managers sometimes may have to report to work on short notice, especially when many employees are absent. Independent owners can set their own schedules, but hours must be convenient to their customers.