At 26, I’m running a store with just a BTS—let me tell you what it’s really like, from the fast pace to the real (not-so-secret) numbers, and what it means to call the shots in retail today.
From Modest Beginnings to Store Director—An Express Journey
I never aimed for a career in furniture. Honestly, I was drawn to sports retail first—Intersport or Decathlon were calling my name. But a BTS in Management of Commercial Units (MUC) at Conforama, paired with an exacting manager and a crucial jury that included the director of Moulins, changed my fate. All it took was crossing the street between two brands to realize where my journey would unfold.
I started at BUT on June 1, 2019, hired as a temporary sales assistant. Just three months later, my dedication paid off with a permanent contract. With every step—coordinator of the home department under a sales manager, then head of the appliance section, then head of the furniture section—I gained more autonomy and a much clearer vision of what makes retail tick. Concreteness and commercial discipline were my daily bread, topped with a fresh serving of customer expectations.
Fast forward: since January 1, 2025, I’ve been assistant manager. As of November 1, 2025, I’m the director of BUT’s Moulins store in Allier. Six weeks of training in Paris helped me step into this role. It all happened quickly—yes, my climb was express, but anyone who’s worked in retail knows: you don’t get a break just because you get a bigger desk (or, in my case, less time at it).
What My Workweek Really Looks Like
I work five days a week, usually 40–45 hours when things are quiet. During busy periods—think sales, in-store events, or the Black Friday stampede—50 hours is more realistic. Black Friday, in particular, demands a strong presence and lightning-fast decisions, plus extra caffeine.
Here’s a peek at my daily routine:
- 8:00 AM: Coffee with the managers, followed by setting the day’s priorities.
- 9:45 AM: « Top day » meeting with the whole team—we take stock, fix priorities, and launch the day together.
- I spend roughly 80% of my time on the shop floor, connecting with the team and checking the aisles; only 20% is behind a desk.
- Mornings: Strategic tour, checking in with staff, and ensuring everything’s ready to roll.
- Afterwards: Stock management, orders, admin—the glamorous side of the job.
- Afternoons: Coaching sellers, resolving customer disputes side-by-side, and keeping spirits high.
- By 7:00 PM: Wrap up the day with managers and map out tomorrow’s actions to keep us on course.
Our store, once dubbed the “sleeping beauty” for its untapped potential, now brings together a crew of about 20 people all aligned on a shared target. With 3,000 square meters of shop floor and a 2,000 square meter warehouse, we serve 200–350 customers daily, on average. Not too shabby for a town where big box stores could easily doze off.
Measuring Success: Not Just Numbers, But People
While solid results are essential, I’ve learned that success isn’t just in the stats. It’s also—increasingly—in the growth and fulfillment of the team. When a colleague flourishes thanks to my support, it anchors our long-term performance and brings genuine meaning to my work.
I make it a point to introduce clear rituals, provide precise feedback, and lead by example. That last bit matters more than any motivational poster: it’s action that brings people along, not words. Team progress stabilizes store performance—and my best results have come from taking care of people, not just chasing numbers.
The Salary, the Perks, and What’s Next
Here are the numbers, straight up:
- Annual gross salary: €42,000
- Net monthly pay: €2,625
- Extras: variable part on top, meal vouchers, active works council (CSE), and employee discounts
Looking ahead, I see three potential routes: heading up a larger site, taking on a regional manager role, or maybe joining headquarters. Every option depends on the best fit for the projects and ambitions—not just mine, but the company’s too.
This path shows that a BTS can open concrete, sustainable doors. At BUT, effort, training, and trust are consistently valued, speeding up each professional step. Here, performance is rewarded, but it’s the human factor that brings true meaning and makes a difference, day after day.
My motto? Hold the line, help your team grow, and results will follow—just don’t forget to check the stockroom, too.
Iveta is an aspiring journalist with a passion for storytelling and a deep love for coffee. Always curious and creative, she dreams of sharing stories that inspire, inform, and connect people around the world
