Imagine being 26 and running a major retail store—armed not with an elite business school diploma, but with a humble BTS. Sounds like a fast-forwarded life? Welcome to my daily routine at the helm of BUT in Moulins, where reality means commerce, people, and decisions that count (plus a dash of caffeine).
A Sprint from First Sale to Store Director
Let’s rewind to June 1, 2019. I walked into BUT as a temp salesperson, fully prepared just to get a foot in the door. Three months—and many receipts—later, my commitment paid off: I landed a permanent contract. Climbing the ladder began with the role of household goods coordinator, guided by an attentive yet demanding sales manager. With every promotion came more clarity and independence. Structure mattered, but so did intuition: learning the basics of commercial rigor and truly absorbing what clients want.
Funny thing? I never planned this path. I dreamt of sports retail—maybe Intersport or Decathlon—but my journey changed courses thanks to a BTS in Management of Commercial Units earned at Conforama. An exacting manager pushed me, and the final exam board included the director of Moulins. That connection changed everything. Ironically, the two stores were just 500 meters apart. I simply crossed the street (no epic odyssey required).
The rest is a whirlwind: department head of appliances, then head of furniture, before stepping into an even bigger pair of shoes. As of January 1, 2025, I became deputy director. Only months later, on November 1, I took over as the director of the Moulins BUT in Allier (after a six-week bootcamp in Paris, which sounds far more glamorous than it was).
The Anatomy of a Director’s Day
Let’s break the myth: running a store isn’t all leather chairs and spreadsheets. It’s five days a week and, during quiet periods, 40–45 working hours. But when there’s a rush—think sales, promotions, Black Friday—the clock can tick past 50 hours.
Here’s what a regular day looks like:
- At 8 a.m., coffee ritual with the managers, setting priorities before the doors open.
- By 9:45, our « top day » meeting brings the full team together. Eighty percent of my time is spent on the shop floor—because the best insights don’t live in a back office.
- Mornings involve a full walkthrough: checking shelves, greeting each team member, and launching the day’s game plan. Never underestimate the power of eye contact and a clear mission.
- The rest of the day is a balancing act: managing stock levels, processing orders, wrestling with admin, supporting the sales team, and resolving customer disputes (which can be less fun than assembling flat-pack furniture).
- By 7 p.m., I debrief with managers, prepare actions for tomorrow, and make sure everyone leaves on the same page—because nobody likes surprises before their evening break.
Our store used to be called the “Sleeping Beauty”—a nickname for its untapped potential. Now? We’ve rallied a team of around twenty, united behind clear objectives. The store itself clocks in at a hefty 3,000 square meters, with a 2,000-square-meter warehouse, and welcomes 200 to 350 customers daily. The pace is lively, the stakes tangible.
Measuring Success: More Than Just Numbers
Today, I no longer judge success purely by figures—though, let’s not kid ourselves, they’re important. The real thrill is seeing my colleagues develop. When someone flourishes thanks to my support, results take root, and the group’s performance stabilizes. For this, I rely on:
- Clear daily rituals
- Accurate feedback (no sugarcoating necessary)
- Leading by example: actions really do speak louder than memos
Salary Breakdown and What’s Next
And the golden question: what does all this responsibility pay? At BUT, as store director, my salary is 42,000 euros gross per year, working out to roughly 2,625 euros net monthly. There’s a variable bonus on top, plus perks like meal vouchers, an active works council, and staff discounts—handy for when you fall in love with the latest sofa on display.
Looking ahead, I see three possible paths, all depending on the right opportunity: perhaps leading a bigger store, taking on a regional director’s role, or moving to headquarters.
My journey proves that a BTS opens clear, lasting doors. The company truly values effort, training, and trust—speeding up the climb for those who commit. Here, performance is rewarded, but it’s people who make it meaningful. Steady course, growing team, solid results—that’s the real marathon, day after day.
So, if you’re just starting out: don’t count out a modest beginning. Sometimes the shortest walk—just across the street—leads to the biggest leaps.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
