At 26, I’m managing my own BUT store—and no, I didn’t have a burning childhood passion for furniture or retail (my teenage self dreamed of sports brands). Yet here I am, balancing numbers, people, and quick-fire decisions every single day. The pace? Intense. The motivation? Real autonomy and a team that grows with every choice I make. Here’s what running a big retail store, with a BTS in hand, actually looks like—day in, day out, paycheck and all.
From Humble Beginnings to Store Director: Climbing the Ladder at BUT
I started my career at BUT on June 1, 2019. My first step: a short-term sales contract (a CDD in French HR lingo). After just three months of hard work, I landed a permanent contract (CDI). Spoiler: commitment pays off! Quickly, I became managing coordinator, learning under a tough yet effective sales manager. Each rung on the ladder brought more responsibilities, more autonomy, and much sharper vision.
Originally, I was aiming for a career in sports retail—think Intersport or Decathlon. But then a demanding manager during my BTS in Management of Commercial Units at Conforama switched my path. The jury for my diploma included the director of the BUT Moulins store. When a professional connection was forged, I simply crossed the street (literally—500 meters separated the two stores), and changed my trajectory.
I didn’t just stick to one department either. I moved up to appliance department manager, then furniture department manager. From January 1, 2025, I became deputy director with full accountability. By November 1, 2025, I took the reins as store director of BUT in Moulins, Allier. They even sent me for a six-week campus in Paris to prep for the role—not a bad onboarding, right?
Life as a Store Director: The Realities on the Ground
My workweek? Five days, flat out. During quieter times, I clock in 40 to 45 hours. But come big sales and internal operations, the hours easily soar past 50. Black Friday calls for strong presence and even swifter decision-making abilities. The day begins at 8 a.m., when the managers gather for coffee and set the priorities (caffeine fueling strategy—essential retail wisdom).
Come 9:45 a.m., we hold our “top day” meeting with the team, planning for the hours ahead. My job is very much on the frontlines: I spend 80 percent of my time on the shop floor, just 20 percent boxed away in the office. Each morning, I do a thorough walk-through, check every department, and chat with the entire team. We hammer out the key priorities and launch the business for the day.
- Stock, orders, and admin are on my plate next.
- In the afternoons, I work side-by-side with the sales team, help resolve customer disputes, and accompany sellers to solve real-world problems.
- By 7 p.m., I close the day with a final debrief with managers—and, yes, we’re already plotting tomorrow’s strategy.
Once nicknamed the “sleeping beauty,” the store had untapped potential. We rallied a core team of about twenty, united in their focus. The retail space itself spans 3,000 square meters, with a warehouse covering another 2,000. Daily, we welcome 200 to 350 customers on average—enough that every day demands precision and teamwork.
What Success Means (Hint: It’s Not Just Numbers)
I don’t measure success solely in numbers anymore, even if they’re impressive. The real difference comes from seeing team members thrive and grow. Helping someone develop gives meaning to the job and deeply roots sustainable performance. I’m all about clear routines, precise feedback, and setting the right example—which, as it turns out, inspires the team far more than any spreadsheet.
The Paycheck, Perks, and Ambition
So, what does all this mean for my income? Managing a BUT store brings in a gross annual salary of 42,000 euros—that’s 2,625 euros net per month. There’s also a variable bonus component, meal vouchers, an active works council, and staff discounts.
As for what’s next: three possibilities tempt me, based on where the project leads. I’m interested in a bigger store, a regional management role, or perhaps even a headquarters position.
This journey proves a BTS isn’t just a piece of paper; it opens real and lasting doors. BUT as a company values effort, ongoing training, and trust—each fueling career progression. Here, engagement gets rewarded with results, but it’s focusing on the human side that truly gives this job meaning. I keep the course, help my team grow, track the results, and let my ambition rise in step with the everyday realities on the ground. Day after day—that’s the real story.
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.
