From Sporting Dreams to Store Management
Florent didn’t set out to run a furniture and appliance store. As a sports enthusiast, his early ambitions pointed him toward a job in sports retail—think Intersport or Decathlon. But a dual work-study diploma in Management of Commercial Units at Conforama opened another door. During his studies, he met a manager who gave him a genuine taste for boots-on-the-ground business, hitting the numbers, and people-first leadership. The spark was lit during his final presentation.
It was then, defending his Conforama experience in front of a very attentive jury—including the manager of the Moulins BUT store—Florent got noticed. After graduation, he followed up—and on June 1, 2019, he officially joined BUT, just a stone’s throw (500 meters, to be exact) from his previous workplace. In his words, he simply “crossed the street.”
Climbing the BUT Ladder
Florent started on a fixed-term contract as a sales assistant. In just three months, he secured a permanent position. Next came a series of rapid promotions: household goods coordinator, then head of the appliance section, then head of the furniture department. By January 1, 2025, after six weeks of intensive management training in Paris, he was named assistant manager.
Today, in Moulins, Allier—a town in central France—he leads a team of about 20. The store itself covers roughly 32,000 square feet (3,000 square meters), with a warehouse of about 21,500 square feet (2,000 square meters). Depending on the season, 200 to 350 customers can walk through the doors every single day.
Managing Margins, Teams, and Tense Moments
Florent monitors everything: margin, stock, and customer satisfaction all at once—because in retail, these elements go hand in hand. His day typically starts with coffee and a managerial huddle at 8 am. At 9:45, the “top day” meeting sets razor-sharp priorities before the doors open. This ritual is all about action and measurable goals.
He then tours the aisles, chats with each section manager, and stays alert for potential hiccups in logistics—which are always closely tied to the promises you make to customers on the sales floor. Disputes with customers? They’re handled as they arise, to keep trust high and the pace steady.
Florent describes his working life as intense yet structured:
- He works five days a week, clocking about 40–45 hours during slow periods.
- Peak times—sale events, internal promo operations, or Black Friday—push him well past 50 hours.
- He spends 80% of the day on the floor, 20% in the office.
After his opening routine, he checks inventory, processes orders, and deals with admin. In the afternoons, he supports the sales team and handles customer issues where needed. Constant visibility ensures the store stays steady, even during the busiest stretches.
When Florent arrived, the site was nicknamed “the sleeping beauty”—results were fine, but so much potential went untapped. Now, he’s rallied the team around a simple, shared project, proud that everyone truly has a place.
For a long time, Florent judged success by numbers only. Now, professional growth sits at the same level as performance for him—because he’s seen they feed each other. Nothing beats seeing a team member genuinely progress with his guidance. As he puts it, the “spirit of a BUT store” shines in the little things staff do day in and day out.
He’s ambitious for the future:
- A bigger store—when the time is right,
- An opening at regional management,
- Maybe even a role at HQ.
But for now, he’s soaking up this phase, clear on his direction and letting time do its work—no rush.
Real Numbers: What Does a 26-Year-Old Store Manager Make?
So, here’s the part everyone wonders about. A store manager at this level at BUT earns an annual gross salary of about €42,000. That’s around €2,625 net per month (roughly $2,830 at current exchange rates), depending on your tax situation. There’s also a yearly bonus that depends entirely on store performance—so team results matter. The framework is clear and tied to well-defined store goals.
Extra perks sweeten the income:
- Meal vouchers to help with daily expenses,
- An active works council offering support and activities,
- Product discounts throughout the group—which, let’s admit, is always motivating.
Effort and reward are directly connected. Everyone knows the rules, and the connection is tangible.
Performance drives the system. Setting clear targets is encouraged because progress is visible and accessible. Internal training boosts everyone’s confidence and helps cement solid habits—Florent’s six-week Paris training proved as much.
The Road Ahead
Florent Juge joined BUT in 2019 and made quick strides. On November 1, 2025, he’ll officially become the store director for Moulins, Allier. He’ll be leading twenty people, with 3,000 square meters of retail space and a 2,000 square meter warehouse. The net salary: close to €2,625 a month, with result-related bonuses adding to the mix. The approach remains demanding but deeply human—because in retail, lasting performance comes only from a truly engaged team. Florent’s career in the BUT universe is the very image of structured, motivating progression.
