Can a Manager Purchase Items Before or After Store Hours?

The ability of a manager to purchase items such as food or clothing before or after the store's operating hours is often dependent on the specific policies set by the individual store. Understanding these policies is crucial for both employees and managers to ensure compliance and avoid any potential issues.

Store Policies and Manager Authority

Responsibility and Leeway: As a store manager, one generally has more leeway to make certain decisions, including purchasing items. This extra authority is due to the higher level of responsibility and trust placed on them. However, this privilege is contingent upon the store's policies and the manager maintaining ethical and acceptable practices.

Managers often have the ability to make exceptions to certain rules, provided that proper accounting and reporting procedures are followed. For instance, if a store manager orders frozen food after self-checkouts have been closed, as long as the transaction is recorded and reported properly, it is generally permissible.

Proper Accounting and Reporting

Accounting Procedures: To ensure that purchases are legitimate and transparent, it is essential that all transactions be properly accounted for. This includes recording the purchase on the appropriate financial reports. In the case of the store manager purchasing items, the transaction would need to be documented and included in the cash register logs. Each purchase made on the register would generate a receipt, which includes the cost and the time of the transaction, as well as an updated inventory record.

Once an item is scanned and rung up on the register, it is recorded and automatically updates the inventory. This system ensures that there is a clear record of the purchase and that the item is subsequently removed from the available stock. The sale is recorded in a way that is irreversible, meaning it cannot be edited or deleted.

Historical Practice and Modern Policies

Employee Purchases Before Store Opens: Historically, some stores have allowed employees to purchase items before the store opens. This practice is often seen in high-end retail stores like Nordstroms. In such cases, employees can select items before the store opens, have them bagged and stored, and then pick them up after their shift. The items are ringed up on the register, and the cost is deducted from their paycheck.

For example, when working at Nordstroms, employees could choose items before the store opened, have the items rung up and bagged with their name, and then pick them up at the customer service desk after their shift. Crucially, the cost would be deducted from their next paycheck, making it a part of their compensation.

Store Manager Responsibilities

Store Ownership: A store manager typically "owns" the store in the sense that they have significant control over its operations, hiring, and firing. In many cases, especially in franchises, there are legal regulations that the manager must adhere to regarding the purchase, display, and pricing of products. However, within the framework of those regulations, they can make many decisions based on what they believe is best for the store.

Embezzlement and Brand Damage: Managers must also avoid embezzlement and actions that could damage the brand's reputation. Purchasing items before or after hours, as long as it is done transparently and ethically, can be an acceptable practice if it follows the store's policies.

Conclusion

In summary, the ability of a manager to purchase items before or after store hours is largely dependent on the store's specific policies and the manager's adherence to ethical practices and proper accounting. As long as the purchase is recorded, reported, and does not result in irregularities or brand damage, it is generally permissible.

Store managers often have the authority to make such decisions, provided they ensure that all transactions are documented and transparent. Understanding and following the store's policies is crucial for all employees and managers to maintain trust and integrity within the organization.