store operator

A store operator is the individual, group, firm, or company responsible for the operations of any retail establishment where goods are sold. It can also be applied to a brand or chain which franchises stores to individual operators; in this case more than one operator can be assigned to a single store.

The business can operate an individual store or supply the brand under which a franchisee runs it. Both relationships can support operator connections to the same retail establishment.

The store sells goods. A property owner who merely leases the store premises to a retailer does not become its operator through that ownership alone.