Twenty-seven-year-old Om Ratha never gets fazed when his shop is flooded with customers. After all, it’s his job to stay calm and assist them with ease as his store’s general manager.

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Om Ratha has been managing Roza Souvenir Shop for four years, a diverse vendor of study tools, sports items, toys, clothes, shoes and just about anything you can think of – located in the heart of Toul Tumpong Market on Street 163.

Each day, Om Ratha begins his job at 6:30 in the morning and pushes through until 8:30 at night. He has five employees on his staff to assist with his duties – and with all that Roza Shop sells, he definitely needs the help.

On a typical day, Om Ratha will start by checking all new inventory the shop gets in and setting a price. Sometimes, he’ll also have to buy products directly when Roza is out of stock on a hot item.

He’s taught his staff to keep the shop clean and tidy, and attractive to customers at all times. Om Ratha said that Roza is busiest during the evening, especially on weekends and holidays.

Of course, Om Ratha faces challenges with such a high level of responsibility.

“The more work we have, the more problems we get,” Om Ratha said.

“If my staff doesn’t do their job, I always do it myself even if I’m busy with something else. I need to be a role model.”

Om Ratha rarely takes a day off, even when his staff takes a holiday for special ceremonies or holidays. On these days, he’ll call a security guard to help watch the shop while he assists customers.

Om Ratha is also tasked with solving customers’ problems, especially if they’re unhappy with an item they’ve purchased. Because it’s store policy not to exchange items for money, he must figure out a solution and find an item of equal value to satisfy their needs.  

For now, Om Ratha is single. He’s waiting until he can put away some more savings before he thinks about marriage.

In the near future, Om Ratha looks to plans of owning his own business. He’s confident in this venture from the skills and abilities he’s gained as general manager at Roza.

Roza Souvenir Shop is located at No. 331, St.163, Boeng Keng Kang 3, Khan Chamkarmon, Phnom Pen.