How else is the other store supposed to know you want to transfer there? You should talk to the store manager to let them know you want to transfer there, and then that manager will follow up with a conversation with your manager.

I would start calling now. The SM at the other store is starting to think about hiring a new barista for February now. If they know your interested in transferring they won't have to do those job interviews.

When I transferred, I looked for stores in the area I was going to transfer to and called each store’s manager. I explained how long I was going to be there, how long I was working at my old store, my partner number, my old manager’s name and number. This was all when the pandemic had just started, so things may be different now.