Retail Sales Associate/Spice Merchant (Permanent, Part-Time) at The Spice House – CHICAGO, Illinois

Who We Are: Founded in 1957, The Spice House is a purveyor of the finest spices, herbs, blends and extracts. Our customers range from renowned Michelin-star chefs to home cooks everywhere. For over 60 years we have curated our global network of premium growers and distributors in order to offer our customers unrivaled quality and selection. Our goal is to be the trusted resource for fresh flavors and shared culinary experiences in kitchens around the world. We have been featured in The New York Times, Food & Wine and Bon Appetit and named a favorite by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Alton Brown and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.

The Spice House is looking for a personable Spice Merchant (Retail Sales Associate) who enjoys food & cooking and has the confidence to interact with and guide customers through our spices and their uses. The ideal candidate will have retail experience, strong customer service skills, and will take the initiative to learn and discover more about our product. Employees will be scheduled about 2-4 shifts/week (8-16 hours), between the hours of 10am-6pm, weekends included. Additional hours may be available based on business needs, but are not guaranteed. This is a regular, long-term role (not a seasonal position).

Responsibilities:

• Drive personal and store sales performance by actively engaging customers, identifying their needs, and using strong product knowledge to recommend the best spices, blends, and gifting solutions.
• Use effective selling techniques such as suggestive selling, cross-selling, storytelling, and sampling to increase order size and deliver an exceptional customer experience.
• Provide warm, attentive customer service that builds trust, encourages repeat visits, and supports overall store sales goals.
• Welcome customers promptly and guide them through their shopping experience with energy, curiosity, and a focus on both customer service and sales outcomes.
• Build genuine rapport through conversation and thoughtful questions to understand customers’ preferences, cooking habits, and flavor interests.
• Efficiently complete transactions through the POS and Web Pickup systems, ensuring accuracy and a smooth checkout experience.
• Collaborate with team members to maintain an organized, visually appealing sales floor that supports conversion and inspires customers.
• Support product presentation by restocking, maintaining merchandising standards, and assisting with back-stock organization as directed by management.
• Contribute to a positive, productive team environment by communicating effectively, staying informed with policies and procedures, product knowledge, and actively participating in achieving daily and weekly sales targets.

• Minimum 1 year retail experience and/or relatable experience preferred
• Friendly, outgoing demeanor with a strong commitment to customer service - You genuinely like to connect with people!
• Ability to express oneself clearly and persuasively when connecting with customers and making sales
• Calm, professional and able to problem solve
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds, walk and stand for extended periods of time
• Must be willing to work weekends and available for day shifts Monday -Friday
• Available to work between 8-20 hours per week, typically between the hours of 10am-6pm, weekends included.
• This is a regular, long-term role.
• Passion for food and flavor is a must!

Why The Spice House:

• We offer flexible hours and schedules typically between the hours of 10am and 6pm, 7 days a week
• You can make a huge impact as a key member of an emerging brand that’s disrupting how consumers gain access to the freshest spices
• You will work with a group of passionate team members that are driven to help home cooks and professional chefs alike create delicious food with the highest quality ingredients
• You’ll join a company that is passionate about its people and their development, with opportunities for trainings and advancement
• Employee benefits* for part-time employees include 401k with company match, paid time off, yearly bonuses, spice education and free spices monthly (*Program and eligibility rules apply)

Reports to: General Manager

Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt (Employees must adhere to the assigned work schedule and be at the assigned station in the store at the start of their shift)