Retail Specialist at Communal – Oceanside, California

Job Title: Retail Specialist

Job Description:

The Retail Specialist at Communal is responsible for overseeing all aspects of product selection, purchasing, and visual merchandising across our stores. This role is crucial in maintaining the shop’s aesthetic presentation, revenue and profitability of our retail operations while ensuring an excellent customer experience. The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for design, attention to detail and analytical / budgeting skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Buying and Inventory Management:

1. Research and identify new products that align with Communal's aesthetic and values.

2. Navigate purchasing platforms like Faire and direct buy vendors

3. Place new and recurring product orders with owner based on sales data and trends.

4. Manage the retail budget, ensuring spending remains within guidelines while maximizing profitability.

5. Conduct quarterly inventory counts and analyze results to optimize stock levels.

6. Monitor daily sales, returns, and damaged product

7. Manage sale strategy to ensure an annual sell through rate over 3x

8. Optimize sell through reports to ensure ordering accuracy and effectiveness

Visual Merchandising:

1. Develop and implement merchandising strategies that reflect Communal's brand and enhance the customer experience.

2. Create visually appealing displays and product arrangements throughout the stores.

3. Ensure consistent merchandising standards across all locations.

4. Regularly update and refresh store layouts to maintain a fresh and engaging shopping environment.

Operations and Administration:

1. Update the website with current inventory and manage online order fulfillment.

2. Collaborate with the social media and marketing team to promote products effectively.

3. Maintain excellent relationships with vendors and suppliers.

4. Create and update daily, weekly, and monthly task lists to ensure cleanliness and organization of retail areas.

5. Use management tools like Monday.com to coordinate communication with leadership.

6. Train new associates in retail and floral tasks

Additional Responsibilities :

1. Models standards of excellence in customer service through direct, intentional interaction.

2. Proactive in handling customer complaints and issues

3. Creates purchase orders and receives products. Oversees product transfers between shops.

4. Maintains standards of cleanliness, stocking floor and keeping back stock organized.

5. Coordinate and host events as needed

6. Arrange flowers according to Communal’s standards. Manage floral budget and seasonal changes

Qualifications:

1. Minimum 2 years of experience in retail buying and merchandising.

2. Proven track record of managing retail budgets and analyzing sales data.

3. Strong eye for design and current retail trends.

4. Excellent negotiation and communication skills.

5. Proficiency in inventory management systems and Microsoft Office suite.

6. Bachelor's degree in Business, Retail Management, or related field preferred.

Personal Qualities:

1. Detail-oriented with high-quality standards.

2. Self-motivated, energetic, and professional.

3. Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to think critically.

4. Adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced environment.

5. Passionate about creating beautiful, functional retail spaces.

6. You love cultivating community, connection and conversation

7. Customer Service mindset; you go above and beyond to serve the customer

8. Proactive and self-motivated, with high standards for quality.

9. Can remain calm and collected during peak times and under stress

Requirements:

1. Flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

2. Ability to lift and move merchandise up to 30lb

3. Willingness to travel between store locations as required.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Pay starts at $17.70 per hour depending on experience and a share of the tip pool which averages around $7-$9 per hour.