Associate, Retail

Rockford IceHogs; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Rockford IceHogs is seeking a Retail Associate for the 2026-27 season to support merch operations, e-commerce, and analytics. The role involves item setup, purchase orders, and coordinating store activities for home games at the BMO Center in Rockford, IL.

Ideal candidates have 2–4 years in retail or event management, strong analytical skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office. This is a full-time, in-person role with nights, weekends, and holidays as dictated by the event schedule.

Qualifications

• Associates or Bachelors degree in Retail Management, Business Administration, Marketing or related field.
• 2–4 years experience in retail merchandising or event management, ideally in sports/entertainment.
• Strong analytics, forecasting, and P&L awareness; Gen AI knowledge preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Support all merchandise operations related to Retail Platform inventory, POS, and e-commerce fulfillment.
• Assist in design development and ordering of merchandise concepts with Brand Team.
• Support Team Store operations during game nights.
• Maintain knowledge of apparel offerings and inventory management.
• Ensure signage, restocking, and store appearance meet standards.
• Operate POS system accurately for sales.

Skills

Analytical skills

Forecasting

P&L management

Gen AI

MS Office

Education

Associates or Bachelors degree in Retail Management/Business Administration/Marketing

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Job Title Retail Associate Full Time Seasonal Department Rockford IceHogs Business Operations Reports to VP Marketing Content and Operations Location This position is 100 in person and is based in Rockford IL Hours Standard business hours are 900 am 500 pm Monday Friday However all positions require non traditional hours nights weekends holidays based on the event schedule Duration 2026 27 AHL Season September through April Status Full Time Seasonal Non Exempt Direct Reports None Compensation 1700 per hour

The Rockford IceHogs is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels All individuals regardless of personal characteristics are encouraged to apply All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender race religion or religious creed color gender identity gender expression national origin ancestry physical or mental disability medical condition marital status registered domestic partner status age sexual orientation military or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal state local law ordinance or regulation and will not be discriminated against on these bases

The Rockford IceHogs have an immediate opening for a Full Time Seasonal Retail Associate located at the BMO Center in Rockford IL In this role you will be responsible for supporting the overall retail business for the IceHogs through itemSKU setup purchase orders e commerce reporting and analytics vendor coordination retail buying internal and VIP requests retail operations gameday needs and more Your job will be to help ensure fans get the right products on time everywhere we sell while providing exceptional customer service

Retail Operations

• Support all merchandise operations related to Retail Platform inventory; point of sale and e commerce fulfillment
• Partner with the Brand Team to assist in the design development and ordering of merchandise concepts
• Support the IceHogs Team Store merchandise operations during game nights
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of apparel and merchandise offerings while supporting ongoing inventory management efforts
• Maintain store appearance by ensuring merchandising standards accurate signage and timely product restocking
• Accurately and quickly operate the point of sale system to process merchandise sales
• Demonstrate ability to interact with large masses of customers in a fast paced environment
• Support the management and coordination of part time staff during game nights

E Commerce

• Update and manage IceHogs online team store on CBHShopcom
• Own product photography workflow sample requests shot lists basic prepshoot when needed and maintain digital assets hygiene
• Manage online order tracking and shipping processes to ensure accuracy and efficiency
• Maintain accurate inventory levels and product listings for IceHogs merchandise available on CBHShopcom

Reporting and Analytics

• Update and maintain organizational retail sales reports
• Develop maintain and distribute inventory sales and on order reports while proactively identifying risks and opportunities related to stock levels aged inventory preorder timelines and delayed purchase orders
• Support the development and execution of an annual strategic plans that align with revenue goals
• Maintain accurate tracking of cost of goods sold to support retail financial performance
• Produce concise post mortems with baselines vs target lift by placement code usage and learnings to inform future strategies

Qualifications and Requirements

• Associates or Bachelors degree in Retail Management Business Administration Marketing or related field
• Must be available to work all 20262027 Rockford IceHogs home games
• 2 4 years experience in retail merchandising or event management ideally within a professional sports team entertainment or event driven organization
• Strong analytical and business acumen with experience in analytics forecasting scenario analysis P&L management and emerging technologies such as Gen AI preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Word Excel PowerPoint and Outlook Customer focused with strong interpersonal communication organizational and problem solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment
• Ability to adapt to a flexible schedule including nights weekends holidays and event based hours as required
• Ability to stand for extended periods during hockey games and lift up to 25 lbs while moving merchandise and display materials
• Knowledge and passion for apparel retail and industry trends
• Demonstrates organizational values of integrity curiosity empathy collaboration and originality

The Team

The Rockford IceHogs founded in 1999 and members of the American Hockey League AHL is a premier organization and primary development affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks Located in Rockford IL the Team calls the newly renovated BMO Center its home and offices in downtown Rockford 401 E State Street As the longest running professional sports team in Rockford the organization has developed a passionate local fan base and has set multiple attendance records over the years while establishing a strong a community presence The Rockford IceHogs goal is to continue providing exceptional fan experiences elevating fan attendance making a substantial impact in the community and continuing their commitment to developing exceptional talent