Key Holder

Little Words Project LLC; Skokie (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Little Words Project LLC is seeking a Key Holder to help lead our Old Orchard store. You will team with the Store Manager to motivate staff, welcome guests, and guide bead-your-own experiences to create a warm, engaging shopping environment.

You will manage opening/closing, host beading appointments and events, and support merchandising and training. Weekend availability is required and you’ll help deliver exceptional customer care daily.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of retail or customer service experience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for beading, styling, and in-store guest engagement.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and problem-solve with a positive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Open and close store independently, ensuring smooth operations.
• Host in-store beading appointments, events, and parties.
• Monitor inventory, assist backstock, and support visual merchandising.
• Train and coach Sales Associates on guest interactions and product knowledge.
• Introduce new products, offer personalized recommendations, and create memorable guest moments.
• Assist guests with transactions and resolve in-store issues with care.
• Support bead bar activities and fulfill custom orders.
• Track clienteling and KPIs to keep store operations running smoothly.

Skills

Retail experience

Customer service

Team leadership

Weekend availability

Job description

We’re looking for a Key Holder to help lead the way at our Old Orchard store! This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a team environment, loves engaging with guests, and is passionate about sharing Little Words Project’s mission. As a Key Holder, you’ll play a huge role in bringing our brand story to life—helping guests find the perfect bracelet, guiding them through our bead-your-own experience, and supporting the team to create a welcoming, inspiring space.

What you’ll do:

• Work alongside the Store Manager & Assistant Store Manager to inspire and motivate the team. You’ll help set the tone for amazing guest interactions!
• Open and close independently, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
• Host and manage in-store beading appointments, events, and parties, making every visit special.
• Help find partners to do events with, and assist with planning in-store events
• Monitor inventory levels, assist with backstock, and help with visual merchandising to keep our store looking and feeling its best.
• Help train and develop Sales Associates, sharing best practices to enhance guest connections.
• Introduce new products, personalize recommendations, and create moments that leave a lasting impression.
• Answer guest questions, assist with transactions, and handle any in-store issues with positivity and care.
• Assist at the bead bar, tie bracelets, and fulfill custom orders.
• From inventory intake to clienteling and KPIs, you’ll play an important role in keeping things running smoothly.

What You Bring to the Team:

• 2+ years of retail or customer service experience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills—you love connecting with guests and teammates!
• Passion for beading, styling, and even capturing fun content in-store.
• You stay cool under pressure and find solutions with a positive attitude.
• Ready to jump in, support the team, and help wherever needed.
• Able to work weekends and holidays.
• You believe in Little Words Project’s mission and are excited to spread kindness every day!

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