Keyholder - FT

Yorktown Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

401(k)

Employee discount

Career enrichment opportunities

Life insurance

LTD

FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA

Flex Transit (CTA)

401(k)

Employee discount

Job summary

A retail fashion company in Chicago is looking for a Keyholder. The ideal candidate will have 1–2 years of retail experience and a passion for fashion. Keyholders support the Assistant Manager in driving store performance and mentoring team members. This full-time role offers competitive benefits while fostering a dynamic culture focused on individual and store success. Join if you’re energetic, dependable, and ready to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in retail, sales, or a customer-facing role.
• Proven ability to drive results and meet performance goals.
• Open availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Champion a high-energy, positive team environment.
• Lead by example using AKIRA's 5 Steps of Selling.
• Consistently achieve and exceed personal sales goals.
• Inspire and support team members to meet daily, weekly, and monthly sales targets.
• Model and reinforce AKIRA's culture and 4 guiding principles.
• Maintain accountability by enforcing AKIRA's policies and expectations.
• Handle end-of-shift responsibilities and store operations tasks.
• Provide prompt, professional solutions to customer inquiries and concerns.
• Keep the store clean, organized, and visually aligned with brand standards.

Skills

Retail experience

Sales skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Job description

Founded in 2002, AKIRA opened its first women's boutique in Chicago. Today, we operate 35+ stores nationwide, alongside a thriving eCommerce business at shopAKIRA.com. As we continue to expand, AKIRA remains rooted in a singular obsession: delivering an exceptional experience tailored to each customer's desires.

What sets us apart? A culture grounded in Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the customer. Every AKIRA team member is encouraged to Act and Think Like an Owner, driving passion, accountability, and innovation in every role.

The Position: Keyholder

*** New Store Opening February 2026 ***

Overview

Our Keyholders are top-tier salespeople and emerging leaders. With a deep commitment to results, they support the Assistant Manager in driving store performance while mentoring stylists and cashiers to deliver an exceptional client experience. They're goal-oriented, collaborative, and passionate about making people look and feel amazing.

Through leadership, hustle, and a relentless ownership mentality, AKIRA Keyholders help fuel both individual and storewide success.

Key Responsibilities

Champion a high-energy, positive team environment

Lead by example using AKIRA's 5 Steps of Selling

Consistently achieve and exceed personal sales goals

Inspire and support team members to meet daily, weekly, and monthly sales targets

Model and reinforce AKIRA's culture and 4 guiding principles

Maintain accountability by enforcing AKIRA's policies and expectations

Handle end-of-shift responsibilities and store operations tasks

Provide prompt, professional solutions to customer inquiries and concerns

Keep the store clean, organized, and visually aligned with brand standards

Qualifications

1–2 years of experience in retail, sales, or a customer-facing role

Proven ability to drive results and meet performance goals

Open availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Deep love for fashion and current trends

Energetic, dependable, and highly motivated

Strong communication and organizational skills

Experience with visual merchandising and customer service excellence

Open-minded, adaptable, and positive in the face of change

Reliable, trustworthy, and committed to team success

Comfortable multitasking and working in a fast-paced environment

Physical Requirements

Able to lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs. as needed

Ability to stand and walk for long periods (up to 10–12 hour shifts)

AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and employee discount. We are committed to encouraging internal development and providing significant career enrichment opportunities. Most importantly, what has propelled AKIRA's growth and success over the years has been the dynamic culture within the company - if you're filled with passion, have a strong desire to get things done, and if you want to go to a place where you know your work matters and where you can implement your ideas and decisions, then AKIRA just might be the place for you.

Job Type: Full Time

Compensation: At AKIRA, we are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.