Salary: Competitive, based on Experience
Position Overview: The Antique and Artisan Gallery is a premier destination for distinctive antiques, fine art, and decorative objects where exceptional design meets storied craftsmanship. We are seeking an articulate, dynamic, and retail-savvy Retail Sales Representative – Trade & Gallery Relations to join our team.
This is a hands‑on, retail‑forward role centered on the gallery sales floor, blending walk‑in luxury retail customer service with active trade outreach. You will act as a primary host and brand ambassador, guiding retail shoppers, interior designers, architects, and private collectors through our curated collections. The ideal candidate pairs strong retail sales acumen and point‑of‑sale efficiency with an appreciation for antiques, craftsmanship, and interior design.
Key Responsibilities
Retail Sales & Gallery Experience
- Welcome walk‑in retail shoppers, collectors, and design professionals with warmth, polished etiquette, and exceptional hospitality.
- Guide clients across the sales floor, sharing knowledgeable perspectives on provenance, period, craftsmanship, and how individual pieces can live in contemporary interiors.
- Actively drive retail sales to meet gallery goals while maintaining high service standards.
- Maintain an immaculate gallery floor presentation to support visual merchandising, inventory organization, and tag/signage accuracy.
- Proactively identify and develop relationships with interior designers, decorators, architects, and hospitality trade professionals.
- Serve as a trusted sourcing partner for trade projects by understanding client briefs, aesthetics, dimensions, timelines, and budgets.
- Generate and present digital tear sheets, formal proposals, price quotes, and product reserves.
- Attend occasional design industry events, showroom exhibitions, and gallery gatherings to represent the brand and generate prospective trade leads.
Operations, POS & Client Care
- Manage point‑of‑sale (POS) operations (SOS or similar), processing in‑store purchases, deposits, invoicing, and approvals with precision.
- Promptly manage inbound retail inquiries via phone, email, and web chat.
- Partner with the back‑of‑house team on inventory status, holds, outgoing delivery logistics, white‑glove shipping, and receiving.
- Keep meticulous client notes and sales records to support proactive follow‑ups and repeat retail business.
Qualifications
- 3–5+ years of successful sales experience in high‑end retail, a luxury design showroom, decorative arts, fine furniture, or art gallery environment.
- Bachelor's degree in Art History, Interior Design, English, or History
- Hands‑on familiarity with retail showroom operations, client‑facing transactions, and visual merchandising.
- Knowledge of or genuine passion for antiques, decorative arts, furniture periods, and the interior design industry.
- Strong computer fluency with retail POS, inventory, and CRM platforms (SOS experience is a plus).
- Polished, gracious demeanor with natural communication skills and discretion suited to an international and high‑net‑worth clientele.
- Self‑starter attitude capable of multitasking between active floor traffic, administrative follow‑up, and inventory coordination.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred (Art History, Interior Design, Fine Arts, Communications, or related field).
- Schedule Requirement: Ability to work a retail schedule with rotating weekend shifts (Saturdays/Sundays) and flexibility for occasional evening gallery events.
- Competitive base compensation plus sales incentives, commensurate with experience.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan.
- Paid time off (PTO).
- Immersion in an ever‑evolving, museum‑quality inventory of antiques and art.
- A collaborative, knowledgeable team with strong industry roots.
- Job Type: Full‑time
- Schedule: Full‑time retail schedule, including rotating weekends and periodic evening events
- Location: Stamford, CT; 10‑min walk from Metro‑North Train Station; on‑site (Gallery floor).