Merchandise Handler I

Crate & Barrel; Romeoville (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Crate & Barrel is seeking a Merchandise Handler I in our distribution center to support efficient processing, movement, and fulfillment of products and orders.

Responsibilities include loading, picking with RF scanners, packaging, labeling, and quality checks while maintaining safety and accuracy on the floor. The role requires physical stamina and teamwork within a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Entry-level experience; no prior distribution or warehouse experience required.
• Experience with handheld RF scanners or automated warehouse systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Loads and unloads trailers and builds pallets accurately.
• Accurately picks customer orders using RF scanners and automation across facility areas.
• Packages merchandise, labels, and performs final quality checks on orders.
• Verifies shipments against manifests and records variances.
• Replenishes inventory and prints labels using handheld devices.
• Operates warehouse equipment safely and lifts up to 65 lbs.

Skills

Detail orientation

Communication

Team collaboration

Safety awareness

Basic English

Physical stamina

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Handheld RF scanners

Computers

Automated warehouse systems

Job description

The Merchandise Handler I executes core distribution center activities to support the efficient processing, movement, and fulfillment of products and customer orders. Success in this role means maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and accuracy while meeting daily productivity targets. As an essential part of the supply chain, this position directly impacts the customer experience by ensuring merchandise is correctly handled, packaged, and shipped.

A day in the life as a Merchandise Handler I...

• Loads and unloads trailers manually or using dollies, building stable pallets and staging unloaded merchandise accurately.
• Accurately picks customer orders using automated technologies such as voice picking, robotic tools, and conveyor systems across large facility areas.
• Assembles boxes, packages merchandise, fills, labels, and performs final quality checks on orders, including brand‑specific gift packaging services.
• Verifies received and outbound merchandise against manifests and tickets, tallying shipments and recording any overages, shortages, or damages.
• Replenishes merchandise into designated pick locations and confirms inventory using handheld RF scanners to print put‑away, picking, and shipping labels.
• Performs general housekeeping duties by disposing of boxes, packing materials, and pallets to maintain a clean and safe work area.
• Reports operational issues, inventory errors, damaged items, or location system problems promptly to leadership.
• Rotates through different departments as necessary to meet changing business demands and participates in ongoing operational training.
• Operates computers, RF scanners, and foot‑controlled or motorized material‑handling equipment safely.
• Regularly lifts, lowers, and carries items up to 65 lbs unassisted and moves oversized items up to 500 lbs using team lifts or material‑handling equipment on concrete floors.

What you’ll bring to the table…

• Strong detail orientation with a high level of accuracy when handling, picking, packing, or verifying inventory.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work productively within a team environment.
• Strong awareness of loss prevention, security, and safety standards per company policies and compliance guidelines.
• Basic English language proficiency and general system aptitude for learning operational technology and resources.
• Physical capability to stand, walk, bend, reach, lift up to 65 lbs, and operate material‑handling equipment throughout a standard shift in a warehouse environment.

We’d love to hear from you if you have…

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent (preferred).
• Entry‑level experience (no prior distribution or warehouse experience required).
• Experience or comfort working with handheld RF scanners, computers, or automated warehouse systems (preferred).

Physical and Visual Activities...

• Visual Acuity: Constant near and far vision required.
• Movement: Daily standing, walking, bending, reaching, kneeling, crouching, twisting, pushing/pulling, and remaining stationary/standing for long periods.
• Lifting Capacity: Ability to regularly move/lift up to 65 lbs. to a height of 3–4 feet (heavier items moved with team assistance). Ability to move furniture/large items up to 300 lbs. using appropriate equipment.
• Equipment & Technology Use: Ability to operate computers, RF scanners, POS/office tools.

Work Environment

• Exposure to varying temperatures (hot/cold changes), concrete floors, dust, odors, and potential mechanical, electrical, or chemical hazards standard to a distribution setting.
• In accordance with applicable law, associates will be provided with reasonable accommodations as necessary and appropriate to perform the position’s requirements.

NOTE: Aspects of the job listed on this job description should not be construed to contain every function/responsibility that may be required to be performed by an associate in this job. Associates are required to perform other related functions as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.