Retail Associate

Ginza Marketplace; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Ginza Marketplace seeks a part-time, on-site Retail Associate in Ann Arbor to assist customers, manage inventory, and provide excellent service. You will greet shoppers, share product knowledge on trading cards, and help with sales, exchanges, and event support.

Ideal candidates bring strong interpersonal skills, customer-service experience, and a passion for Japanese pop culture. Knowledge of TCGs is a plus; personality and sales ability matter most.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Customer-focused service mindset.
• Experience with inventory management and stock control.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Team-oriented with ability to work with diverse customers.
• Retail or customer service experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of trading card games or Japanese culture is beneficial.
• Personality and sales experience prioritized over card knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Greet and engage customers in a friendly, professional manner.
• Provide product knowledge on trading card games and related items.
• Recommend products, upsell, cross-sell, and close sales.
• Assist customers with product selection and evaluations of cards, packs, and accessories.
• Handle inquiries about policies, returns, and events with courtesy.
• Operate POS system, process payments, returns, exchanges, and trades.
• Maintain a clean, organized sales floor and well-stocked shelves.
• Support inventory management and stock counts; report discrepancies.
• Assist with in-store events and community gatherings when applicable.
• Adhere to company policies, collaborate with team, and maintain a professional appearance.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Customer service

Inventory management

Attention to detail

Team player

Sales skills

Product knowledge

Job description

This is a part-time on-site Retail Associate role located in Ann Arbor, MI at Ginza Marketplace. The Retail Associate will be responsible for tasks such as assisting customers, managing inventory, providing customer-focused service, and maintaining a positive customer experience.

Ginza Marketplace is a dedicated community hub for anime fans, trading card players, collectors, and lovers of Japanese pop culture. We take pride in building a welcoming environment for every visitor who enters our store, whether they are looking for the latest imported goods, seasoned trading card players, or complete beginners.

Qualifications

• Interpersonal Skills and Communication abilities
• Customer Experience and Customer-focused Service skills
• Inventory Management skills
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team and with diverse customer needs
• Previous retail or customer service experience is a plus
• Knowledge of TCGs or Japanese culture is beneficial
• We will prioritize personality and sales experience over Trading Card knowledge

Necessary functions

• Greet and engage customers: Proactively welcome customers to the store and offer assistance in a friendly and professional manner.
• Provide product knowledge: Possess an understanding of various trading card games (e.g., Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, sports cards, etc.), including current sets, popular cards, and market trends. Be able to answer customer questions accurately and enthusiastically.
• Recommend products and make sales: Guide customers to products that meet their interests and needs, upsell and cross-sell related items, and effectively close sales.
• Assist with product selection and evaluation: Help customers browse, compare, and make informed decisions about their purchases, including individual cards, booster packs, sealed products, and accessories.
• Handle customer inquiries and resolve issues: Address questions about products, store policies, returns, and events, and resolve customer complaints efficiently and courteously.
• 2. Transaction Processing:
  • Operate Point-of-Sale (POS) system: Accurately process sales, returns, exchanges, and other transactions using the cash register or POS system.
  • Handle cash and credit card payments: Ensure accurate handling of all payment types, including counting cash, processing card transactions, and managing change.
  • Process buy/sell/trade transactions: For a trading card store, this is crucial. The associate needs to be able to assess card conditions, verify authenticity, and execute buy/sell/trade agreements accurately based on established store policies and market values.
• 3. Store Operations & Merchandising:
  • Maintain a clean and organized sales floor: Ensure the store is tidy, visually appealing, and well-stocked, including shelves, display cases, and checkout areas.
  • Stock and merchandise products: Receive, unbox, price, and display new inventory according to store planograms and merchandising standards.
  • Assist with inventory management: Participate in stock counts, identify low stock items, and report discrepancies to management.
  • Prepare products for sale: This might include sleeving individual cards, organizing binders, or assembling specific product bundles.
  • Support loss prevention efforts: Be vigilant for suspicious activity and adhere to security policies to minimize shrink.
• 4. Event Support (if applicable):
  • Assist with in-store events: Support the setup, execution, and breakdown of trading card tournaments, casual play events, and other community gatherings. This might involve registering participants, organizing pairings, and general event support.
  • Educate customers about events: Inform customers about upcoming events, promotions, and loyalty programs.
• 5. General Duties:
  • Adhere to company policies and procedures: Follow all store guidelines regarding operations, customer service, and safety.
  • Collaborate with team members: Work effectively with other associates and management to achieve store goals and create a positive work environment.
  • Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift moderate weight (e.g., boxes of inventory).
• Optional but highly recommended for a trading card store:
  • Ability to identify card rarities, editions, and conditions.

Shift:

• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift

Application Question(s):

• Would you be willing to participate in our social media content? (Tik Tok/ Instagram videos)