Retail Sales Associate/Spice Merchant (Permanent, Part-Time)

The Spice House, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Yearly bonuses

Spice education

Free spices monthly

Job summary

The Spice House, LLC in Chicago is looking for a personable Spice Merchant (Retail Sales Associate) who enjoys food and has the confidence to guide customers through our spices. Responsibilities include driving sales by engaging customers and utilizing effective selling techniques.

Applicants must have retail experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for food. This position offers flexible hours, employee benefits, and opportunities for training and advancement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of retail experience or related experience.
• Friendly and outgoing demeanor with a commitment to customer service.
• Able to lift up to 25 pounds and stand for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Drive personal and store sales by engaging customers and recommending spices.
• Provide an exceptional customer experience through effective selling techniques.
• Collaborate with team members to maintain a visually appealing sales floor.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Sales techniques

Problem-solving

Food knowledge

Job description

The Spice House is looking for a personable Spice Merchant (Retail Sales Associate) who enjoys food and cooking and has confidence to guide customers through our spices and their uses. Employees are scheduled about 2‑4 shifts per week (8‑16 hours), weekdays and weekends, with 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. hours. This is a regular, long‑term role (not seasonal).

Responsibilities

• Drive personal and store sales performance by actively engaging customers, identifying their needs, and using product knowledge to recommend spices, blends, and gifting solutions.
• Use effective selling techniques such as suggestive selling, cross‑selling, storytelling, and sampling to increase order size and deliver an exceptional customer experience.
• Provide warm, attentive service that builds trust, encourages repeat visits, and supports overall store sales goals.
• Welcome customers promptly and guide them through their shopping experience with energy and curiosity.
• Build genuine rapport through conversation and thoughtful questions to understand customers’ preferences, cooking habits, and flavor interests.
• Efficiently complete transactions through the POS and Web Pickup systems, ensuring accuracy.
• Collaborate with team members to maintain an organized, visually appealing sales floor that supports conversion.
• Support product presentation by restocking, maintaining merchandising standards, and assisting with back‑stock organization.
• Contribute to a positive, productive team environment by communicating effectively, staying informed on policies, product knowledge, and participating in daily and weekly sales targets.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of retail experience or related experience.
• Friendly, outgoing demeanor with a strong commitment to customer service and genuine interest in connecting with people.
• Clear, persuasive communication skills.
• Calm, professional, and able to solve problems.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds, walk, and stand for extended periods.
• Must be willing to work weekends and day shifts Monday‑Friday.
• Available to work 8‑20 hours per week typically between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., including weekends.
• Passion for food and flavor is a must.

Benefits

• Flexible hours and schedules typically between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., 7 days a week.
• Impact as a key member of an emerging brand disrupting how consumers gain access to the freshest spices.
• Work with a passionate team that helps home cooks and professional chefs create delicious food with high‑quality ingredients.
• Opportunities for training and advancement.
• Employee benefits for part‑time employees including 401(k) with company match, paid time off, yearly bonuses, spice education, and free spices monthly (program and eligibility rules apply).

Reports to: General Manager

Classification: Hourly, Non‑Exempt