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

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

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Yearly bonuses

Spice education

Free spices monthly

Job summary

The Spice House, LLC in Milwaukee is hiring Spice Merchants (Retail Sales Associates) to engage with customers and drive sales through exceptional service. Ideal candidates should have a passion for food and flavor, along with retail experience. The position offers 8-20 hours per week with flexible shifts available. Duties include providing customer service, maintaining store standards, and using effective selling techniques. Employee benefits include paid time off and spice education opportunities.

Qualifications

• Passion for food and flavor is a must!
• Minimum 1 year retail experience and/or relatable experience preferred.
• Friendly and outgoing demeanor with a strong commitment to customer service.

Responsibilities

• Drive personal and store sales performance by engaging customers.
• Provide warm, attentive customer service to support store sales goals.
• Collaborate with team members to maintain an organized sales floor.

Skills

Customer service skills

Food and flavor knowledge

Sales techniques

Communication skills

Job description

Description

Who We Are:

Founded in 1957, The Spice House is a purveyor of the finest spices, herbs, blends, and extracts. We offer customers unrivaled quality and selection through a global network of premium growers and distributors. Our mission is to be the trusted resource for fresh flavors and shared culinary experiences in kitchens around the world.

The Spice House is looking for personable Spice Merchants (Retail Sales Associates) for our Milwaukee Public Market location who know about and enjoy food & cooking, and have the ability to share this knowledge with our customers. The ideal candidate will have retail experience and strong customer service skills. Current opening is 8‑20 hours/week, with open availability for 2‑4 shifts/week including weekends and Monday‑Friday between the hours of 10am‑8pm, but must have availability long‑term during morning and afternoon shifts to be considered.

Responsibilities

• Drive personal and store sales performance by actively engaging customers, identifying their needs, and using strong product knowledge to recommend the best 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 customer 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, curiosity, and a focus on both customer service and sales outcomes.
• 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 and a smooth checkout experience.
• Collaborate with team members to maintain an organized, visually appealing sales floor that supports conversion and inspires customers.
• Support product presentation by restocking, maintaining merchandising standards, and assisting with back‑stock organization as directed by management.
• Contribute to a positive, productive team environment by communicating effectively, staying informed with policies and procedures, product knowledge, and actively participating in achieving daily and weekly sales targets.

Requirements

• Passion for food and flavor is a must!
• Available for 2‑4 shifts/week. Must have availability M‑F morning and afternoon shifts to be considered as well as weekends.
• Friendly, outgoing demeanor with a strong commitment to customer service – You genuinely like to connect with people!
• Ability to express oneself clearly and persuasively when connecting with customers and making sales.
• Professional and positive mentality with the ability to problem solve.
• Minimum 1 year retail experience and/or relatable experience preferred.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds, walk and stand for extended periods of time.

Why The Spice House

• You can make a huge impact as a key member of an emerging brand that’s disrupting how consumers gain access to the freshest spices.
• You will work with a group of passionate team members that are driven to help home cooks and professional chefs alike create delicious food with the highest quality ingredients.
• You’ll join a company that is passionate about its people and their development, with opportunities for trainings and advancement.
• Employee benefits for part‑time employees include paid time off, yearly bonuses, spice education and free spices monthly (*Program and eligibility rules apply).

Reports to: General Manager

Classification: Hourly, Non‑Exempt (Employees must adhere to the assigned work schedule and be at the assigned station in the store at the start of their shift).