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

The Spice House, LLC; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Monthly bonuses

401k with company match

Paid time off

Spice education

Free spices monthly

Job summary

The Spice House, LLC in Naperville, Illinois is looking for a personable Spice Merchant (Retail Sales Associate) who loves food and cooking. This permanent role requires engaging with customers, using strong product knowledge to recommend spices, and providing exceptional customer service.

Ideal candidates will have at least 1 year of retail experience, be available for 2-4 shifts per week, and possess a passion for flavors. The position offers flexible hours, paid time off, spice education, and monthly bonuses.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Drive personal and store sales performance by engaging customers.
• Use effective selling techniques like suggestive selling and sampling.
• Provide warm, attentive customer service that builds trust.

Skills

Customer service

Retail experience

Product knowledge

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Job description

Who We Are:

Founded in 1957, The Spice House is a purveyor of the finest spices, herbs, blends and extracts. Our customers range from renowned Michelin-star chefs to home cooks everywhere. For over 60 years we have curated our global network of premium growers and distributors in order to offer our customers unrivaled quality and selection. Our goal is to be the trusted resource for fresh flavors and shared culinary experiences in kitchens around the world. We have been featured in The New York Times, Food & Wine and Bon Appetit and named a favorite by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Alton Brown and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. We have recently started to grow into the grocery sales channel and can now be found in stores like The Fresh Market, Mariano’s, Costco, and Fresh Thyme.

Spice Merchant (Retail Sales Associate)

The Spice House is looking for a personable Spice Merchant (Retail Sales Associate) who knows about and enjoys food & cooking, and has the ability to share this knowledge with our customers. The ideal candidate will have retail experience and strong customer service skills. This is a regular, permanent role.

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

• Minimum 1 year retail experience and/or relatable experience preferred
• Availability weekly to work 2-4 shifts typically within the hours of 9am-6pm, M-F and weekends. Day and Mid-day availability required.
• 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
• Calm, professional and able to problem solve
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds, walk and stand for extended periods of time
• This is a regular, long-term role, not just a seasonal position
• Passion for food and flavor is a must!

Why The Spice House

• We offer flexible hours and schedules typically between the hours of 9am and 6pm, 7 days a week
• 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
• Monthly bonuses, 401k with company match, paid time off, spice education and free spices monthly (Program and eligibility rules apply)