Seasonal Retail Associate (Winter)

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art; Bentonville (AR); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, AR invites applicants for a Seasonal Retail Associate role. You will deliver a friendly guest experience, assist with product selection, and support daily store operations during museum events.

The ideal candidate has a high school diploma, at least 1 year in customer service, and familiarity with POS systems. This on-site position requires flexible hours to support a dynamic museum environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 1 year in customer service.
• Previous retail experience preferred.
• Experience using point-of-sale (POS) systems.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a positive, friendly guest experience and engage customers to drive sales.
• Assist guests with product selection and provide information about merchandise and artists.
• Respond to guest questions and refer complex issues to store leadership.
• Support personalized and framed art print orders from start to finish.
• Familiarize yourself with museum policies, promotions, and events to enhance engagement.
• Maintain knowledge of the Crystal Bridges campus and surrounding community for guest directions.
• Help with store operations during museum events and programs.

Skills

Customer service

POS systems

Cash handling

Interpersonal skills

Retail knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

1 year related experience

Retail experience preferred

POS experience

Job description

The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization.

Job Description:

Job Title: Seasonal Retail Associate

Reports to: Retail Supervisor

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Location: Bentonville, Arkansas (On-site)

Date Reviewed: 10/30/2026

About Crystal Bridges & The Momentary

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission. In June 2026, Crystal Bridges’ 114,000 square foot expansion opened to the public, allowing the museum to expand access for all.

The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a ‘living room’ where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. The Momentary enriches lives through music, art, and food experiences that inspire creativity, build community, and create joy. You belong here, make the most of this moment.

About The Position

The Seasonal Retail Associate supports daily retail operations and provides welcoming, attentive service to guests at Crystal Bridges and the Momentary. The position contributes to an inviting store environment that surprises and delights guests through exceptional service across all aspects of the sales floor, including guest engagement, sales, product information, merchandising, restocking, and cash handling.

The Seasonal Retail Associate works collaboratively with store leadership and team members to maintain product and visual standards, support daily store processes, and assist with retail activities during museum events and programs.

Success in this role requires a friendly, engaging, and welcoming approach and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced retail environment, along with strong customer service and communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Guest Engagement and Sales

• Deliver a positive, friendly experience by engaging the guest through conversation and service. Enhance the guest experience by focusing on customers and sales.
• Assist guests with product selection and provide information about merchandise, artists, and makers to support purchasing decisions.
• Respond to guest questions and concerns and refer issues requiring additional assistance or approval to store leadership.
• Support personalized and framed art print orders from start to finish, communicating with customers and internal teams to ensure timely completion.
• Proactively seek and obtain information regarding museum policies/promotions, activities, and events to provide a high level of guest engagement.
• Become familiar with museum buildings, grounds, the overall Crystal Bridges Campus for Art and Wellness, and the surrounding community to provide appropriate information and direction to guests.
• Support retail activities during museum events and programs.

Store Operations and Merchandising

• Participate in the processing of new shipments and help the team keep receiving and back stock areas clean and organized.
• Replenish sales floor merchandise and ensure products are accurately priced and labeled.
• Assist with inventory counts and report merchandise discrepancies or damage to store leadership.
• Support loss prevention efforts by monitoring merchandise and reporting concerns in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain a safe store environment and promptly report hazards or safety concerns.
• Uphold store merchandising and cleanliness standards.
• Support sales by assisting in merchandising and display projects.
• Process transactions accurately and reconcile the assigned cash drawer at the end of each shift in accordance with established cash handling procedures.
• Assist with store opening and closing tasks as assigned.
• Maintain reliable and punctual attendance and report to scheduled shifts prepared to perform assigned responsibilities.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support evolving organizational needs.

Qualifications And Requirements

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1 year of related experience and/or training in a customer service-oriented field.
• Previous experience in a retail environment preferred.
• Experience with point-of-sale (POS) systems.

Skills And Abilities

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact politely and effectively with a wide range of members, guests, volunteers, and staff.
• Familiarity with retail products and trends and the ability to relate merchandise to museum exhibitions.
• Ability to learn and communicate product information and use point-of-sale and related retail systems.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to accurately process transactions and follow cash handling procedures.
• Basic math skills and the ability to accurately calculate purchases, discounts, and change.
• Effective written communication skills and the ability to maintain accurate transaction and order information.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling guest information and payment transactions.
• The ability to think creatively and be a thoughtful problem solver.
• Flexibility and adaptability, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a changing environment.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate with others toward shared goals.
• Ability to work effectively with others and contribute to a positive and respectful work environment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those required by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Physical Demands: The position requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting, carrying, and reaching merchandise on stock shelves at least 5 feet in height. The position requires lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds; pushing or pulling loaded carts weighing more than 40 pounds; and opening multiple doors while maneuvering loaded carts. The role also requires standing for 4 or more hours at a time, using a stepladder to reach merchandise on shelves up to 6 feet in height, and sitting for prolonged periods of time.

Work Environment: Work is performed on-site in the stores, museum spaces, and grounds, and may include outdoor work. The role requires a flexible schedule and open availability Sunday through Saturday, including daytime hours, evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability for emergencies. Availability to work at least two Saturdays and two Sundays per month is required.

Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, the employee must provide proper identification verifying eligibility to work in the United States.