Rockford Art Deli is a custom screen printing and apparel shop in downtown Rockford, IL, built around local relationships and community-first design. We work with individual customers, local nonprofits, and businesses across the region, from custom event tees to ongoing B2B merch programs, and we care as much about how people feel in our shop as we do about the print on the shirt.

POSITION SUMMARY

Customer service is the heart of this job. We're looking for a Retail Associate who is genuinely outgoing. Someone who lights up talking to strangers, creates real conversations and experiences for the locals and tourists who walk through our door, and makes every visit to RAD memorable. Hours range from part-time to full-time depending on your availability. You'll be on the floor every shift: greeting customers, ringing up sales, keeping the shop looking sharp, and helping folks find exactly what they came in for (or something they didn't know they needed). You'll work alongside our Retail Lead and the rest of the team to make sure every person who walks through our door gets treated like a neighbor, not a transaction.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Be the face of RAD! Start conversations, ask questions, and create a genuine experience for every local and tourist who walks in
• Greet and assist customers on the sales floor with warmth and product knowledge
• Process sales and returns using Shopify POS
• Stock, organize, and help maintain inventory accuracy
• Keep the sales floor and displays clean, organized, and well-merchandised
• Support custom order intake and help customers with order status, timelines, and pickup
• Assist with shop opening/closing procedures and daily checklists
• Pitch in on rush periods, events, and community pop-ups as needed
• Bring a positive, can-do attitude to a fast-paced, community-facing environment
• Assist with social media posting for boutique

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Outgoing and personable: You enjoy striking up conversation with people you've never met, locals and tourists alike
• Retail or customer service experience preferred, but not required (attitude matters most)
• A genuine people-person who enjoys talking with customers
• Comfortable with POS systems, or eager to learn (Shopify experience is a plus)
• Reliable, organized, and detail-oriented
• Able to work a flexible schedule, including some weekends and event days; open to discussing part-time or full-time hours
• Genuine interest in apparel, print, local art, or small business
• Rockford-area roots or a real connection to the community are a plus

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 30 lbs (product boxes, merchandise racks), and move around the sales floor and stockroom throughout a shift.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive hourly pay, based on experience
• Employee discount on RAD apparel and merch
• Room to grow within a locally owned, growing small business
• A team that genuinely has your back (we build this shop together)

HOW TO APPLY

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