Retail Merchandise Assistant - Ice Arena

Summary

The Retail Merchandise Assistant supports retail and merchandise operations for the Slater Family Ice Arena Pro Shop and other BGSU Athletics retail opportunities.

Working under the direction of the Assistant Director of Programming and Revenue Generation, this position will assist with implementing strategies to increase merchandise sales, improve product presentation, enhance the customer experience, and expand retail opportunities through Pro Shop operations, athletic events, special events, and pop-up shops.

This is an entry-level position designed for an individual interested in gaining experience in retail operations, merchandising, sales, revenue generation, and event operations within a collegiate athletics environment.

Career Readiness Competencies

• Take initiative to learn new tools, systems, or procedures on the job.
  
• Actively listen and respond respectfully in meetings and conversations.
  
• Adjust tone and approach based on audience (e.g., peers vs. supervisors).
  
• Identify when additional information is needed before making a decision.
  
• Break down tasks into steps to complete work more efficiently.

Summary

The Retail Merchandise Assistant supports retail and merchandise operations for the Slater Family Ice Arena Pro Shop and other BGSU Athletics retail opportunities.

Working under the direction of the Assistant Director of Programming and Revenue Generation, this position will assist with implementing strategies to increase merchandise sales, improve product presentation, enhance the customer experience, and expand retail opportunities through Pro Shop operations, athletic events, special events, and pop-up shops.

This is an entry-level position designed for an individual interested in gaining experience in retail operations, merchandising, sales, revenue generation, and event operations within a collegiate athletics environment.

Career Readiness Competencies

• Take initiative to learn new tools, systems, or procedures on the job.
  
• Actively listen and respond respectfully in meetings and conversations.
  
• Adjust tone and approach based on audience (e.g., peers vs. supervisors).
  
• Identify when additional information is needed before making a decision.
  
• Break down tasks into steps to complete work more efficiently.

Essential Functions

• Support daily operations of the Slater Family Ice Arena Pro Shop.
• Assist in implementing strategies to increase merchandise sales and revenue.
• Provide recommendations for promotions, merchandise displays, and potential sales opportunities.
• Assist with the planning and execution of pop-up retail shops throughout BGSU Athletics facilities and events.
• Monitor merchandise inventory and communicate product and reorder needs to the Assistant Director.
• Receive, organize, stock, and display merchandise.
• Assist with inventory counts and maintaining accurate inventory records.
• Monitor customer preferences and merchandise trends.
• Assist with seasonal, promotional, and special-event merchandise initiatives.
• Operate point-of-sale systems and follow established cash-handling and reconciliation procedures.
• Provide excellent customer service to all Pro Shop and event retail customers.
• Maintain professional and visually appealing retail spaces.
• Assist with directing and training student employees working in retail operations as assigned.
• Collaborate with facility operations, marketing, licensing, and event staff as needed.
• Follow all BGSU branding and licensing requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Director of Programming and Revenue Generation.

Minimum Qualifications

• BGSU student with a major or minor in fashion merchandising
• Retail, sales, customer service, merchandising, or event experience preferred but not required.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with staff, student employees, and customers.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn retail sales, merchandising, inventory, and revenue-generation strategies.
• Ability to work independently after receiving direction.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends based on events and operational needs.
• Interest in sports, collegiate athletics, retail, marketing, or revenue generation preferred.

Additional Information

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Retail Sales and Revenue Generation: Assist the Assistant Director with implementing sales strategies, promotions, and initiatives designed to increase Pro Shop and event merchandise revenue. Monitor customer interests and sales trends and provide recommendations for potential new products and sales opportunities.
• Merchandising and Customer Experience: Maintain attractive, organized, clean, and appropriately stocked retail spaces. Assist with merchandise displays and product placement while providing a positive customer experience for students, fans, families, and community members.
• Pop-Up and Event Retail: Assist with the planning and operation of mobile and pop-up retail locations at athletic contests, tournaments, camps, special events, and other high-traffic opportunities. Coordinate setup, merchandise presentation, sales operations, and breakdown of retail locations.

Position Expectations - The Retail Merchandise Assistant should be enthusiastic, dependable, organized, customer-focused, and interested in developing skills in retail sales and revenue generation. - The individual should bring ideas forward, identify potential sales opportunities, and take initiative while working within the direction and strategies established by the Assistant Director of Programming and Revenue Generation.

Bowling Green State University is an equal opportunity employer. The University is committed to maintaining an employment and educational environment that is free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of protected class: age (40 years of age or older), ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity and expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, marital status, military status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

EEOC Know Your Rights

OCRC Know Your Rights

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Bowling Green State University, please call 419-372-8421 or email ohr@bgsu.edu.

BGSU is an E-Verify employer. If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process. A list of acceptable documents can be seen here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

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