RETAIL LEAD

Position Summary
The Retail Lead is full-time, hourly position responsible for the daily operations, merchandising, and financial performance of the Shreveport Aquarium retail operations. This position oversees product selection, purchasing, inventory management, and visual presentation to ensure a dynamic, profitable, and guest-focused retail experience. The Retail Lead also plays a key role in promoting and processing aquarium memberships, as most sales occur at the end of guests’ visits in the retail area.

 

Key Responsibilities

Retail Operations & Guest Service

• Open and close the gift shop following established procedures.

• Oversee all aspects of the gift shop’s daily operations, ensuring smooth opening and closing procedures.

• Deliver outstanding guest service by engaging with customers, assisting with purchases, and promoting memberships.

• Manage POS system transactions, cash handling, and end-of-day reconciliation.

• Work with GM and owners to develop sales strategies and targets

• Provide weekly sales report and analysis of top and bottom performing items with strategies to improve if targets are not met

 

Purchasing & Inventory

• Research, select, and purchase products that align with the aquarium’s mission, brand, and visitor interests.

• Maintain optimal inventory levels through consistent monitoring, ordering, and restocking.

• Track sales trends and identify top-performing product categories to maximize profitability.

• Conduct regular physical inventory counts and reconcile discrepancies

 

Merchandising & Presentation

• Design and maintain attractive product displays that highlight new items, seasonal collections, and conservation messages.

• Implement creative merchandising strategies that enhance storytelling and complement aquarium exhibits and events.

• Coordinate seasonal décor and gift packaging to elevate the guest experience.

 

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in retail lead role, preferably in a museum, zoo, aquarium, or similar attraction environment.

• Proven success in purchasing, inventory management, and visual merchandising.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a guest-first mindset.

• Proficiency in POS systems, basic financial reporting and MS products.

• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings during special events.

 

Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay, $17 hour

• Medical/dental/vision 60/40

• Paid time off

• Employee discounts and complimentary aquarium family membership