Help Build Something From the Ground Up
A new store is opening in Preston, Minnesota, and we're looking for someone who is excited about creating something from the very beginning.
This isn't a traditional retail management job. While you'll eventually oversee the day to day operations of the store, your first mission will be helping bring the business to life.
Our storefront has been selected, many of the fixtures and supplies have already been purchased, and now we need someone who enjoys taking ownership, solving problems, and turning ideas into reality.
If you've ever wanted to say, "I helped build this," we'd love to meet you.
About The Business
The business is a low waste refill store focused on making sustainable living practical, affordable, and accessible. Customers will be able to refill everyday household and personal care products while reducing single use packaging. We also plan to offer locally made goods, eco friendly products, educational workshops, and community events.
Our goal is simple: make it easy for people to shop with less waste while supporting local makers and strengthening our community.
What You'll Do
During the startup phase, you'll help:
- Prepare the retail space for opening
- Organize fixtures, displays, and merchandising
- Create an inviting customer experience
- Establish inventory systems and reorder processes
- Research and source new products and vendors
- Build and maintain inventory and purchasing spreadsheets
- Develop store policies and operating procedures
- Help select and implement our POS system
- Build or coordinate development of our website
- Create and manage our social media presence
- Develop marketing campaigns leading up to our grand opening
- Coordinate community events and workshops
- Recruit, train, and supervise future staff as the business grows
Once open, you'll:
- Oversee daily store operations
- Manage inventory and purchasing
- Monitor sales and profitability
- Create staff schedules
- Deliver exceptional customer service
- Continue growing our community presence
- Identify new opportunities for partnerships and events
We're Looking For Someone Who
- Loves building new businesses
- Is highly organized and self motivated
- Can work independently and make decisions
- Has experience with retail operations, merchandising, or management
- Is comfortable using spreadsheets and inventory systems
- Has experience with social media marketing
- Has basic website experience (Shopify, Squarespace, Wix, or similar)
- Enjoys decorating and creating welcoming spaces
- Has strong communication skills
- Is excited about sustainability and supporting local communities
- Isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves and tackle whatever needs to be done
Bonus Qualifications
Experience with:
- Small business startups
- E commerce
- Graphic design (Canva or Adobe)
- Photography and content creation
- Local marketing
- Event planning
- Vendor management
- Zero waste or sustainable retail
- Grant writing or community partnerships
What Success Looks Like
Within your first 60 days, you'll help prepare the store for opening by organizing inventory systems, setting up displays, launching our website and social media channels, developing operating procedures, and helping create a memorable grand opening.
Within your first year, you'll oversee a thriving retail operation while helping the business become a destination for sustainable shopping and community engagement in southeast Minnesota.
Why Join Us?
This is a chance to shape a business from day one.
Your ideas won't get buried under layers of management. You'll have the opportunity to influence everything from the customer experience and merchandising to marketing, community partnerships, and future growth.
If you're entrepreneurial, creative, and excited by the idea of building something meaningful, this could be the perfect role.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive wage based on experience
- Employee discounts
- Professional development opportunities
- Opportunity for performance based bonuses
- Opportunity to grow into a senior leadership role as the business expands
How to Apply
Please submit:
- Your resume
- A brief cover letter telling us why you're interested in helping launch a new business
- Links to any websites, social media accounts, portfolios, or projects you've created (if applicable)
Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
Work Location: In person
