Retail Store Associate

ABOUT US

LakeCity Works supports people living with mental illness to build on their strengths, take on responsibilities and access work experience, education and employment. As well as our employment support and therapeutic services, we also operate several social enterprises. We’re best known for our flagship enterprise, LakeCity Woodworkers, where we produce beautiful solid wood furniture. Our other ventures are equal sources of pride and include LakeCity Plastics, Woofingtons of LakeCity, LakeCity Helpers, Reboot and Firestarters all of which are introduced in more detail on our website www.lakecityworks.ca. We’re an active, entrepreneurial, impact-driven organization and every day we live our vision to empower people to be their best selves and thrive.

We are committed to creating an environment of belonging for all. We welcome the unique contributions of all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, gender identity and expression, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a customer-focused Retail Associate to join our showroom team, where we showcase and sell handcrafted, solid-wood furniture and other products made with care and craftsmanship. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys design, storytelling, and helping customers find beautiful, functional pieces that will last a lifetime.

As a Retail Associate, you will be the first point of contact for customers and play a key role in creating an exceptional, welcoming showroom experience—from initial greeting through to custom orders and delivery coordination.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Customer Experience & Sales

• Greet and assist customers in the showroom, creating a warm, knowledgeable, and memorable customer experience
• Guide customers in selecting furniture and products that meet their decorative, functional, and lifestyle needs
• Conduct custom furniture consultations and process orders in person, over the phone, and through virtual platforms (e.g., Zoom)
• Communicate product features, materials, finishes, and care with confidence and clarity

Order Coordination & Communication

• Liaise with suppliers regarding materials, timelines, and availability
• Work closely with LakeCity Works’ woodworking shop and finishing departments to ensure a seamless flow from order placement through to completion and delivery
• Track orders and provide timely updates to customers as needed

Showroom Operations

• Maintain the overall appearance of the showroom, including merchandising, restocking, and visual presentation
• Support daily opening and closing procedures
• Complete daily cash reports and follow established cash-handling procedures

Qualifications & Skills

• Previous retail or customer service experience (furniture, home décor, or design-related retail is an asset)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Comfort with consultative sales and custom orders
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple orders at different stages
• Basic computer skills; comfort using virtual meeting platforms
• Appreciation for craftsmanship, design, and locally made products

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Criminal Record Check is required due to the nature of our work and people we serve.
• Physical Abilities: work activities primarily involve sitting, with occasional standing or walking, ability to lift up to 50lbs unaided

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $38,000.00-$40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Store discount
• Vision care

Experience:

• Customer service: 1 year (preferred)
• Sales: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person