We’re hiring a Store Manager for a premium, sustainable fashion brand at Walt Whitman Shops! If you're passionate about leadership, delivering standout customer experiences, and bringing a lifestyle brand to life, this could be your next move. $70-85K. Interested?
Now Hiring: Retail Associates in Colorado!
Now Hiring: Store Manager
Take the lead on a brand-new store opening at The Mills at Jersey Gardens. Our client, a Brooklyn-based streetwear brand, is looking for an experienced Store Manager to build and run the team—someone who brings strong leadership, operational know-how, and a deep connection to style and culture. $75-85K.
Now Hiring: Retail Store Planner
We're hiring a Retail Store Planner in Washington, D.C. to support planning and allocation for our Brick & Mortar channel—owning reporting, inventory management, and sales analysis. If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Pop-Up in Aspen, CO!
Our client, a sustainability-focused luxury jewelry brand, is seeking experienced Sales Associates to support their Artist in Residence installation at Hotel Jerome in Aspen, running June through September 2025.
Looking for interested candidates who are ready to deliver high-touch service, support VIP experiences, and bring the brand’s story to life in a refined, exclusive setting.
Now Hiring: Store Manager
We’re on the lookout for a Store Manager for our client’s East Hampton boutique. Great opportunity to lead daily operations, mentor a small team, drive sales strategy, and ensure an elevated customer experience. Know someone who’d be a fit?
5 Golden Skills for Retail Candidates in 2025
The retail landscape is evolving fast, and the most successful candidates will be those who bring a mix of technical know-how, adaptability, and customer-first thinking to the table. Whether in luxury fashion, home goods, or beauty, these five skills will set standout retail professionals apart in 2025.
Customer-Centric Communication is more important than ever. With an omnichannel shopping experience—ranging from in-store service to online chatbots and social media interactions—candidates who excel at engaging customers across multiple touchpoints will be in high demand.
Data Interpretation and Problem-Solving have become core skills in retail. Understanding customer behavior, tracking product trends, and analyzing sales data can make a major impact on business performance. Employers value candidates who can translate numbers into actionable insights.
Multitasking with Technology is now a must-have skill. Whether handling POS systems, managing inventory through software, or using CRM platforms to personalize customer experiences, retail professionals who are comfortable with tech-driven operations will thrive.
Adaptability and Learning Agility define the modern retail worker. With frequent shifts in consumer expectations, store layouts, and emerging technologies, being quick to adjust and open to learning new systems will make candidates indispensable.
Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity are essential as brands expand their global reach. Retail teams need professionals who understand and embrace diversity, ensuring every customer feels seen, heard, and valued.
For brands looking to build a strong retail team, hiring candidates with these five golden skills will be key to long-term success. At Emerging Blue, we specialize in connecting top retail talent with forward-thinking brands. Whether you’re looking for retail support for a permanent store or temporary pop-up, let’s connect!
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Retail Hiring in 2025: What You Need to Know
The retail industry is evolving at a rapid pace, and hiring in 2025 looks different than ever before. With advancements in technology, shifting workplace expectations, and a growing emphasis on sustainability, brands must rethink their approach to talent acquisition. Here’s what’s shaping retail hiring this year:
The Rise of Tech-Savvy Roles
Retail is becoming increasingly digital, and companies are looking for employees who can navigate AI-powered customer service, augmented reality shopping experiences, and data-driven decision-making. From eCommerce specialists to in-store associates trained in digital tools, tech literacy is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Flexibility as a Hiring Advantage
The traditional 9-to-5 retail model is shifting. freelance work, hybrid roles, and flexible scheduling options are becoming key differentiators for brands looking to attract top talent. As more workers prioritize work-life balance, companies that offer adaptability will have a competitive edge.
AI and Automation Integration
Automation is changing the retail workforce, from self-checkout kiosks to AI-driven inventory management. While some fear job displacement, the reality is that human oversight remains critical. Retailers are increasingly seeking candidates who can work alongside automation—troubleshooting, optimizing, and enhancing tech-driven processes.
The Push for Sustainable Retail
Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a hiring priority. Consumers are demanding more eco-friendly practices, and brands need employees who understand responsible sourcing, circular fashion, and green supply chain strategies. Candidates with expertise in sustainability will be in high demand.
Looking Ahead
Retail hiring in 2025 is all about adaptability, tech fluency, and a commitment to sustainability. Brands that embrace these shifts will not only attract top talent but also stay ahead in a fast-moving industry.
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Brand DNA: Finding the Authentic Match
Now Hiring: SXSW Pop-Up Event - Austin, TX
Our client, an lifestyle brand centered around creating joyful experiences, is hosting a pop-up shop in Austin, Texas during SXSW March 3-23 . Join us for this incredible opportunity to be part of an exciting retail event.
Now Hiring: Professional Clothier
Nashville! We are hiring for an exciting sales-focused retail opportunity with a premium + custom menswear brand. Check it out.
Now Hiring: Store Manager
Exciting retail leadership opportunity with a growing lifestyle apparel brand in NYC! Interested? Apply today.
$100-120K
Celebrating Retail Store Leaders
It all starts long before the first holiday shopper walks through the door.
The months leading up to the holiday season demand a level of preparation, precision, and leadership that often goes unnoticed, yet is critical to ensuring success. From perfecting the visuals to orchestrating seamless operations and delivering outstanding customer service, retail leaders play a crucial role in translating the holiday magic from the digital world to physical reality.
The Execution: Logistics and Team Building
The execution of a successful holiday season relies on more than just product and visuals; it’s about people. It’s about anticipating the needs of your team and empowering them with the right tools, training, and leadership to handle the intensity of a bustling store environment.
Retail store leaders balance operational efficiency with customer-centric service, and it all begins with building a dynamic, best-in-class team.
Casey Elofson, Senior Store Brand Leader at Anthropologie (URBN) shared,
“For me, it’s all about the right people in the right places and planning ahead to make that happen.
I start in September/October with hiring, role development, and any timely team promotions. I prioritize giving my team the time and space needed to assimilate and grow confident prior to the stresses that the busy holiday workload will inevitably bring.
Setting up your team for success by starting early is key!”
The Reward: A Seamless Customer Experience
This is where the magic happens: when highly trained associates are able to anticipate customer needs, engage meaningfully with shoppers, and offer personalized suggestions.
The result is a team who works seamlessly to create an atmosphere that feels authentic. Where customers can make meaningful connections with the brand and product which creates a standout shopping experience in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Industry Trends and the Future of Retail
The trends that have shaped retail in recent years, such as the integration of e-commerce with brick-and-mortar experiences and the rise of AI in personalization, have only added more layers to the complexity of managing retail stores. In fact, according to a McKinsey & Company report, 75% of consumers say they want a seamless shopping experience across digital and physical platforms. Retail leaders today need to be agile and adaptable, constantly refining their strategies to meet changing customer expectations and being omni present in an omni channel world.
Brands like Amazon have raised the bar in terms of operational efficiency, offering innovations like cashier-less checkout and drone delivery. While these innovations may not be available to every retailer, they provide valuable insight into the direction the industry is heading. Retail leaders are embracing these technologies where they can, but they also understand that the human element—exemplified by their own leadership and their teams—remains the driving force behind extraordinary customer experiences and strong KPI’s.
Honoring the Unsung Heroes
Retail store leaders are the unsung heroes who make the magic of the holiday season possible. Their meticulous planning, dedication to their teams, and customer service focus ensures that the most wonderful time of the year is also one of the most successful for their stores.
This holiday season let’s take a moment to celebrate these leaders who, through hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence, provide the kind of experience that keeps customers coming back long after the holidays are over.
In the coming weeks as you find yourself in a store with a team ready to assist you, share a smile and some grace with the team. If you need something, ask! If you have a standout encounter with an employee, vocalize it! A little kindness and acknowledgement of their hard work goes a long way.
Looking for leaders to drive success for your brand?
At Emerging Blue, we specialize in helping brands identify and hire industry all-stars for their retail spaces. With a team of professionals who have led successful retail operations, we understand the intricacies of delivering exceptional in-store experiences. Our deep industry network and insider knowledge allow us to connect brands with top-tier talent—individuals who will elevate your team and set you apart during peak seasons. Let us help you build a dynamic workforce that’s not only skilled but passionate about delivering best-in-class service, ensuring your brand thrives in today’s competitive retail landscape.
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Pleasing's Pop-Up in Chicago!
We're over the moon to partner with Pleasing as they host their out-of-this-world AstroMilk Bar event in Chicago. For the months of June and July, you can find your Pleasing at their astronomical pop-up in Bucktown. 🌝👽
If you need support staffing for your next retail pop-up, connect with us!
Retail Roles with Rhone!
Retail roles with Rhone! Such great opportunities to serve as the face of the Rhone brand while inspiring, motivating, and leading the store team to customer-service greatness and success. The right person for this role will embody a passion for the brand while establishing a positive and welcoming in store experience for all.
Retail Jobs in Seattle & Nashville
Seattle & Nashville! Our client, a casual and mindfully made apparel brand, is looking for retail superstars for their new stores opening soon in both the Mall at Green Hills and Bellevue Square. Hiring at all levels. Check out the links below to learn more and to apply!
Pop-Up in Seaside, FL!
Our client, a classic Spanish and southern-inspired swimwear brand, is looking for excellent customer service focused sales associates to join their pop-up team in Seaside, FL! Check it out.