Interior Design Retail Sales Professional

Ethan Allen•Oak Brook, IL

About The Position

The Design Consultant works with customers to create individualized interior design solutions and sell Ethan Allen products and services. Projects may include space planning, fabric coordination, product selection, and overall design, with solutions tailored to customer preferences and budgets. The role combines design expertise, sales, relationship building, customer service, and technology in a flexible, relationship-based selling environment. Some projects may use a team or partnership-based approach. Success is measured through performance categories such as teamwork, customer service, communication, decision making, project development, presentation, and technical skills, as well as sales and activity benchmarks. Compensation is incentive-based and determined by commissions earned under the Design Consultant Incentive Compensation Plan. The position is full-time, with a recoverable draw of $51,500 annually based on written sales. The posting states that experienced Design Consultants average $70,000–$115,000 in potential annual income, with top writers earning $200,000 or more. Design Consultants are expected to use social media and other digital channels in accordance with Ethan Allen’s Social Media Policy, represent the brand in customer interactions, and contribute to the success of the Design Center and their own sales performance.

Requirements

Minimum high school diploma or equivalent, with relevant work experience.
At least one year of practical interior design experience.
Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques.
Working knowledge of online sales and design tools.
Good listening skills and excellent oral and written communication skills.
General understanding of using social media and grassroots marketing to develop a book of business.
Valid driver’s license, except in limited circumstances where the associate can establish an acceptable alternative means of transportation available during all business hours.
Intermediate skill competency using digital floor-planning technology.
Willingness and ability to learn new technologies.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a design-related field from an accredited institution.
Proven experience.
Experience with 3D applications.
Experience using interactive technology to view design concepts, such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and other visualization tools.

Responsibilities

Create design solutions consistent with customers’ preferences and budgets.
Sell Ethan Allen products and services and represent the Ethan Allen brand in customer interactions.
Greet customers professionally in the Design Center, establish rapport, and obtain appointments and in-home consultations.
Make home calls to assess customer needs and provide individualized design solutions intended to close sales.
Use grassroots marketing and social media platforms to develop and grow the business.
Educate customers about Ethan Allen’s complimentary design service and tailor the level of service to their preferences.
Stay current on design and color trends.
Coordinate with the team to provide service before and after sales, including promptly informing customers about order status and delays.
Participate in corporate-sponsored marketing and training programs as required.
Educate customers about available Ethan Allen-sponsored financing options.
Contribute to the development and ongoing upkeep of the Design Center portfolio.
Use corporate systems and technology to design projects, create presentations, and provide professional service.
Enter orders using the retail point-of-sale system.
Help maintain a neat and orderly Design Center.
Work with Design Center Leaders, Design Sales Leaders, and Design Consultants to develop and monitor business and grassroots marketing plans, and suggest modifications to meet goals.
Use technology such as 3-D Room Planner, CRM, and Live Chat to build project volume and productive relationships with prospective and current clients.
Use appropriate social media, including Facebook and Instagram, to increase personal and Ethan Allen brand presence.
Build relationships with outside talent through social media such as LinkedIn.
Perform other duties as required.