2027 Merch/Retail Associate

Journey Dance Competition • Freehold Township, NJ

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Journey Dance Competition is seeking enthusiastic Merch/Retail Associates to join their team. As a front-of-house representative, you will be responsible for setting a welcoming tone for guests, managing merchandise, handling transactions, and reporting inventory. This role requires attention to detail, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment. You will be the first and last point of contact for guests, ensuring a positive experience. A portion of the Merch/Retail Team will also manage team member meals and maintain the Team Room and Teacher Lounge. The ideal candidate is outgoing, loves interacting with people, and has a contagious, bubbly energy.

Requirements

• Must be available for Mandatory Team Training: Virtual - December 11-13th, 2026; In Person - Jan. 8-10, 2027.
• Must be willing to travel by road or air.
• Must be 18 or older.
• Must be available from Thursday to Monday for travel.
• Minimum commitment of 6 events or more.
• Official government ID required.
• Background check required.
• Warm, friendly, and enthusiastic personality.
• Unmatched attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure during high volume times.
• Ability to take initiative without direction.
• Great communication with guests and with the Event Director.
• Capable of lifting a minimum of 30 lbs to 50 lbs without assistance.
• Humble: You do the unglamorous work without being asked and without needing credit. You take feedback as a gift, not defensive. There's no job on site that's beneath you.
• Hungry: You see the problem before it lands. You move with urgency. You'd rather be trusted with more than coast through less. You're the one asking 'what else can I grab?'
• Smart with people: You read a room. You can talk to a shy 7-year-old, a stressed studio director, and a teammate running on four hours of sleep — and leave all three better than you found them.

Nice To Haves

• Retail experience a plus but not required.
• Knowledge of the dance world is beneficial.
• Ability to drive is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Set the tone for the entire day by being the first to meet and greet guests.
• Organize, present, and promote Journey merchandise.
• Handle all monetary transactions accurately.
• Report inventory for each event.
• Maintain Journey’s brand standards for organization and presentation.
• Provide excellent customer care with a friendly, welcoming, and enthusiastic attitude.
• Pick up team member meals and manage the setup and maintenance of the Team Room and Teacher Lounge.
• Load in and load out production equipment.
• Set up, organize, and breakdown respective stations.
• Greet all guests entering the venue.
• Organize and display merchandise within Journey brand guidelines.
• Maintain a tidy, welcoming, and appealing workstation.
• Know Journey products and pricing.
• Promote Journey merchandise by sharing information about quality and affordability.
• Count and report inventory, stock, rotate, and replenish merchandise.
• Operate the cash register and ensure proper handling of cash, checks, and credit cards.
• Prepare simple daily reports.
• Safeguard merchandise and cash.
• Maintain a presentable and tidy staff break room and Teacher Lounge.
• Follow up with restaurants for staff meal orders, receiving and arranging meals throughout the day.
• Know general information about Journey and the venue to answer guest questions.
• Attend to other duties assigned by the Event Director(s).

Benefits

• Paid training
• Paid travel
• Double-occupancy lodging
• Event meals
• Professional and self development — confidence, leadership, adaptability, communication, and real-world experience
• Industry connections — dance educators, choreographers, studio owners, and professionals from across the country
• Hands-on experience in live events, production, hospitality, customer service, and operations
• Room to grow — more responsibility, new skills, and a real path into leadership.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed