Retail Associate Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Retail Associate, Full-Time Seasonal
Department: Rockford IceHogs Business Operations
Reports to: VP, Marketing, Content and Operations
Location: This position is 100% in-person and is based in Rockford, IL.
Hours: Standard business hours are 9:00 am - 5:00 pm / Monday - Friday. However, all positions require non-traditional hours (nights, weekends, holidays) based on the event schedule.
Duration: 2026-27 AHL Season (September through April)
Status: Full-Time, Seasonal, Non-Exempt
# Direct Reports: None
Compensation: $17.00 per hour

The Rockford IceHogs is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. ?All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. ?All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, religion or religious creed, color, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance, or regulation and will not be discriminated against on these bases.

The Rockford IceHogs have an immediate opening for a Full-Time Seasonal Retail Associate located at the BMO Center in Rockford, IL. In this role, you will be responsible for supporting the overall retail business for the IceHogs through item/SKU setup, purchase orders, e-commerce, reporting and analytics, vendor coordination, retail buying, internal and VIP requests, retail operations, gameday needs, and more. Your job will be to help ensure fans get the right products, on time, everywhere we sell, while providing exceptional customer service.

Primary Responsibilities:

Retail Operations

• Support all merchandise operations related to Retail Platform-inventory; point of sale and e-commerce fulfillment.

• Partner with the Brand Team to assist in the design, development, and ordering of merchandise concepts.

• Support the IceHogs Team Store merchandise operations during game nights.

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of apparel and merchandise offerings while supporting ongoing inventory management efforts.

• Maintain store appearance by ensuring merchandising standards, accurate signage, and timely product restocking.

• Accurately and quickly operate the point-of-sale system to process merchandise sales.

• Demonstrate ability to interact with large masses of customers in a fast-paced environment.

• Support the management and coordination of part-time staff during game nights.

E-Commerce

• Update and manage IceHogs online team store on CBHShop.com

• Own product photography workflow (sample requests, shot lists, basic prep/shoot when needed) and maintain digital assets hygiene.

• Manage online order tracking and shipping processes to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

• Maintain accurate inventory levels and product listings for IceHogs merchandise available on CBHShop.com.

Reporting and Analytics

• Update and maintain organizational retail sales reports.

• Develop, maintain, and distribute inventory, sales, and on-order reports while proactively identifying risks and opportunities related to stock levels, aged inventory, preorder timelines, and delayed purchase orders.

• Support the development and execution of an annual strategic plans that align with revenue goals.

• Maintain accurate tracking of cost of goods sold to support retail financial performance.

• Produce concise post-mortems with baselines vs. target, lift by placement, code usage, and learnings to inform future strategies.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Associates or Bachelors degree in Retail Management, Business Administration, Marketing or related field

• Must be available to work all 20262027 Rockford IceHogs home games.

• 2-4 years experience in retail, merchandising or event management, ideally within a professional sports team, entertainment or event-driven organization

• Strong analytical and business acumen with experience in analytics, forecasting, scenario analysis, P&L management, and emerging technologies such as Gen AI preferred.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

• Customer-focused with strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to adapt to a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and event-based hours as required.

• Ability to stand for extended periods during hockey games and lift up to 25 lbs. while moving merchandise and display materials.

• Knowledge and passion for apparel, retail, and industry trends.

• Demonstrates organizational values of integrity, curiosity, empathy, collaboration, and originality.

The Team:

The Rockford IceHogs, founded in 1999 and members of the American Hockey League (AHL), is a premier organization and primary development affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. Located in Rockford, IL, the Team calls the newly renovated BMO Center its home and offices in downtown Rockford, 401 E State Street.

As the longest running professional sports team in Rockford, the organization has developed a passionate local fan base and has set multiple attendance records over the years, while establishing a strong a community presence.?

The Rockford IceHogs goal is to continue providing exceptional fan experiences, elevating fan attendance, making a substantial impact in the community and continuing their commitment to developing exceptional talent.