Retail Store Associate Jobs in Fort Smith, AR (NOW HIRING)

Lids Sports Group is the largest licensed sports retailer in North America, selling fan and fashion-oriented headwear and apparel across the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Australia. Operating out of Indianapolis, IN, our retail stores offer officially licensed headwear and apparel from collegiate and professional sports teams, plus top brands like Nike, New Era, Adidas, and Mitchell & Ness. 

We currently operate 1,200+ locations domestically and 50+ internationally, including specialty concept stores for the NBA, NHL, Paris Saint-Germain, and numerous MLB teams. In recent years, Lids has built partnerships with iconic global brands including Marvel, Playboy, and the Harlem Globetrotters, and gained ambassadors like Justin Jefferson, Quavo, and Josephine Skriver – creating a community for both sports fans and fashion lovers. 

The company is currently expanding with the goal of becoming the largest licensed brick-and-mortar sports retailer across the globe. 

At Lids, our Assistant Store Managers are the heart and soul of the Lids brand. These cap experts strive to foster the passion for sporting and fashion goods by meeting the needs of our customers while ensuring that all areas of the store are engaged. Assistant Store Managers are accountable for every aspect of the retail store performance inclusive of achieving key results, creating a fun and inclusive environment for their team, and delivering exceptional customer service by offering their expertise on Lids’ products and services. 
 

People & Training 

• Act as Manager on duty for any employee scheduling issues, customer complaints, etc. when Store Manager is not present. 
• Manage store associates through thorough use of LIDS Training Programs, goal setting (for sales and tasks), and regular follow up when Store Manager is not present. 
• Administer the progressive steps of discipline to include verbal and written warning in the absence of the Store Manager. 
• Engage team members by creating a fun and productive environment, including helping them understand how their work supports company objectives and the success of the store and Lids overall. 
• Contribute to a respectful and inclusive team environment by establishing supportive working relationships and adhering to Lids Brand Standards (e.g. company dress code, etc.) 
• Responsible for scheduling and staffing the store including calling in associates to work in unexpected peaks when the Store Manager is not present. 
• Participate in LIDS Training Programs, adhere to set goals (for sales and tasks) and regular follow up. 
• Assist in recruiting and training store personnel on proper store operations and procedures. 
• Encourage store associates’ direct compliance of established company policies, procedures and guidelines including (but not limited to) safekeeping of company inventory, funds and property. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Customer Experience 

• Lead, execute and assist Selling 101 strategy to achieve key performance indicators (KPIs), sales targets, and deliver exceptional customer service. 
• Resolve customer feedback and address issues in the moment, including customer escalations, urgent requests, and resolve to “make it right” for customers. 
• Ensure every customer is offered the opportunity to participate in Lids’ membership programs or special offers when live in-store through employee education. 
• Adhere to current visual guidelines includes: proper merchandising, signage and store cleanliness. 
• Maintain a professional appearance consistent with Company Dress Code Policy. 

Operations 

• Execute operations-focused company-level directives, promotions, and initiatives (e.g. from Lids HQ). 
• Understand and adhere to Policies & Procedures Manual to maintain a safe work environment. 
• Maintain store technology and equipment – MPOS, Lids Custom, etc. – by conducting daily audits, verifying continued functionality, facilitating updates and maintenance as instructed, or ordering repair as needed. 
• Maintain store facilities, supplies, and services by executing service requests, assessing maintenance or repair needs, placing repair work orders, or replenishing store supplies. 
• Effectively manage cash, including accurate opening and closing of the till, using counterfeit protection practices, and consistent bank drops. 
• Effectively prepare store for inventory audits and support in performing them as needed to confirm inventory accuracy. 
• Open and close the store as required following the procedures per the Operations P&P Manual. 

Product & Inventory Management 

• Protect Company assets within guidelines of LIDS Retail policies. 
• Assist in preparation of store work schedules that provide proper store coverage and are within the Company guidelines for wage control. 
• Follow all policies to accurately manage store inventory including receiving, transferring, completing price change and conducting product counts. 
• Strategically organize the backroom to maximize efficiency, including arranging product / supplies to optimize space and productivity. 
• Execute optimal layout and visual merchandising (VM) or product presentation strategy, including managing window activations, hardware flips, mannequin flips, and seasonal or weekly merchandise changes. 
• Maintain the look and feel of the store through day-to-day VM and store actions (e.g. ensuring product recovery, restock, destock, or minor VM changes.) 
• Execute special pricing signage and promotional presentation adjustments during operating hours to align with overall product sell-through strategy. 
   

• High school diploma or equivalent plus one year relative experience. 
• Established ability to produce sales results while minimizing loss. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate verbally in a clear professional manner. 
• Ability to operate a computer, as well as maneuver relative software programs. 
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. 
• Ability to climb a ladder and work with hands overhead. 
• Standing required for up to 100% of the work time. 
• Ability to work unsupervised. 

Assistant store managers can earn up to 45% above local minimum wage based on experience.  Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location. FT Assistant Store Managers are also eligible for monthly store sales bonuses and a 40% employee discount. Full-time employees are eligible for a full range of benefits including Paid Time Off, health, vision, dental, and 401(k).

• Store Manager