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Small Retail Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

24 Seven Talent

Retail Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

... Small retail activations and experiential events Qualifications 3-5+ years of project management experience, preferably within retail marketing, creative services, experiential marketing, events, or ...

24 Seven Talent

Retail Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

... Small retail activations and experiential events Qualifications 3-5+ years of project management experience, preferably within retail marketing, creative services, experiential marketing, events, or ...

Quality Optical

Office Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Company Description We are a small retail business that is located in the heart of Lincoln Square in the North Side of Chicago. Our business is well established for many years and have been ...

Quality Optical

Office Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Company Description We are a small retail business that is located in the heart of Lincoln Square in the North Side of Chicago. Our business is well established for many years and have been ...

Chalet

Small Engine Mechanic Apprentice

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Our Small Engine Mechanic Apprentice would assist with the operation of the tool room as well as ... Whether its through our landscape services, at our retail store, or with the plants that we locally ...

Signers National

Client Executive - October 2026

Chicago, IL · On-site

$78K - $107K/yr

Starting in 2008 as a small retail broker focused on nonprofit & human service organizations, Signers has since expanded its portfolio to include commercial real estate and transportation. Signers is ...

Ace Hardware

Retail Management

Grayslake, IL

$15 - $18/hr

Retail Store Management Do you crave to use and grow your leadership skills while being helpful in ... They are small business owners who are local and loyal...just like it ought to be. While others ...

Ace Hardware

Retail Management

Grayslake, IL

$15 - $18/hr

Retail Store Management Do you crave to use and grow your leadership skills while being helpful in ... They are small business owners who are local and loyal...just like it ought to be. While others ...

Ace Hardware

Retail Sales Associate

La Grange, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $16.75/hr

Horton's Home Lighting is looking for outgoing, personable, and motivated Retail Sales Associates ... They are small business owners who are local and loyal...just like it ought to be. While others ...

zahgroup

Klein Leadership Program - Sales

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

... local retail market to build and leverage relationships with endusers and customers. Utilize ... at Klein Tools Inc. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors, including, but ...

Ace Hardware

Retail Cashier

Crown Point, IN

$13 - $15/hr

Whether you have retail experience or this is your first customer service job, we'll teach you ... They are small business owners who are local and loyal...just like it ought to be. While others ...

America's Antique Mall

Retail Team Lead

Highland, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $17.50/hr

America's Antique Mall is a unique retail marketplace featuring hundreds of independent vendors and small-business owners. We are committed to excellent customer service and a positive, team-oriented ...

America's Antique Mall

Retail Team Lead

Highland, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $17.50/hr

America's Antique Mall is a unique retail marketplace featuring hundreds of independent vendors and small-business owners. We are committed to excellent customer service and a positive, team-oriented ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsSmall Retail JobsSmall Retail Jobs in Chicago, IL

Small Retail information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$16

$18

How much do small retail jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for small retail in Chicago, IL is $16.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $17.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are small retail jobs?

Small retail jobs refer to positions within small retail businesses, such as local shops, boutiques, or convenience stores. These roles often include sales associates, cashiers, stock clerks, and store managers. Employees in small retail typically handle customer service, inventory management, merchandising, and daily store operations. The work environment is usually more personal and flexible compared to large chain retailers, often providing opportunities to learn various aspects of the business.

What are some common challenges faced by employees in small retail stores, and how can they effectively handle them?

Employees in small retail stores often encounter challenges such as multitasking between sales, inventory management, and customer service due to a leaner staff. They may also need to quickly adapt to changing customer preferences and handle occasional high-traffic periods with limited resources. Effective communication, time management, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are essential skills for thriving in this environment. Building strong relationships with repeat customers and staying organized can also help employees manage these challenges while contributing positively to the store’s success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a small retail manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Small Retail Manager, you need strong organizational abilities, sales acumen, and basic business management knowledge, often supported by experience in retail or a relevant associate degree. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and basic financial tools is typically required. Excellent customer service, leadership, and problem-solving skills help you build rapport with customers and effectively lead a team. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring smooth daily operations, increasing sales, and maintaining customer satisfaction in a competitive retail environment.

What is the difference between Small Retail vs Small Retail Associate?

AspectSmall RetailSmall Retail Associate
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; retail experience helpfulHigh school diploma; retail experience preferred
Work EnvironmentSmall retail stores, boutiques, local shopsSmall retail stores, boutiques, local shops
Job RoleOversees store operations, manages inventory, handles customer serviceAssists customers, stocks shelves, processes transactions
Employer & IndustrySmall retail businesses, local shopsSmall retail businesses, local shops

Small Retail refers to the overall business or store, while a Small Retail Associate is an entry-level employee working within such a store. The associate supports daily operations, customer service, and sales, whereas Small Retail may involve management or ownership roles. Both roles typically require similar credentials and work in similar environments, but their responsibilities differ based on experience and position.

What are popular job titles related to Small Retail jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Small Retail jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Small Retail jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Small Retail jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Small Retail jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Small Retail job openings:

Small Retail jobs near you
Infographic showing various Small Retail job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,798 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Retail Project Manager

24 Seven Talent

Chicago, IL • On-site

$45 - $50/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Our client, a leader in the retail/tech space, is looking to bring on a freelance Project Manager with Retail/Event experience. Role is set to start early August, through end of year. Role is onsite in Chicago, 24 hours per week.

Location

Onsite - Chicago Hours Part-Time (24 hours/week) Pay Range $45-50/hr. Start Date August - EOY Position Overview The Project Manager will support a wide range of retail marketing and event/experiential initiatives across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and LATAM. Projects span physical retail environments, events, product launches, retailer conferences, trade shows, PR activations, and influencer experiences. The ideal candidate is an exceptional organizer who can proactively manage timelines, coordinate cross-functional teams, improve project forecasting, and ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope.

Key Responsibilities

Manage multiple retail marketing and event projects simultaneously from kickoff through completion. Build and maintain detailed project plans, workback schedules, and key milestones. Coordinate cross-functional teams, including creative, design, marketing, and external partners. Track project progress, deliverables, budgets, and timelines. Identify risks, bottlenecks, and resource constraints while proactively recommending solutions. Support project forecasting and long-range resource planning.

Assist with workload prioritization and assignment planning across the team. Facilitate communication between internal stakeholders and regional teams throughout the Americas. Ensure projects remain organized, on schedule, and aligned with business objectives.

Project Types Projects include a variety of retail and experiential initiatives, such as: Retail Third-party retail displays and merchandising Store fixtures and in-store marketing Retail launches across the US, Canada, Mexico, and LATAM Events Trade shows PR events Influencer activations Small retail activations and experiential events Qualifications 3-5+ years of project management experience, preferably within retail marketing, creative services, experiential marketing, events, or agency environments.

Experience using Monday.com for project management. Experience managing multiple concurrent projects with competing priorities. Strong organizational, planning, and communication skills. Proven ability to develop project schedules, timelines, and workback plans. Comfortable collaborating with cross-functional teams and multiple stakeholders. Experience managing budgets, milestones, and project deliverables. Ability to identify risks and proactively solve problems. Retail, experiential, or event marketing experience strongly preferred.

Preferred

Skills

Experience with Content Hub or similar Digital Asset Management (DAM) or content management platforms. Experience supporting artwork trafficking or creative asset management. Experience with project forecasting and resource planning.

What We're Looking For

The client is looking for someone who can go beyond day-to-day project coordination and help improve how work is planned and prioritized. The team currently manages a significant pipeline of work, and this person will play an important role in building workback schedules, forecasting upcoming workloads, improving resource visibility, and creating a more proactive planning process. Strong international project management experience is not required. Candidates with solid project management fundamentals who are comfortable working across multiple stakeholders and regions will be successful in this role.

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