Jobs

Full-Time Store Lead

BlackBear Children’s Boutique is a locally owned online and brick-and-mortar children’s shop located in Milwaukee, WI. With a focus on baby and kids clothing, books, small toys, and accessories, we offer thoughtfully curated products and exceptional service centered on quality, comfort, and timeless style for modern families.

Role Description

We are seeking a dependable, experienced Store Lead to manage the day-to-day operations of our shop. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Milwaukee, WI. The role will provide full store coverage during the owner’s maternity leave and will continue as a full-time position once the owner returns. Clear systems, training, and support will be provided prior to the maternity leave to ensure a smooth transition.

This role is ideal for someone who values autonomy, collaboration, and being a trusted presence in a small retail environment. The Store Lead will play a key leadership role in a well-loved local business, working closely with a hands-on owner while maintaining independence in daily operations. We’re looking for someone who appreciates consistent, predictable hours and is excited about the stability and long-term growth opportunities of a thoughtfully run, community-centered shop.

Responsibilities

  • Open and close the store independently
  • Manage daily store operations
  • Provide elevated customer care, including product recommendations and age-appropriate gift guidance
  • Build meaningful customer relationships and foster neighborhood community
  • Handle POS transactions, cash management, and daily reporting
  • Receive, organize, restock, and manage inventory
  • Maintain store organization, cleanliness, and visual standards
  • Support merchandising and visual displays
  • Pull, pack, and ship online orders
  • Support and provide direction to part-time staff when scheduled
  • Communicate regularly with the owner regarding store needs and priorities
  • Assist with planning, projects, events, sales, and other general shop needs

Qualifications

  • Retail experience required; leadership a plus
  • Comfortable working independently and making day-to-day decisions
  • Experience with or passion for children’s products and fashion
  • Enjoys working with customers and creating a welcoming shop environment
  • Reliable, organized, and proactive
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Familiar with local businesses and community activity in the Milwaukee area
  • Able to learn quickly, multitask, and ask questions when needed
  • Experience using Shopify POS is a plus
  • Comfortable being on your feet for extended periods and occasionally lifting light boxes

Details

Location: In-store at BlackBear Children’s Boutique, Milwaukee, WI
Hours: Approximately 32–36 hours/week (hourly, non-exempt). Occasional additional hours may be available and paid according to overtime laws.
Schedule: Store hours are generally Tuesday–Friday, 10am–5pm and Saturday, 10am–3pm. Hours may extend during peak holiday seasons, with Sunday hours (11am–3pm) as needed.
Compensation: $24–$26/hour, based on experience
Perks & Benefits: 20% product discount after items have been in-store for 30 days, additional product discount opportunities, and two weeks of PTO annually following the owner’s maternity leave
Start Date: Immediate / April 2026

How to Apply

If you're interested in this position at BlackBear Children’s Boutique, please email info@blackbearboutique.com with the position you’re applying for, your resume, and responses to the following questions:

  1. Why do you think you’d be a good fit for BlackBear?
  2. What experiences or skills would you bring to this role?
  3. What is your earliest possible start date?
  4. What is your expected compensation?