Clothing Department Lead

Primary Purpose

To be a leader to all associates and responsible for maintaining excellent customer service, product knowledge, and merchandising in a specific department: Hardlines, Animal Health, Cashier, Clothing/Boots, or Material Handling.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Greet and acknowledge every customer, answer customer questions, and help customers find the location of products.
• Oversee the daily operations of the department – including, but not limited to, merchandizing, display presentation, maintaining signage standards, and monitoring inventory levels.
• Train new associates on systems, procedures, and product knowledge.
• Create and implement daily worklists and goals for store associates.
• Assume duties of the Store Manager and Assistant Store Managers when scheduled.
• Open and close the store as needed and scheduled.
• Assist in leading store meetings and store goals/objectives.
• Answer incoming phone calls.
• Constant radio communication with all associates.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the products Coastal Farm sells.
• Maintain an awareness of all product knowledge information and merchandise promotions.
• Assist in floor moves, merchandising, display maintenance and store housekeeping.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Help in other departments when needed. 
• Perform daily cleaning – such as, but not limited to, vacuuming, replacing full trashes with new trash bags, and sweeping the department floor.
• Other duties assigned as needed.

Qualifications

• 1 year of experience working in a retail environment.
• Experience operating a POS system.
• Experience operating Eagle Browser.
• Proven written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing work environments and to shift priorities accordingly.
• Familiar with how to operate a computer system and email.
• Familiar with standard retail concepts and practices.

Job Title: Apparel Department Lead (Full-Time, Open Availability)

Position Summary

The Apparel Department Lead is responsible for overseeing all functions of the clothing department, ensuring consistent execution of merchandising standards, inventory processing, and exceptional customer service. This role plays a critical part in maintaining department recovery, minimizing shrink, and supporting overall store performance. Open availability is required to meet the needs of the business, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Key Responsibilities

Department Operations & Merchandising

• Maintain a clean, organized, and fully recovered sales floor at all times
• Execute merchandising plans, signage, and seasonal transitions
• Monitor product presentation and adjust displays to drive sales
• Ensure timely processing of freight, backstock, and new inventory

Customer Service

• Provide excellent customer service and product knowledge support
• Assist customers with apparel selection, sizing, and special orders
• Resolve customer concerns professionally and efficiently

Inventory & Loss Prevention

• Support inventory accuracy through proper receiving, tagging, and stocking
• Monitor for theft trends and take proactive steps to reduce shrink
• Ensure fitting room procedures and floor awareness are consistently followed

Team Leadership & Support

• Act as the primary support for department staff and collaborate with store leadership
• Train and coach team members on recovery standards, product knowledge, and service expectations
• Assist with scheduling needs by maintaining full open availability

Qualifications

• Previous retail experience required; apparel or softlines experience preferred
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail and visual merchandising standards
• Effective communication and leadership skills
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including opening/closing shifts, weekends, and holidays

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the store for extended periods
• Frequent lifting of merchandise (up to 50 lbs)
• Bending, reaching, and climbing ladders as needed

Why This Role Matters

This position is essential to maintaining department standards and preventing operational gaps in recovery, customer service, and shrink control. A strong Apparel Lead ensures the department stays on track and supports overall store success.