What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Retail position at Art and Wellness Enterprises?
The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization.
Job Description:
Position Title: Director of Retail
Position Type: Full-Time
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Division: Operations
Department : Retail
Reports to: Chief Operations Officer
About Crystal Bridges & The Momentary:
Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission.
The Momentary is a new contemporary art space that opened to the public on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. A satellite to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary presents visual, performing, and culinary arts. The mission of the Momentary is to champion contemporary art’s role in everyday life and explore the unfolding story of contemporary American arts in an international context by actively commissioning and exhibiting outstanding works that explore new ideas and inspire action.
Position Summary:
The Director of Retail leads retail operations (both in-store and online) with a focus on strategic growth, financial management, and innovation. This role leads all aspects of the retail business, including buying and merchandising, product development, sales strategy, and operations. The Director plays a key part in creating a unique and profitable retail experience that aligns with the museum’s mission, engages audiences, and expands revenue opportunities at Crystal Bridges and the Momentary.
The Director of Retail collaborates with programmers, exhibition leaders, Curatorial and Learning & Engagement to develop a comprehensive retail merchandising strategy to profitably support the institution’s diverse collection, array of experiences, and programs.
Principal Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Growth
- Develop and implement a long-term retail strategy that aligns with the museum's overall goals and vision.
- Lead innovation efforts to identify new revenue streams, retail partnerships, and exclusive product lines (e.g., artist collaborations, limited editions).
- Monitor market trends and audience behaviors to ensure the store stays relevant and competitive.
- Expand the museum's e-commerce platform, ensuring it grows as a key revenue driver.
Financial Management & Reporting
- Develop and manage the retail budget, forecasting sales and expenses accurately.
- Monitor KPIs and financial performance, providing regular reports to senior leadership.
- Analyze sales data and customer trends to make data-driven decisions that improve profitability.
- Establish appropriate inventory levels to maximize sales and minimize obsolescence.
Buying & Merchandising Operations
- Lead or oversee product selection, purchasing, and vendor relationships, ensuring unique and high-quality merchandise that reflects the museum’s identity.
- Establish and maintain merchandising standards that enhance the visitor experience and drive sales.
- Manage relationships with artists and designers to develop exclusive products.
- Oversee visual presentation to create engaging and aesthetically aligned store environments.
- Ensure products reflect our commitment to DEAI, holding an inventory that reflects our guests’ communities.
Sales, Customer Service & Team Development
- Provide inspirational leadership and set clear goals for retail staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
- Drive a sales-focused culture across the retail team, ensuring excellent customer service both in-store and online.
- Recruit, develop, and retain top talent, ensuring the retail team has the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
- Work cross-departmentally with internal stakeholders (e.g., Marketing, Finance, and Visitor Experience) to ensure alignment on key initiatives and operational goals.
- Cultivate an inclusive and motivated team culture by providing coaching, mentorship, and performance management.
Qualifications and Skills:
Education, Training, and Traits
- 7-10 years of senior retail leadership experience, preferably within a museum, cultural institution, or luxury retail environment.
- 5 years’ experience in staff supervision
- Proven expertise in strategic planning, financial management, and retail operations.
- Experience in e-commerce development and scaling online sales channels.
- Strong background in buying, product development, merchandising, and vendor management.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to lead, develop, and motivate cross-functional teams.
- Knowledge of art, design, and cultural trends is highly desirable.
- Strong analytical skills, with proficiency in retail metrics, budgeting, and financial reporting.
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
- Available for travel and to work weekends and evenings, as needed.
- Must have product development experience
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Physical demands: In the work environment described below, position requires working at a desk and utilizing a computer and a telephone for prolonged periods of time and good eye/hand coordination, bending and stretching for filing, and physical stamina to lift a minimum of 25 pounds. Visual acuity to review written materials is required for this job. Additionally, this position requires meeting the public and the organization in a professional and courteous manner. Frequently, while performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to travel independently domestically.
- Work environment: Work will be performed in an office environment, museum spaces, and in communities served. The physical arrangement of the office may require the position to work in an open environment within close proximity to other colleagues. Work space must be organized and reflect efficiency. The noise level in the museum work environment is usually low to moderate. Occasional evening and weekend work hours and travel are required.
