Community & Retail Associate / Manager (Pre-Launch Role) Location: Escondido, CA Type: Part-Time About the Concept: We’re building a modern general store in the heart of Escondido — part neighborhood hub, part retail destination. The store will feature specialty pantry goods, local provisions, and thoughtful home items from San Diego and Southern California brands. Our goal is to create a space that celebrates community through everyday essentials, local stories, and intentional retail experiences. ________________________________________ The Role: We’re looking for an enthusiastic, community-minded individual to join early in our journey. This person will help shape the in-store experience, support setup before launch, and play a hands-on role once we open our doors. You’ll engage customers, track product data, and help bring the store’s community vision to life. Depending on experience, this role can evolve into a Community & Retail Manager position, overseeing staff, merchandising, and local partnerships as we grow. ________________________________________ Key Responsibilities: • Serve as a friendly, knowledgeable point of contact for customers, offering recommendations and sharing product stories • Operate the register, handle transactions accurately, and maintain an organized checkout area • Receive, unpack, and stock inventory; ensure shelves are full and visually appealing. • Assist with product labeling, signage, and pricing to maintain accuracy across the store • Track sales and customer feedback to help identify bestsellers and opportunities • Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the store, including storage areas. • Support merchandising and seasonal resets; contribute ideas to improve layout and flow • Assist with community events, vendor pop-ups, and social media content when needed. • (Manager Level) Oversee scheduling, vendor relationships, ordering, and performance metrics ________________________________________ Who You Are: • Passionate about community, food, and local goods • Naturally outgoing, friendly, and approachable • Detail-oriented with an interest in data and analytics (we track what sells and why) • Excited about the idea of joining a startup retail concept from day one • Comfortable working in a small, evolving business environment • Motivated to grow with the store as it expands ________________________________________ Experience We’d Love: • 1–3 years of retail, hospitality, or customer service experience • Experience handling cash and using a POS system • Familiarity with visual merchandising, inventory tracking, or stockroom organization • Interest in local food, design, or lifestyle brands ________________________________________ Compensation & Growth: Pay starts at $17–$23 per hour, depending on experience. We offer opportunities for growth as the business expands — this role has the potential to evolve into a Community & Retail Manager position for the right candidate. ________________________________________ Why Join Us: This is a rare opportunity to be part of a concept from the ground up — to help shape not just the store, but the community it serves. If you love connecting with people, discovering local brands, and bringing creative ideas to life in a retail environment, we’d love to hear from you.