Retail Specialist Southern CA – Wine & Spirits
Position Summary
We are seeking a knowledgeable, personable, and customer-focused Retail Specialist – Wine & Spirits to join our team. This position is responsible for providing exceptional customer service, recommending wine, spirits, N/A and bar garnishes based on customer preferences, maintaining an attractive and well-organized retail environment, and supporting sales growth.
The ideal candidate has a passion for wine and spirits, strong communication skills, and the ability to educate customers in a welcoming, approachable manner.
Key Responsibilities
Provide friendly, knowledgeable service to customers and assist them with wine and spirit selections.
Make personalized recommendations based on taste preferences, occasions, food pairings, and budget.
Maintain strong knowledge of wines, spirits, regions, varietals, producers, and current product offerings.
Educate customers about products through engaging and informative conversations.
Support wine and spirits tastings, promotions, events, and product demonstrations.
Maintain attractive, organized, and properly stocked displays and shelves.
Receive, organize, and replenish inventory while ensuring products are properly handled and stored.
Monitor inventory levels and communicate replenishment needs to management.
Assist with pricing, signage, merchandising, and promotional displays.
Operate the point-of-sale system accurately and efficiently.
Follow all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages, including age verification.
Build relationships with customers and encourage repeat business.
Stay current on industry trends, new products, and emerging wine and spirits categories.
Work collaboratively with team members to achieve sales and customer-service goals.
Qualifications
Previous distributor (off-premises sales) experience with strong relationships is a must.
Previous retail, hospitality, wine, spirits, or customer-service experience preferred.
Strong interest in and knowledge of wine and spirits.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to make thoughtful product recommendations without being overly technical or intimidating.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced retail environment.
Ability to stand for extended periods and lift/move cases of product as required.
Must meet all legal age and licensing requirements applicable to the position and location.
Wine or spirits certifications such as WSET, CSW, or equivalent are a plus but not required.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is enthusiastic about wine and spirits and enjoys helping customers discover products they will love. They are professional, dependable, curious, and comfortable learning about new products. A successful Retail Specialist combines product knowledge with excellent sales and customer-service skills.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive hourly pay
Sales incentives or bonus opportunities, where applicable
Employee discounts
Opportunities for wine and spirits education and professional development
Schedule
Full-time. Candidates should be willing to work a flexible retail schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Equal Opportunity
We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace and consider qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics.
Job category: Sales and Marketing