Retail Manager

Retail Manager – Luxury Hospitality Buying and Merchandising

Job Title Retail Manager (Part-Time, Hourly, with the potential to transition

to full-time as operations expand)

Reports To Director of Carroll Hospitality

Position Overview:

Carrollwood Farms is seeking a Retail Manager to develop and oversee the retail program for its new luxury hospitality property in Sandy Ridge, North Carolina. This is a hands-on position combining retail buying and merchandising expertise with responsibility for establishing the systems, vendor relationships, and operational procedures necessary to build and grow and retail operation.

The initial focus will be establishing the gift shop within the Equestrian Center as well as the online store, with future retail locations planned at an Outdoor Pursuits center, a winery and spa, and other locations. This position will also be responsible for e-commerce management and order fulfillment.

The ideal candidate will have experience in retail buying and merchandising, strong organizational skills, and an appreciation for luxury hospitality, equestrian and outdoor lifestyles, and high-quality merchandise.

Responsibilities:

Merchandise Selection and Purchasing

• Develop and maintain a curated assortment of merchandise consistent with the Carrollwood Farms brand and guest experience.
• Source apparel, footwear, jewelry, accessories, home goods, gifts, equestrian merchandise, outdoor recreation products, and other retail items.
• Identify and evaluate merchandise from established brands, specialty suppliers, local artisans, and private-label manufacturers.
• Develop Carrollwood Farms-branded merchandise, including apparel, accessories, drinkware, and other signature products.
• Attend wholesale trade shows and markets as requested to identify products, evaluate vendors, and establish supplier relationships.
• Negotiate pricing, minimum order quantities, payment terms, and delivery schedules.
• Prepare merchandise purchasing plans and manage orders within approved budgets.
• Coordinate with hospitality, equestrian, outdoor activities, and other departments to identify merchandise appropriate for their operations and guests.

Inventory and Financial Management

• Establish and maintain inventory management procedures, including receiving, pricing, labeling, storage, replenishment, and periodic inventory counts.
• Work with the Director of Carroll Hospitality and Carrollwood Farms management team to implement and manage inventory software.
• Monitor inventory levels, product sales, and purchasing needs to maintain appropriate stock without excessive inventory. This includes managing a retail inventory depot at an on-farm warehouse.
• Coordinate with other Carrollwood Farms departments to manage inventory of products used in both retail and hospitality operations (e.g., guestroom amenities).
• Develop retail pricing recommendations consistent with established gross margin targets.
• Track sales performance, product profitability, inventory turnover, and other retail performance indicators.
• Maintain accurate purchasing and inventory records and prepare regular reports for management.
• Coordinate inventory transfers and distribution among retail locations as the program expands.

Retail Operations and Merchandising

• Plan and coordinate the initial setup and merchandising of the Equestrian Center gift shop.
• Develop attractive merchandise displays consistent with the property's design and luxury hospitality standards.
• Maintain standards for product presentation, organization, cleanliness, and merchandising.
• Establish retail operating procedures, including receiving, replenishment, inventory control, and point-of-sale transactions.
• Work with the Carroll Director of Hospitality and Carrollwood Farms management team to implement, utilize, and manage retail point-of-sale software.
• Coordinate the development and operation of the online retail store, including product listings, inventory availability, order fulfillment, and online merchandising and presentation.
• Train and support guest services employees responsible for retail sales and transactions.
• Assist with the planning and implementation of additional retail locations as Carrollwood Farms expands.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience in retail management, buying, merchandising, or a related field.
• Experience with luxury merchandise, specialty retail, resort retail, or hospitality retail preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to identify merchandise, evaluate suppliers, and manage vendor relationships.
• Knowledge of retail purchasing, pricing, inventory management, and merchandising practices.
• Familiarity with apparel, accessories, gifts, home goods, equestrian products, or outdoor lifestyle merchandise preferred.
• Experience establishing or expanding a retail operation, including merchandise assortment planning, vendor sourcing, inventory systems, and point-of-sale implementation (strongly preferred).
• Experience with retail point-of-sale and inventory management systems.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple vendors, product categories, purchasing deadlines, and operational priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other standard business software.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and collaborate with other departments.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to wholesale markets, trade shows, and vendor locations.
• Commitment to the quality, presentation, and guest service standards expected of a luxury hospitality property.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform physical tasks including bending, lifting, kneeling, reaching, climbing, and twisting.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to walk, sit, and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to receive, unpack, move, organize, and display merchandise.
• Ability to safely use ladders, carts, and other equipment associated with retail stocking and merchandising.

Compensation and Benefits : Hourly compensation commensurate with experience. Carrollwood Farms offers the opportunity to be part of the development of a unique property with aspirations to become a nationally recognized luxury hospitality destination.