Lead Sales Representative

Job Description

Salary: Competitive, based on Experience 

Position Overview: The Antique and Artisan Gallery is a premier destination for distinctive antiques, fine art, and decorative objects where exceptional design meets storied craftsmanship. We are seeking an articulate, dynamic, and retail-savvy Retail Sales Representative – Trade & Gallery Relations to join our team.

This is a hands-on, retail-forward role centered on the gallery sales floor, blending walk-in luxury retail customer service with active trade outreach. You will act as a primary host and brand ambassador, guiding retail shoppers, interior designers, architects, and private collectors through our curated collections. The ideal candidate pairs strong retail sales acumen and point-of-sale efficiency with an appreciation for antiques, craftsmanship, and interior design.

Key Responsibilities

Retail Sales & Gallery Experience

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• Welcome walk-in retail shoppers, collectors, and design professionals with warmth, polished etiquette, and exceptional hospitality.
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• Guide clients across the sales floor, sharing knowledgeable perspectives on provenance, period, craftsmanship, and how individual pieces can live in contemporary interiors.
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• Actively drive retail sales to meet gallery goals while maintaining high service standards.
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• Maintain an immaculate gallery floor presentation to support visual merchandising, inventory organization, and tag/signage accuracy.
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Trade Relations & Account Cultivation

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• Proactively identify and develop relationships with interior designers, decorators, architects, and hospitality trade professionals.
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• Serve as a trusted sourcing partner for trade projects by understanding client briefs, aesthetics, dimensions, timelines, and budgets.
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• Generate and present digital tear sheets, formal proposals, price quotes, and product reserves.
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• Attend occasional design industry events, showroom exhibitions, and gallery gatherings to represent the brand and generate prospective trade leads.
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Operations, POS & Client Care

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• Manage point-of-sale (POS) operations (SOS or similar), processing in-store purchases, deposits, invoicing, and approvals with precision.
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• Promptly manage inbound retail inquiries via phone, email, and web chat.
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• Partner with the back-of-house team on inventory status, holds, outgoing delivery logistics, white-glove shipping, and receiving.
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• Keep meticulous client notes and sales records to support proactive follow-ups and repeat retail business.
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Qualifications

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• 3–5+ years of successful sales experience in high-end retail, a luxury design showroom, decorative arts, fine furniture, or art gallery environment.
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• Bachelor's degree in Art History, Interior Design, English, or History
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• Hands-on familiarity with retail showroom operations, client-facing transactions, and visual merchandising.
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• Knowledge of or genuine passion for antiques, decorative arts, furniture periods, and the interior design industry.
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• Strong computer fluency with retail POS, inventory, and CRM platforms (SOS experience is a plus).
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• Polished, gracious demeanor with natural communication skills and discretion suited to an international and high-net-worth clientele.
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• Self-starter attitude capable of multitasking between active floor traffic, administrative follow-up, and inventory coordination.
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• Bachelor’s degree preferred (Art History, Interior Design, Fine Arts, Communications, or related field).
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• Schedule Requirement: Ability to work a retail schedule with rotating weekend shifts (Saturdays/Sundays) and flexibility for occasional evening gallery events.
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Benefits

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• Competitive base compensation plus sales incentives, commensurate with experience.
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• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
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• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
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• Paid time off (PTO).
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• Immersion in an ever-evolving, museum-quality inventory of antiques and art.
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• A collaborative, knowledgeable team with strong industry roots.
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Job Details

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• Job Type: Full-time
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• Schedule: Full-time retail schedule, including rotating weekends and periodic evening events
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• Location: Stamford, CT; 10-min walk from Metro-North Train Station; on-site (Gallery floor).
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