Retail Store Specialist (Customer Service/ Merchandising) Part Time
Posted on October 24, 2025
Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL) is a prominent general merchandise retailer headquartered in the northeastern United States, operating over 150 stores and generating revenues exceeding $850 million. As a key player in the retail sector, OSJL also manages a shopping center business worth over $75 million, with the company serving as an anchor tenant in more than half of its centers. OSJL is committed not only to offering exceptional value through its wide assortment of discounted merchandise, but also to driving positive community impact and fostering responsible retailing practices. The company’s dedication to customer satisfaction and community engagement has contributed significantly to its reputation as a reliable and community-oriented retailer.
The specific employment opportunity available is for the position of Store Specialist, a role pivotal to ensuring a positive shopping experience for customers while supporting the operational and merchandising functions within the store. The position is compensated within a competitive range of $16.00 to $17.25 per hour, commensurate with the applicant’s experience and the responsibilities undertaken. This role is essential for maintaining the high standards set by the company in customer service, merchandising, and store presentation.
As a Store Specialist at OSJL, you will be directly involved in various facets of store operations, including providing outstanding customer service based on the T.R.E.A.T. model that fosters a welcoming and supportive shopping environment. You will be responsible for handling complex point-of-sale transactions with accuracy and efficiency, assisting customers in finding products, and actively promoting company-wide initiatives such as donations, loyalty programs, and special promotions.
Beyond customer interaction, this role involves visual merchandising, restocking inventory, and ensuring that your assigned areas look appealing and meet company standards. You will also play a leadership role in training, overseeing, and coordinating the activities of assigned associates, including managing break schedules according to company policies and legal regulations. Reporting operational issues and suggesting improvements to store leadership will be part of your routine to ensure continual enhancement of store performance and customer satisfaction.
In addition to these responsibilities, the Store Specialist role requires maintaining a safe, clean, and organized environment for both customers and employees, which entails proactive maintenance and daily management of returns and stock damages following established procedures. This role demands a good balance of customer service, operational oversight, and team collaboration.
OSJL values the well-being of its associates and offers a variety of perks and protections, including a 30% associate discount on purchases, access to wellbeing programs, generous paid time off encompassing sick, vacation, and holiday pay, comprehensive health and wellness coverage including medical, dental, vision, life, critical illness, and accident insurance. Furthermore, employees have access to flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care, short-term disability income protection for full-time associates, and personalized healthcare support through Accolade Care.
This position typically involves working in a climate-controlled store environment requiring consistent physical activity such as moving and lifting items up to 35 lbs, standing for prolonged periods, and occasionally climbing ladders. Work schedules may include nights and weekends, reflecting the retail environment's dynamic nature. The company is committed to making reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential job functions.
Moreover, OSJL invests in its employees’ professional growth offering benefits such as referral bonuses, tuition reimbursement for full-time associates, profit-sharing bonuses, 401(k) retirement plans, and exclusive company vacation and discount programs. The company culture promotes growth, teamwork, and community involvement, making it an attractive employer for those seeking a retail career with meaningful advancement potential.
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Availability to work nights and weekends as required by business needs for full-time associates
- Ability to lift 35 lbs on a regular basis
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Basic math and reading skills
- Ability to follow company policies and merchandising guidelines
- Must have prior experience in retail, merchandising, customer service, or cashier roles
- Capability to work in a physically active environment involving long periods of standing, moving, and occasional ladder use