Fall Retail Management Internship- Mall in Columbia

LOFT creates modern, feminine, versatile clothing for women with one common style goal: to look and feel confident wherever the day takes them. We empower women to find their authentic self-expression because feeling like yourself is always in style. Here at LOFT, we're busy styling the careers and supporting the lives of everyday optimists just like you. Express your authentic self and experience endless inspiration, all while enjoying the opportunities and benefits that help you get the most from your career, life, and wardrobe.

REPORTS TO:

STORE MANAGER, MULTI STORE MANAGER, TRAINING STORE MANAGER

The Retail Management Intern Program delivers a best-in-class retail leadership-focused experience for juniors, seniors and recent graduates with an interest and desire to build a career in retail. Over the course of the program, interns will be provided with a challenging hands-on experience in retail leadership through functional area touch points, developmental classes and executive exposure. Interns can expect to learn from the best in the business about communication, client experience, human resources, store operations, loss prevention, merchandising and more!

Interns are expected to work approximately 20-25 hours per week with a flexible work schedule (e.g., nights, weekends, and holidays) and regular work attendance is necessary. Interested applicants must possess a client-first mentality, be a collaborative team player and results-oriented. This opportunity will allow you to:

• Work in fashion and develop your leadership skills by working alongside our top store leaders as an Acting Sales Lead (key holder)
• Motivate associates to anticipate the clients' needs and exceed her expectations
• Drive results while monitoring key metrics and identify business trends and opportunities
• Utilize available tools and resources to ensure an efficient, client-focused environment: problem solving and resolution
• Gain experience in merchandising through planning, executing, and adjusting visual directives to support business priorities
• Partner with store leaders to create a great place to work and shop
• Develop skills in recruiting, selection, and training of hourly associates

In addition to Sales Associate role of providing an excellent Customer Experience, as an Acting Sales Lead, the Intern is responsible for supporting the Store Manager and Assistant Store Manager in overseeing the operational functioning of the store including, but not limited to:

• Support the business strategy & adjust to effectively reach goals
• Drive revenue by proactively managing the client experience as Manager On Duty – Assume the MOD role when Store Manager/Assistant Store Manager is not on the floor
• Drive sales volume & anticipate clients’ needs while communicating store metrics & individual performance to motivate associates
• Coach Associates  in the moment  on client interactions & performance to maximize productivity & capture client opportunities
• Possess keys to the store, perform opening and closing procedures in the absence of management (e.g., opening/closing registers, opening checklists, bank deposits, filling in, recovery, cleaning, retrieve/send email, accepts/receives shipment
• Utilize reports to make effective merchandising decisions & style the store in Division standards
• Leverage tools, assess and take action to drive operational excellence through Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's)
• Complete daily tasks to ensure store runs smoothly and meets all standards and guidelines
• Report to work as scheduled; record time worked accurately by using the Time and Attendance system; remain flexible to the needs of the business
• Embrace fashion, understand current market trends and show ability to articulate them using Ann Taylor/LOFT interpretations in every client interaction. Represent the brand by adhering to the dress code guidelines
• Treat others fairly and with respect. Foster an inclusive, diverse, and safe culture

• Must be a current college junior, senior or recent college graduate
• Client Service:
  Ensure that the client remains the top priority while balancing required tasks and overall store operations
• Store Operations and Organization:
  Ability to organize, delegate, prioritize assignments, and meet deadlines
• Merchandising:
  Knowledge of visual standards and techniques, and ability to implement and maintain guidelines
• Accuracy:
  Ability to handle cash and provide change…