Costume Production and Sales Associate

Costume Production and Sales Associate

The Costumer is a 108 year-old costume rental and retail business. We are committed to advancing scholastic theatre with its transformative benefits—enhancing communication skills, boosting self-confidence, encouraging resilience, enhancing social skills, and fostering empathy and critical thinking. We take pride in being the backoffice for thousands of productions annually.

In this role, you will ensure all costumes and accessories within The Costumer wardrobe inventory are in good condition and readily available for customer sale and rental while providing excellent customer service. You will work in our rental warehouse and at our retail store as needed under the direction of the store manager or assistant store manager and production manager and in coordination with the Production, Wardrobe, and Retail teams. 

If you are passionate about ensuring the show will go on for thousands of actors nationwide—and delivering outstanding customer experiences, we invite you to apply today and become a part of our legacy at The Costumer.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service in person, online, and via phone.
• Maintain, monitor, and secure inventories of costumes, wigs, props, and makeup, reporting status regularly to store and production management.
• Sell costumes at retail store and assist in up-selling purchases and rentals.
• Locate, accessorize, and package costumes for rental or sale.
• Clean, press and bag costumes before and after rentals.
• Keep retail store, wardrobe vault, and production floor tidy and organized when not serving customers.
• Process returned rental items and restock costumes into inventory and storage.
• Enter costume descriptions into computer systems to facilitate customer use and inventory management.
• Tag and label costumes, indicating show and size, detailing costume condition, required alterations, and costume location within rental and retail locations.
• Keep detailed sales, rental, and order records.
• Create worksheets for dressing lists, show notes, and costume checks.
• Learn to capably operate a cash register, computer software and equipment, and other  systems and equipment with training.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

• 1-3 years experience working in a retail and/or costume rental setting
• A love for theatre, performing arts, costuming, and/or Halloween!
• Proficient computer and cash register skills.
• Excellent customer service and verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and be well-organized while managing operational priorities and customer needs.
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with a team.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Flexibility and willingness to enthusiastically work with constantly changing priorities.
• Ability to effectively communicate with people at all levels and from all backgrounds.
• Acute attention to detail and commitment to high standards.
• Flexibility and willingness to work enthusiastically within constantly changing priorities.
• Bonus if you have experience or knowledge in theatre production or costume crafting.

Education

• High school diploma required; one-year certificate or bachelor's or associates degree from college or technical school preferred.

Schedule: Part-time (approximately 10-20 hours/week between 9a and 5:30p), flexible schedule to meet business needs including some weekends during busy seasons

Work Location: In person in Schenectady, NY

FLSA Status: Nonexempt