Hospitality Experience Associate – Retail Associate
Our Mission
The Queen’s Library Tea Room exists to be a place of peace—where people connect, celebrate life, and are invited to dream. Our heartbeat is bringing together guests from all walks of life through thoughtfully curated tea experiences and meaningful gatherings.
Role Overview
The Hospitality Experience Associate – Retail Associate serves as the welcoming face of our tearoom boutique. This role blends hospitality, product knowledge, storytelling, and retail excellence to create an inviting and memorable shopping experience for our guests. From curating the atmosphere to assisting with product selection, this team member helps carry forward the charm, creativity, and warmth that define The Queen’s Library Tea Room.
Key Responsibilities
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Provide warm, friendly, and attentive service to every guest entering the gift shop
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Engage guests in conversation to learn what they enjoy and help them select teas, gifts, and merchandise
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Share knowledge of our tea collections, local makers, and the stories behind our products
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Create moments of delight by anticipating guest needs and offering thoughtful recommendations
Retail & Merchandising
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Maintain beautifully organized and visually appealing displays that reflect the tearoom’s aesthetic
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Restock shelves, product displays, and sample stations throughout the day
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Assist with packaging teas, labeling products, and preparing merchandise for sale
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Process purchases with accuracy and professionalism at the register
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Support seasonal and thematic merchandising projects
Operations & Care of Space
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Uphold high standards of cleanliness, presentation, and safety within the gift shop
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Complete daily opening, closing, and cleaning tasks
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Monitor inventory levels, communicate needs, and assist with small-scale inventory counts
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Support tearoom operations during busy hours as needed (greeting guests, offering water, guiding guests to seating, etc.)
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Collaborate with the tea room team to ensure cohesive guest experience across both spaces
Expectations
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Reliable transportation
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Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
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Friendly, energetic, and detail-oriented demeanor
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Genuine passion for hospitality, creativity, and guest experience
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills
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Sense of urgency, initiative, and adaptability in a boutique setting
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Ability to retain and recall product information, collections, stories, and shop layout
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Commitment to maintaining an elegant and peaceful atmosphere
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Completion of ServeSafe Food Handling Certification (for occasional crossover support)
- Required for all team members to be on available for Saturdays in May and December
Qualifications & Experience
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Retail or boutique experience preferred, but not required
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Hospitality and/or customer service experience is a plus
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Merchandising or product-display experience is helpful
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Cash-handling or POS experience preferred, but training provided
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Level 1 Food Safety & Hygiene for Catering certification preferred (training provided)
Expected Schedule
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Compensation: Starting at $15.00/hour
Benefits
- Health insurance available
- Employee discounts
- Weekly pay
- Flexible schedule; paid time off for managment roles
- Continued education in tea, storytelling, merchandising, and guest experience
- Opportunities for growth within the company
Location: 9200 Stony Point Parkway Richmond, VA 23235
Expected Start Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026; Training will take place at 221 E. Clay St. Richmond, VA.
Applications close Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM.