Hotel Chocolat - Retail and Barista Associate (Hubbard Woods, Winnetka, IL)

Hotel Chocolat is a renowned British chocolatier and luxury chocolate manufacturer famed for its high-quality, ethically sourced products. The company operates a vibrant network of retail stores and cafes, delivering a unique customer experience centered around a premium assortment of chocolates, cocoa products, and confectionery. With a strong commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing of ingredients, and a mission to ‘Make People Happy Through Chocolate,’ Hotel Chocolat stands out as an innovative and values-driven leader in the gourmet chocolate market. The company’s dedication to authentic, original, and ethical business practices shapes not only its products but also the culture and environment it fosters for employees and customers alike. The Winnetka, Illinois store located at 912 Green Bay Road is a part of this global family, serving as a local hub where customers can explore diverse chocolate offerings in a welcoming and engaging retail setting.

The role of a Hotel Chocolat Sales Associate in this vibrant retail environment is integral to maintaining the brand’s high standards in customer service and store presentation. This position, offering $18 per hour for part-time employment with 18-24 hours per week, requires a dedicated and enthusiastic individual ready to work through the busy holiday season of 2026, including mandatory shifts on Thanksgiving and Christmas without time off from November 27th to December 25th. The Sales Associate's primary focus is to ensure every customer visiting the store is welcomed warmly and offered an exceptional shopping experience by leveraging the company’s experience program, Phoenix. This includes identifying customer needs, answering questions, and effectively using selling techniques to maximize sales.

Beyond direct customer interaction, this role involves becoming a knowledgeable brand ambassador who is passionate about the company’s products. Sales Associates are expected to thoroughly understand the Hotel Chocolat product range, from cocoa cultivation to manufacturing processes, as well as allergens and the company’s sustainability commitments. Responsibilities also include conducting product tastings and demonstrations, which enrich the customer experience and deepen product appreciation.

The associate will collaborate with the team to manage stock efficiently, ensuring deliveries are received, stockrooms are organized following health and safety guidelines, and shop floor displays are attractive, clean, and timely with respect to best before dates. Operational duties are equally crucial, encompassing compliance with health and safety standards, maintaining store cleanliness, and security procedures including cash handling, IT security, and building safety.

In the absence of the Store Manager or Assistant Manager, the Sales Associate may be entrusted with opening and closing duties, holding store keys, and managing day-to-day business requirements. The ideal candidate embodies the company’s values of authenticity, originality, ethics, and fair treatment of people, alongside demonstrating key personal attributes such as initiative, respect, communication skills, teamwork, and a commercial mindset. Hotel Chocolat provides an empowering work environment emphasizing employee development, inclusion, and support, making this role ideal for motivated individuals eager to grow professionally within a globally respected company. The benefits package includes competitive wages, flexible scheduling, 401K, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, mental health support, ongoing training programs, and career advancement opportunities within the broader Mars Inc family.