FAO Schwarz Toy Specialist - Garden State Plaza

About the role

The FAO Toy Specialist blends high‑touch retail selling with dynamic, interactive experience facilitation. This role drives sales by delivering signature FAO experiences and creating magical, memorable moments for guests of all ages. Toy Specialists bring strong sales instincts, an engaging presence, and the ability to guide guests through personalized journeys.

Responsibilities

• Perform all in-house experiences consistently in line with established guidelines while adding individual flair to make each experience feel unique.
• Embody the cast of characters unique to each experience through provided costumes, props, scripting, and character backstories.
• Use the FAO Schwarz selling vision to effectively engage and delight each guest.
• Build authentic connections with guests to build rapport and relationships during their visit, at times handling multiple guests simultaneously.
• Demonstrate product knowledge by introducing key items to guests based on an understanding of their needs.
• Demonstrate products for guests with confidence and enthusiasm, showcasing key features to help customers explore and engage with the assortment.
• Support with stock refilling and other product tasks as needed.
• Maintain a good understanding of store layout and local area to effectively and accurately handle guest queries.
• Handle POS transactions, adhering to policies and procedures to accurately process each transaction for the guest.
• Demonstrate an understanding of basic merchandising principles in order to maintain the floor layout and planograms on a daily basis.
• Maintain provided uniform, including a branded shirt and apron, in clean, presentable condition.

Requirements

• 1+ year experience in a fast-paced premium retail or experience-based environment preferred.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal ability.
• Ability to perform in front of a large audience or one-on-one with the purpose of driving sales.
• Experience in a performance, acting, music, or dance background a plus.
• Familiarity with a premium or experience-based retailer a plus.
• An engaging and theatrical personality that can captivate an audience in all environments.
• Ability to remain positive and in character for extended periods of time without losing any of your magic.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs.

Physical Requirements

• Continuous movement for 6-8 hours per shift, which includes frequent bending, twisting, squatting, flexing and reaching in order to handle merchandise and assist customers.
• Frequent use of hands for grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling.
• Handle bulky and sometimes awkwardly shaped items, which includes reaching for and lifting these items above the head.
• Regularly lift items weighing up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds.

Pay

$17.30 Hourly

Benefits

• Medical/Vision, Dental, Retirement and Paid Time Away
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Merchandise Discount and EAP Resources
• This position may be eligible for performance-based incentives/bonuses.
• Benefits include 401k, medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance options, PTO accruals, Holidays, and more. Eligibility requirements may apply based on location, job level, classification, and length of employment.