FAO Schwarz Toy Specialist - Oakbrook Center

This role blends high-touch retail selling with dynamic, interactive experience facilitation. Toy Specialists drive sales by delivering signature FAO experiences and creating magical, memorable moments for guests of all ages, guiding them through personalized journeys.

About the role

As experts in the Jewel Box—a rotating collection of FAO brand experiences—Toy Specialists master each experience, book and facilitate appointments, and adapt quickly as experiences, products, and processes evolve. Specialists perform in-house experiences, embody characters through costumes and scripting, and use the FAO Schwarz selling vision to engage and delight guests. They build authentic connections, demonstrate product knowledge, and handle POS transactions while maintaining store presentation and layout.

FAO Toy Specialists wear a provided uniform (branded shirt and apron) and are responsible for keeping it clean and presentable.

Responsibilities

• Perform in-house experiences consistently while adding personal flair to make each interaction unique.
• Embody characters through costumes, props, scripting, and backstories for each experience.
• Engage and delight guests using the FAO Schwarz selling vision to drive sales.
• Build authentic connections with guests, handling multiple interactions simultaneously.
• Demonstrate product knowledge to introduce key items based on guest needs.
• Showcase products with confidence and enthusiasm, highlighting key features.
• Assist with stock refilling and other product-related tasks as needed.
• Maintain awareness of store layout and local area to answer guest queries accurately.
• Process POS transactions while adhering to policies and procedures.
• Apply basic merchandising principles to maintain floor layout and planograms.

Requirements

• 1+ year of experience in a fast-paced premium retail or experience-based environment (preferred).
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to perform in front of audiences or one-on-one to drive sales.
• Experience in performance, acting, music, or dance (a plus).
• Familiarity with premium or experience-based retail (a plus).
• Engaging, theatrical personality capable of captivating audiences.
• Ability to remain positive and in character for extended periods.

Physical Requirements

• Continuous movement for 6–8 hours per shift, including bending, twisting, squatting, flexing, and reaching.
• Frequent use of hands for grasping, fine manipulation, pushing, and pulling.
• Handling bulky or awkwardly shaped items, including lifting above the head.
• Regularly lift items weighing up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds.

Pay

$18.50 hourly. Commission varies by department: 3%–14.5% for apparel, shoes, and accessories; 3% for beauty and men’s fragrance. Performance-based incentives/bonuses may apply.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Retirement plans (e.g., 401k) and paid time off (PTO), including holidays.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Merchandise discount and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources.