Interior Design Retail Sales Professional

About the role

The Design Consultant works closely with customers to create individualized design solutions to sell Ethan Allen products and services. This includes space planning, fabric coordination, product selection, and overall project design. Successful execution involves developing tailored designs and achieving sales goals in a flexible, relationship-based selling environment. Some projects may require a team or partnership-based approach.

Design Consultants are measured on performance categories such as teamwork, customer service, communication skills, decision-making, project development, presentation, and technical skills, as well as benchmarks like Minimum Monthly Sales, Home Calls, Accent Sales, Softgood Sales, Be-Backs, PI, Close Ratio, and the Ethan Allen Trade Program. Proficiency in social media and digital channels is required to promote the Ethan Allen brand.

This is a full-time, incentive-based role with compensation determined by commissions earned.

Responsibilities

• Create design solutions consistent with the customer’s preferences and budget.
• Sell Ethan Allen’s products and services while representing the brand in all customer interactions.
• Professionally greet customers in the design center to establish rapport and secure appointments or in-home consultations.
• Conduct home calls to evaluate customer needs and provide individualized design solutions that close sales.
• Utilize grassroots marketing and social media platforms to develop and grow the business.
• Educate customers about Ethan Allen’s complimentary design services, offering as much or as little assistance as desired.
• Stay current on design and color trends to create fashionable design solutions.
• Coordinate with the team to provide exceptional pre- and post-sale service, keeping customers informed of order status, including delays.
• Participate in corporate-sponsored marketing and training programs as required.
• Educate customers on Ethan Allen’s finance options.
• Contribute to the development and upkeep of the design center’s portfolio.
• Use corporate systems and technology to maximize efficiency in designing projects, creating presentations, and providing professional service.
• Enter orders using the retail point-of-sale system.
• Maintain a neat and orderly design center.
• Collaborate with the Design Center Leader and other Design Consultants to develop business and grassroots marketing plans to exceed sales goals.
• Utilize technology such as 3-D Room Planner, CRM, and Live Chat to build project volume and productive client relationships.
• Leverage social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) to enhance personal and Ethan Allen’s presence, and build relationships with industry professionals via platforms like LinkedIn.
• Perform any other duties as required.

Requirements

• Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent with relevant work experience.
• At least one year of practical interior design experience.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a design-related field from an accredited institution (desirable).
• Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques.
• Working knowledge of online sales and design tools.
• Strong listening, oral, and written communication skills.
• Understanding of how to use social media and grassroots marketing to develop a client base (proven experience preferred).
• Valid driver’s license, except in limited circumstances where alternate transportation is available for business use.
• Intermediate competency in digital floor planning technology; 3D applications are a plus.
• Experience using interactive technology such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and other visualization tools.
• Willingness and ability to learn new technologies.

Pay

Design Consultants are paid a recoverable draw of $51,500 annually based on written sales. The potential income for experienced Design Consultants averages $70,000–$115,000 per year, with top performers earning $200,000 or more annually.

Benefits

Ethan Allen offers a variety of benefits to support associates’ peace of mind and financial well-being. Benefit availability varies based on full-time or part-time status.

• 401(k) plan with employer contributions.
• Multiple medical plans with prescription drug coverage.
• Health Savings Account (including employer contributions).
• Dental and vision plans.
• Basic Group Term Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
• Supplemental Group Term Life & AD&D insurance.
• Dependent Group Term Life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Business Travel Accident Life Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for health care and dependent care.
• Commuter Savings Plans for public transit and parking.
• Voluntary Whole Life Insurance.
• Voluntary Critical Care Insurance.
• Voluntary Accident Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.