Retail Ops & Sourcing Intern
Job Summary
A Wonderful Time is seeking a Retail Ops & Sourcing Intern to build and launch a new retail concept opening in October 2026 in Montclair, NJ. The intern will work directly with the founder in two main areas: sourcing store collateral, products, and fixtures to finish the store build out, and setting up the operational systems that will allow the store to run seamlessly upon opening.
This job is all about execution, perfect for a smart, driven, organized, self-starter, who wants a hands-on taste of entrepreneurship. This is the founder’s second venture; the first was a DTC native brand that bootstrapped profitability to over $300 million in sales over the course of 11 years.
We’re looking for talent with these skills -
- Resourceful & Self-Directed - You can receive a brief and start working. You figure things out using every tool at your disposal, including AI. You come back with answers or the right follow-up questions.
- AI Fluency - You use AI tools daily and instinctively — for research, for building spreadsheets and trackers, for drafting vendor outreach, and deciding on your next steps quickly. This is not optional. It’s how you’ll learn how to do the job.
- Organized & Detail-Oriented - You can keep track of multiple supplier conversations, sample shipments, and pricing comparisons without losing information. You label things correctly, you keep clean records, and you meet deadlines.
- Friendly - You’ll be emailing and calling suppliers, manufacturers, and vendors regularly. You write clearly, follow up, and are comfortable both picking up the phone and meeting contractors in person.
- Hardworking - You want work that’s tangible and fast-paced. You’re energized by checking things off a list and seeing real results from your effort.
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Curious About Brands, Products, and/or Retail - You don’t need to have any relevant retail background, but you should care about what makes a great store great. You have opinions about how things are displayed, wrapped, and presented, and what makes an experience a wonderful time.
What the job will consist of -
Sourcing Tasks
- Receiving product and material specifications — bags, tags, ribbon, packaging, fixtures, and other store collateral — and independently researching suppliers who can produce them.
- Reaching out to suppliers to request samples, pricing, minimum order quantities, and production lead times.
- Organizing and presenting supplier options in a clear, comparable format so the decisions can be made quickly.
- Tracking all sample orders, shipments, and follow-ups so nothing falls through the cracks.
- Using AI tools to accelerate research — finding vendors, compiling product specs, building comparison spreadsheets, and drafting outreach emails.
Store Ops Tasks
- Setting up and configuring the POS system, including SKU numbers, barcodes, and pricing.
- Building the inventory management process: how products are received, logged, priced, and placed on the floor.
- Ordering operational supplies: receipt paper, labels, bags, packaging materials, and signage.
- Creating process checklists and standard operating procedures for opening, mid-day, and closing shifts.
- Supporting the hiring and training of retail staff — posting roles, scheduling interviews, and documenting how the store’s systems work so new staff can learn them quickly.
- Setting up the CRM and email system for post-visit customer communication.
Scope of Work & Pay
- This is a summer internship (approximately 10–12 weeks), in-person, based at our store in Montclair, NJ.
- Compensation is $22-25/hour depending on experience.
- This is a hands-on role. You will be on your feet, handling samples, organizing inventory, and working alongside the founder and contractors.
- Strong performance may lead to a continuing role as the store opens and grows.
Application Instructions
If you are interested in the role, please complete the 15-minute prescreen questionnaire available here. You will be asked to upload your resume as part of the prescreen process. Within 10 business days of completing the prescreen questionnaire you will be notified via email of your status.
About A Wonderful Time
Part gift shop and part art gallery, A Wonderful Time is a new retail concept opening in October 2026 in Montclair, NJ, adjacent to The Claridge Movie Theatre. The store will sell first-to-market, original products in stationery, art, homeware, and confectionery; each one designed by the founder to delight consumers and encourage new communal and familial traditions. The thesis behind the store is that retail can be an artistic medium, not just to sell but to give people in the community a space to consistently have a wonderful time together. Learn more at awonderfultime.com.