Working in retail can sometimes feel like just another job, but it can become a truly rewarding career with the right mindset and approach. 

At Avondale Bowl, co-owners Jeff Wilson and Luke Blahnik have created an environment where their team thrives by embracing community, creativity, and a passion for customer experience. 

Their story offers valuable insights into making your retail job more fulfilling and building a career that brings both professional and personal satisfaction.

Read on to discover six ways you can add fulfillment to your retail job. 

1. Find Purpose in Your Work

One of the key ways to have a fulfilling job in retail is connecting with your workplace’s mission. For Wilson and Blahnik, reviving an historic bowling alley was about more than running a new business; it was about preserving a piece of Chicago’s history. They wanted to create a space that felt historic yet modern, where people could gather and enjoy themselves.

Blahnik recalls, “We stumbled upon the bowling alley one day that was in a total state of disrepair… but we just knew that somebody had to revive it”​.

You can take a similar approach. Start by understanding the history and mission of your retail store. This will help you to form a solid connection to the space, making daily tasks feel more meaningful. 

2. Embrace Creativity and Ownership

Retail jobs can be opportunities for innovation and creativity. So, go against the norm! Instead of modernizing their space, the team at Avondale Bowl uniquely designed it with a vintage aesthetic, embracing manual scorekeeping to enhance the retro feel. 

You can bring the same creativity into your role, but what does that look like?

• Collaborating: A good brainstorming session with coworkers will get creative ideas flowing. 
• Participating In Your Brand’s Socials: Starting a new account or being a part of social media content will give you an outlet to create and connect.
• Moving Things Around: Reorganizing and improving store displays can make you feel like you have more ownership in your position and give you a chance to try out fun layouts or themes.  

Retail is a dynamic industry, and what you put into it is what you get from it. Remember that creativity is your most powerful tool if you ever feel uninspired. It’s important to lean into your role, think outside the box, and take pride in shaping the energy and success of your store. 

3. Align Your Job with Your Interests 

Retail can be rewarding, but at the end of the day, it can feel like any other job. There will be times when you’ll spend hours working the floor, chatting with customers, and selling products. It might start to feel monotonous, but finding ways to enjoy what you do can really help!

For Wilson, bowling was a huge part of his childhood. When he saw the old bowling alley, he knew immediately that he wanted to create a place where others could feel the same joy he felt growing up. In this sense, Wilson merged one of his favorite pastimes with his career. 

Sure, it’s easy to pick a job just for the paycheck but imagine finding one that aligns with your passions. 

Love barbecue? Try working at a spot like Robinson’s Ribs. Are you obsessed with sneakers? Apply for a job at a custom shoe store like OPC Kicks. 

When your job aligns with what you love, you’ll feel the satisfaction of doing something that makes you happy daily.

4. Build Strong Relationships with Your Team

A supportive work environment plays a huge role in job satisfaction. It doesn’t matter if you’re working in a boutique, a grocery store, or a bowling alley; building positive relationships with coworkers can make your retail job more fulfilling.

Blahnik and Wilson’s partnership is a perfect example of how collaboration leads to success. “Jeff and I met at a restaurant in Chicago maybe 10 years prior. He was my boss, I was a server’s assistant… when it was time to revive this, I knew of no better partner and operator than Jeff.”​

If you haven’t found your work bestie yet, don’t stress. You can create connections with your current coworkers by helping them with daily tasks, mentoring new hires, being dependable, and communicating openly. This will lead to a more enjoyable work experience and long-lasting relationships! 

5. Take Pride in Customer Service

Retail jobs offer a unique opportunity to impact customers’ lives directly. At Avondale Bowl, the emphasis on authentic, high-quality service makes all the difference. The owners brought their hospitality backgrounds into the business, ensuring guests have a great experience from the moment they walk in.

How can you take pride in customer service? Try these tips:

• Empathize: Understanding your customers and their origins can help you find tailored solutions that effectively solve their problems.
• Know Your Stuff: Knowing the products or services you sell can help you to feel more confident and easily address customer concerns.
• Stay Positive: A positive mindset goes a long way. Your positivity will radiate in the space, leading to happier employees and customers. 

Finding fulfillment in a retail job starts with being proud of the service you provide. Embracing the value of your position and making customer satisfaction a priority brings a sense of purpose that can extend well beyond your usual day-to-day responsibilities.

6. Set Retail Career Goals 

A retail job can be a gateway to bigger career opportunities. Setting short and long-term career goals is important to give you a sense of direction and purpose. Short-term goals offer quick wins that boost motivation, while long-term goals provide a clear vision of what you’re working toward. 

Avondale Bowl’s co-owners started in the hospitality industry but aimed to do something bigger. They eventually became full-time business owners, turning their dreams into reality.

You can do the same. After you set your goals, put them into action. Take advantage of growth opportunities by learning new skills, asking for additional responsibilities, and networking within the industry. If you work hard, you can move into store management, corporate retail roles, and even become an entrepreneur, making your retail experience a stepping stone to long-term success.

Conclusion 

Retail jobs don’t have to feel routine. They can be engaging, creative, and fulfilling. By finding purpose in your work, appreciating history, delivering great customer service, and seeking growth, you can truly make your retail job more fulfilling.

Inspired by Avondale Bowl’s journey, retail employees everywhere can turn their jobs into meaningful careers.

We Are Retail is focused on highlighting Illinois’ great and diverse array of retailers. If you loved learning about Avondale Bowl’s story and know a retailer who deserves recognition, Nominate A Retailer!