There are a million reasons why I loved working at HWGA, if I didn’t move to Spain I might still be working there. I made so many good friends, met awesome, genuine people, learned about the resale business, was always around the best clothing, and much much more. If you are looking for a gig that is rewarding, fun, and flexible then this might be a good fit for you!
Below I have compiled just 10 reasons (in no particular order) why I loved working at Portland’s best women’s consignment shop.
As a student for the majority of my 7 years working at HWGA, it was important that my hours were part-time. Amanda-Jean (the manager) was extremely accommodating with whatever my schedule for the school term happened to be and did some magic making sure everyone, including myself, had the hours they needed. So, if you are a student with a fluctuating schedule, this is a place that will make it easy for you to balance your work life with your school life.
As an employee at HWGA, you get a 15% discount on all goods and trust me, you will use it. Along with the employee discount, if you consign at the shop, everything you sell is a 50/50 cut. Did I mention that you get first dibs on consignments that roll on through? It’s temptation island over there.
You will work with a great group of people! And I’m not just saying that. I have met so many friends through HWGA (customers included) and you will develop a special relationship with everyone there. It is a brand pillar to have a comfortable, fun, inclusive environment not only for the customers but for the employees as well. If you have a good sense of humor, then you will be a shoe-in.
Have you wanted to learn about the resale business? Chris is very open about sharing her knowledge and she has tons (30+ years in the business!). Another skill you will develop working at HWGA is the resale value of clothing items, accessories, shoes, bags etc. If you are a thrifter, this skill will come in handy the next time you’re shopping around Portland’s resale shops.
The shop is located in South Portland. It is a very cute, laidback part of town with coffee shops and tasty restaurants within walking distance. It’s very charming and the Willamette River is not too far if you want to take your lunch break with a view.
At HWGA a lot of the customers are long time regulars. They are fun, down-to-earth, and honestly very pleasant to work with. You have the chance and are encouraged to be yourself with the customers, not the typical, ridgid salesperson approach.
I did not have a car for a few years working at HWGA and luckily it was not an issue because there were a few bus lines that could get me to and fro.
What do dogs have to do with a resale shop? Well, during the pandemic, Chris was working at the shop alone for the most part and she would see the neighborhood doggos walking by. She bought a bag of treats, gave one to whomever walked by, and the rest is history. Now, we have the neighborhood dogs trained to stop at the front door to get their daily treat (and some rubs). So I hope you like dogs!
Once you have gone through training and have a solid footing in all the basics of the job then you are encouraged to do what you are good at. For example, I enjoyed making displays so that task was typically left for me to be in charge of.
I wouldn’t have been there for so long if it wasn’t. The team is supportive, silly, and awesome. The customers are real, open, and happy to shop and support. The dogs are dang cute. And the clothes are so fun and unique.
Are you interested? Send in your resume today!
Call us: (503) 244-6910
Email: johnslanding@hwga.com
Or visit in person: 511 S Carolina Street
Good luck!
- Dre