I am Ron Emery, grandson of the Emery 5 & 10 founder E. L. Emery. In its heyday, Emery 5 & 10 had over 50 stores and was known as an excellent development and training ground for business leaders. Currently, our store is nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains at The Island in Pigeon Forge. This unique area is part of the oldest mountain range in the world and is right next to the most visited national park in the country. We are within minutes of beautiful hiking trails, historic sights, and many attractions including Dollywood.

As we approach our 100th year in 2027, we are excited for the opportunity to expand and participate in the SHIP program. We would love to include you in the next 100 years of our store’s history

We have already had a successful partnership with the University of Tennessee’s marketing program for a graded class project. Students were required to develop current and future marketing strategies for the store. Through visits to the store and interviews with me, the students gave written and oral reports on current and future marketing ideas for the store. We look forward to continuing to develop our strategies with young talent.

I would like the opportunity to teach about retail through hands-on experience as I have worked many different jobs in the store before becoming the owner and found that experience to be invaluable. Students may also have an opportunity to go to a gift and souvenir trade show if it coincides with their time working at the store.

This job opportunity will provide you with firsthand insight into day-to-day operations of a successful retail business from the ground up. The skills you learn here will prepare you for future management roles in your professional career.

Leadership & Learning Opportunities

Hands-on training across multiple store functions

Exposure to inventory buying and merchandising strategy

Sales performance tracking and business analysis

Team leadership during daily operations

Potential opportunity to attend a regional gift & souvenir trade show (schedule permitting)

Core Responsibilities

Development of future marketing strategies to move into the next century

Interns will gain hands-on experience creating and executing social media marketing plans. They will develop content, manage campaigns across platforms, and track performance to improve engagement and reach target audiences.

Operate cash register accurately and efficiently

Receive, check in, and price merchandise

Maintain clean, organized, and visually appealing displays

Deliver friendly and professional customer service

Support daily opening and closing procedures

Work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment

Qualifications

Strong work ethic and positive attitude

Honest, dependable, and professional

Ability to follow direction and communicate effectively

Comfortable in a busy retail environment

Reliable transportation

Ability to lift merchandise as needed

Store Schedule

Open 7 days per week

Summer: 10 AM – 11 PM

Spring/Fall: 10 AM – 10 PM

Winter: 11 AM – 8 PM

Time-off requests must be submitted at least two weeks in advance