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Management > Retail Sales Associate

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Short Description:

A Retail Sales Associate is responsible for engaging with customers to understand their needs, recommend products, and drive sales while providing an exceptional in-store experience. They assist with merchandising, restocking, and maintaining a clean, organized sales floor. The role involves processing transactions, meeting sales targets, and ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures. Retail Sales Associates serve as brand ambassadors, promoting products and fostering customer loyalty. Strong communication, sales, and customer service skills are essential for success in this role.

Duties / Responsibilities:

  • Engage with customers to understand their needs, preferences, and product interests to provide personalized recommendations
  • Maintain thorough knowledge of store merchandise, promotions, and loyalty programs to assist customers effectively
  • Process customer transactions, returns, and exchanges accurately using point-of-sale (POS) systems
  • Achieve or exceed individual and store sales goals through suggestive selling and upselling techniques
  • Replenish stock on the sales floor, organize displays, and ensure merchandise is attractively presented and properly tagged
  • Handle customer inquiries and resolve complaints in a courteous and professional manner
  • Assist with inventory counts, stock receiving, and maintaining accurate inventory records
  • Follow all store policies, including cash handling, loss prevention, and safety procedures
  • Support merchandising efforts by setting up promotional displays and seasonal floor changes
  • Collaborate with team members to ensure smooth daily operations and an exceptional customer shopping experience

Skills / Requirements / Qualifications

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; additional coursework in retail, marketing, or business preferred
  • Experience: 1–3 years of experience in retail sales, customer service, or a similar customer-facing role
  • Sales Skills: Proven ability to meet or exceed sales targets through product knowledge and customer engagement
  • Customer Service: Excellent interpersonal skills with a friendly, approachable, and service-oriented attitude
  • Communication: Strong verbal communication and active listening skills for interacting with customers and teammates
  • Technology: Proficiency with POS systems, inventory software, and basic computer applications
  • Organization: Ability to multitask and maintain a clean, organized, and visually appealing sales floor
  • Teamwork: Collaborative mindset with a focus on supporting store goals and contributing to a positive work environment

Job Zones

  • Title: Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
  • Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
  • Related Experience: Some previous work-related skills, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
  • Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
  • Job Zone Examples: These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include sheet metal workers, forest fire fighters, customer service representatives, physical therapist aides, salespersons (retail), and tellers.
  • Specific Vocational Preparation in years:  3 months to 1 year preparation (4.0 to < 6.0)

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