What does a Stock Associate do?
A Stock Associate assists customers with finding merchandise and ensures that the sales floor is well-maintained, promoting customer satisfaction and sales. They also maintain the store’s appearance, helping to improve your brand image. Additionally, Stock Associates enhance safety by returning misplaced items to shelves and removing potential tripping hazards. Their duties can help you track sales accurately, manage inventory and develop a robust loss prevention program.
Stock Associate skills and qualifications
Performing the role of a Stock Associate requires certain skills. These qualifications can be indicators of candidates’ potential to excel in your open position:
- Ability to move items weighing 25 to 100+ pounds, depending on the particular merchandise you carry
- Computer skills to operate inventory control software
- Ability to utilize tools and equipment, such as inventory scanners and cutting tools
- Listening skills to understand and follow instructions from Supervisors and Managers
- Ability to remain upright and mobile throughout most of a shift
- Knowledge of health and safety policies to help avoid injuries
- Memorization skills to learn the store layout and remember where various items go
- Observation skills to notice flaws, read expiration dates and spot other signs of aged or damaged merchandise
Stock Associate experience requirements
How much experience a Stock Associate needs to carry out their duties depends on your business. Individuals who possess the necessary skills and qualifications and have no previous related work experience often succeed as Stock Associates, provided they receive adequate training. If you have a staffing shortage, you may wish to look for candidates with one or more years of experience working as a Stocker, Fulfillment Associate or Warehouse Worker. These candidates typically require less training and support compared to new hires.
Stock Associate education and training requirements
There are usually no minimum education requirements for Stock Associates. If your store uses forklifts in the stockroom, any Stock Associate who will operate it must receive certification through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) by completing a training class and written test. During onboarding, retailers often provide forklift training. However, if you need a new hire to start operating a forklift immediately, you might want to prioritize candidates with existing certifications.
Stock Associate salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Stock Associate is $39,651 per year. The salary you offer a Stock Associate may vary depending on their experience and skills and the current job market in your area.
Stock Associate salary expectations
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Common salary:
18.46 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
7.25 -37.35 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Job description samples for similar positions
If the details for the Stock Associate role aren’t an exact match for your open position, explore the following descriptions for related job titles:
Stock Associate job description FAQs
What is the difference between a Stock Associate and a Stocker?
The roles of a Stock Associate and Stocker are closely related, and you will sometimes see the terms used interchangeably. However, some retailers hire both Stock Associates and Stockers. In stores that have both positions, the Stock Associate is usually responsible for entering the merchandise into inventory, inspecting products and applying pricing information, while the Stocker is responsible for refilling shelves.
What is the difference between a Stock Associate and a Fulfillment Associate?
Fulfillment Associates typically work in warehouses, while Stock Associates work in retail stores. Fulfillment Associates organize merchandise in storage areas like Stock Associates. However, their primary job function is to pick merchandise and prepare it for shipment to customers who made a purchase online or by phone. Stock Associates replenish products for in-person retail shopping. Fulfillment Associates are also more likely to use forklifts regularly.
What qualities make a good Stock Associate?
Stock Associates should have a friendly personality and positive attitude, which can help them interact with coworkers and customers who require assistance. Being detail-oriented can also help Stock Associates succeed by spotting product flaws and organizing merchandise effectively. Additionally, individuals who like having a clearly defined daily routine may enjoy working in this position.
Who does a Stock Associate report to?
Who a Stock Associate reports to depends on your store’s management hierarchy. Sometimes, a Senior Stock Associate or Stock Supervisor oversees a team of Stock Associates. In other cases, an Inventory Manager, Assistant Manager or Store Manager directly supervises associates.
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