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Retail Associate Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Last updated May 12, 2026
Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated May 12, 2026
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Guide helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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8 min read

A retail associate, or sales associate, helps customers choose and purchase products in a retail environment. Your retail associate job description may include duties such as greeting customers, organizing merchandise displays and operating cash registers.

In this article about retail associates, you can find information about the responsibilities, skills, education requirements and experience preferences to help you write a retail associate job description. 

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2026-07-012026-06-01

Retail associate duties and responsibilities

Retail associates’ duties and responsibilities generally involve customer service tasks. They may also perform other tasks, such as processing payments, pricing products and monitoring inventory.

Duties and responsibilities for your retail associate job descriptions might include:

  • Answering customers’ questions about products, potentially suggesting alternatives based on needs and preferences
  • Completing sales, including handling cash and processing credit card payments
  • Handling returns and exchanges
  • Recommending products to customers and finding upsell opportunities
  • Assisting with inventory management, including monitoring stock levels and replenishing displays
  • Maintaining cleanliness throughout the store and storage areas by tidying product displays or organizing stockrooms
  • Encouraging customers to participate in promotions or loyalty programs

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Retail Associate Job Description Examples

Example 1

We are looking for part time staff at The UPS Stores at 7660 Fay Ave, La Jolla CA 92037 in downtown La Jolla.

Please submit your contact info and resume here.
[website]

Being a notary public a plus. A background check will be conducted. You must be available to work Saturdays and Sundays.

Compensation & Benefits:
  • Start at $18/hour, plus bonuses which can be up to $2 / hour
  • health care
  • 401(k) with 4% employer match
  • sick days

Success in this position and on our team requires understanding that the customers may not always be right but they are customers, and deserve respect. People from all over San Diego drive way out of their way to come to our stores and choose to do business with us because we deliver world-class customer service. If this sounds like you, then step to the front of the line and come get your spot...

Other responsibilities include completing online training, talking with other members of the team to help each other up and grow your knowledge of our services and products.

Printing, copying, custom packaging, shipping, freight services, notary public and working to support the day-to-day operations of a busy high performing retail location as well as learning opening, and closing procedures for the store. The ideal candidate will be an active part of the retail team, always looking for ways to boost personal and team productivity, morale, and delivering on our commitment to deliver a five-star experience to our customers, community, vendors, and co-workers.

This position requires an outgoing personality, exceptional customer service skills and the ability to self-manage and be an active part of a healthy, high performance team in a busy, sometimes demanding retail-service environment. The ideal person will be eager and willing to work as an important part of a team to be an ambassador for the store.

If you read this far, you might be interested in seeing a couple videos about our stores.
[website]
[website]

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $18.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend availability
Supplemental pay types:
  • Bonus pay



Ability to commute/relocate:
  • La Jolla, CA 92037: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:
  • Sales: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Retail sales: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Basic math: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:
  • Certified Notary Public (Preferred)

Shift availability:
  • Day Shift Location: One location

Example 2

We have an immediate opening to join our team! If you are hardworking, outgoing and energetic, apply today!

This a part time position, averaging 20-25 hours per week. Must be able to work 2-3 days per week(10-5:30) AND must be able to work every other weekend. Weekend hours are Sat (10-5) and Sun (12-4). If you can not work weekends or are looking for a full time position, please do not apply for this opening.

Job Duties: ?? Customer Service ?? Running the register ?? Tagging and putting out incoming product ?? Social Media Posts and keeping the store neat and organized.

Must be dependable, have reliable transportation, be able to stand for extended periods of time and lift up to 25lbs.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $10.00 - $11.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
Shift:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
Weekly day range:
  • Rotating weekends
  • Weekends as needed



Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Greenville, SC 29615: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:
  • Retail sales: 1 year (Required)

Shift availability:
  • Day Shift Location: In person

Example 3

About Us: Founded in 1991, Discount Fashion Warehouse has GROWN and now has 11 brick and mortar locations in Ohio and we are expanding our locations to grow our business even further. We prioritize team development, a positive work environment and encourage creativity! Discount Fashion Warehouse is continuing to grow, and we need YOU! We are looking for Outgoing and Energetic people to join our growing team! As a Retail Associate you bring our brand to life every day! Benefits of working for DFWh:
  • Fun and exciting work environment
  • Professional development and growth - Opportunities for quick promotions!
  • 20% Employee Discount!! (On Already LOW Prices!)
  • A rewarding experience to be yourself
  • Access toMedical, Dental, and Vision insurance for Full Time associates
  • Paid Holidays for Full Time associates
  • Paid time off and sick time for Full Time associates
  • NO Mandatory Overtime, although it is available if desired!What you'll contribute to the team:
  • Demonstrated sales and customer service results in a fast-paced environment
  • Availability for varied weekly shifts including weekend, closing and peak hour shifts
  • Effective communication skills, being open to feedback and the ability to act on it.
  • A willingness to learn and adapt; is flexible to change and open to try new ways of doing things.
  • Ability to stand, walk, lift heavy items, and work with other team members to provide excellent customer service.
  • High level of energy to promote a positive work environment.We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not make employment decisions based on an individuals race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other legally protected status, and we comply with all laws concerning non-discriminatory employment practices. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for associates and job applicants with disabilities. We only hire individuals authorized for employment in the United States.Job Types: Full-time, Part-time Pay: From $11.00 per hour Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Evening shift
  • Weekend availabilityAbility to commute/relocate:
  • Springfield, OH: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)Application Question(s):
  • Are you willing to submit to a background check in accordance with local laws and Location: One location

Example 4

Amazing Reasons
  • Start at $13/hr!
  • Once hired, refer your friends to add more money to your pocket once they complete their probationary period!
  • Earn up to an EXTRA $1300 per year for good attendance!
  • You are still able to have a life with Flexible scheduling and no extended hours on holidays!
  • Continue to grow with our specialized training and development programs.
  • 20% store discount on purchasesRequirements
  • One year of retail or production is preferred.
  • Must be able to stand, bend and reach for the duration of your shift.
  • Donation Attendants must be able to lift, push and pull a minimum of 50 pounds.Job Types: Full-time, Part-timePay: $13.00 per hour Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend availabilityAbility to commute/relocate:
  • New Berlin, WI: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work Location: One location

Example 5

Company Description You can find retail jobs just about anywhere. So, why work at Red Wing Shoes? From our purpose-built footwear to our stylishly designed stores, you'll see the difference. From our life-friendly retail schedules to career advancement, you'll feel the difference. And, when you create remarkable, in-store experiences for customers who build, shape, and protect the world around them -- you'll make a difference. We're not just retail. We are Red Wing. Job Description General Purpose OF JOB: Promote and support our high-quality Red Wing brand image through professional selling, building loyalty and long-lasting relationships with our customers. This is achieved by promoting the Red Wing Shoe Company's Ultimate Fit Experience (UFX), selling our premium products, and providing conscientious customer service. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Guide each customer through RWSC's Ultimate Fit Experience
  • Provide appropriate accessory recommendation, educate customers on the benefits of each
  • Generate Industrial Sales Leads
  • Achieve and exceed daily productivity and sales goals
  • Maintain the integrity of the sales floor presentation, store signage, and housekeeping standards
  • Maintain proficiency with product knowledge, technical, and operating standards through continuous learning
  • Maintain safe and healthy work environment by following organization standards and legal regulations
  • Provide direct support in the daily operations of the retail storeOTHER Duties AND Responsibilities (following duties are required on all positions):
  • Obtain necessary information by maintaining knowledge of RWSC's electronic communication software
  • Maintain quality service by establishing, following, and enforcing organization quality system standards
  • Uphold Red Wing Shoe Company's core values
  • Willingness to perform additional duties as required
  • Conduct self-accordance to RWSC policies
  • Build collaborative relationships between you and key people with whom you'll work or interact with QualificationsEducation, Experience AND Required Competencies:
  • High School Diploma/GED or equivalent work experience
  • 1-2 years relevant experience
  • Results oriented
  • Effective Written/Verbal Communication
  • Computer UtilizationAdditional Desirable Qualification AND Competencies:
  • Thorough knowledge of Red Wing Shoe Company's mission, values, and organization structure
  • Profit and loss knowledge
  • Naturally curious, has passion for new ideas, and looks to drive growth
  • Problem solving
  • Retail FootwearPhysical Demands:
  • Lifting 50 pounds, bending/squatting to lace shoes, overhead lifting, twisting, climbing a ladder, standing for long periods of time
  • Housekeeping duties including but not limited to: vacuuming, mopping & waxing floors, washing windows, use of disinfectant chemicals, discarding of all trash, maintaining recycling, installing, and maintaining furniture, fixtures, and displays.WORK Environment:
  • Retail Store Additional informationRed Wing Shoes is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals with disabilities needing assistance in completing an application may call [phone number]. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP at [website] All offers of employment are contingent on satisfactory results of a background check. Red Wing Shoe Company, Inc. is a drug-free workplace. Red Wing Shoe Company will not be using recruitment agencies or firms to fill this position and we will not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate information. No agency calls please. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c) Job Type: Part-time Pay: From $15.00 per hour Benefits:
  • 401(k) Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend availability Supplemental Pay:
  • Commission payEducation:
  • High school or equivalent (Required)Experience:
  • Retail: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Customer Service: 1 year Location: One location
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Guide helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
Job Description Best Practices
Optimize your new and existing job descriptions to reach more candidates
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What does a retail associate do?

Retail associates can help shape customers’ shopping experiences by greeting them, answering questions and locating products in the store or via an online catalog. By working with customers and addressing their needs, Associates can potentially increase a store’s revenue and build long-lasting customer relationships.

Retail associates generally work in settings where items are sold to the public. Supermarkets, department stores, specialty stores (e.g., sporting goods, fine jewelry, cosmetics), car dealerships, antique shops, pharmacies and e-commerce retailers often hire retail associates to help promote their products. E-commerce retailers may use titles such as Online Retail Associate or E-commerce Store Associate.

Retail associate skills and qualifications

Retail associates are primarily concerned with customer service. Therefore, it’s important that applicants demonstrate various soft skills, such as empathy and patience, to help them connect with consumers and create a welcoming environment. Retail associates also may work with inventory management systems, which require basic technical skills, such as proficiency with point-of-sale (POS) systems and computers.

Skills and qualifications often listed in retail associate job descriptions include:

  • Comprehensive product knowledge, including use cases and benefits
  • Strong communication skills, including the use of persuasive language to encourage sales
  • Willingness to collaborate with coworkers and offer support when needed
  • Capacity for multitasking and flexibility to switch between administrative and customer-facing duties
  • Basic math and money-handling skills, such as counting back change
  • Familiarity with sales-related software, including POS systems and inventory management software
  • Ability to address and resolve customers’ problems

Retail associate experience requirements

Rather than relying on formal education or experience, many employers assess retail associate candidates using a skills-first approach to hiring. For example, you may prioritize candidates with a strong customer service background or existing knowledge of your company’s products.

Sales Associates who sell high-end or specialty goods may benefit from prior sales experience. That experience may include other customer service roles with transferable skill sets, such as a Customer Service Associate, Call Center Representative or Server.

Retail associate education and training requirements

Formal education isn’t a requirement for retail associates. Instead, employers often use skills-first hiring to source, screen and hire top talent. This strategy allows employers to find applicants who may be entering the workforce or new to sales roles but have related abilities.

New hires may complete an in-house training program to learn customer service best practices, store policies and POS system operation.

Retail associate salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a retail associate is $49,378 per year. Salary may vary depending on location, employer size and applicant experience.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this job description for a retail associate doesn’t quite fit your needs, check out these job description samples for similar positions:

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FAQs about retail associates

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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