Any place that sells goods directly to consumers can benefit from the actions of retail associates. These versatile team members do whatever is necessary to promote a positive customer experience, from maintaining an attractive environment to helping shoppers find particular items. Retail associates may work either full- or part-time. Shifts vary considerably since stores are open various days and hours, including evenings and weekends. The variety of hours available to work often attracts college students, parents, and others looking to balance a job with other responsibilities. Many retail associates are hired temporarily during the busy holiday season, and some use it as a path to regular employment.
Whether stationed at the front of the store or in an individual department, retail associates show shoppers that they are valued by exchanging pleasantries and offering help in finding items.
Retail associates keep an eye on what is going on both inside and outside of the facility. This may involve noticing a spill and cleaning it up, making sure enough carts are available at the front of the store, or restocking items when a display is low. The presence of retail associates throughout the store also deters theft and vandalism.
Good retail associates know where items are located within the store. They also should possess knowledge about merchandise within their assigned department so that they can intelligently answer questions from customers.
When customers are ready to pay for their purchases, retail associates perform actions such as scanning items, bagging them, totaling the bill, collecting payment, and issuing a receipt. If someone needs assistance getting a purchase to a vehicle, the retail associate will notify the appropriate staff member.
Employers may assign their retail associates common tasks necessary to keep operations flowing and safe. This might involve picking up trash, putting discarded items back in the correct place, restocking shelves, or mopping an entrance way.
Experienced retail associates may be tasked with getting new hires up to speed and looking over their work.
Retail associates typically have a high school diploma or are in the process of obtaining one. New hires should expect a period of on-the-job-training where colleagues and managers teach them about store policies, customer service, the location of items, and check-out procedures.
Retail associates, which the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) categorizes under “Retail Sales Workers,” are usually paid by the hour. The national median hourly wage is $10.90. Retail associates in the 10th percentile earn about $8.55 per hour, and the highest 10 percent make in excess of $19.90 per hour.
Depending on where they work, retail associates may get a commission on items they sell. This practice is most common at places where purchases are large, such as at a furniture store. Most retail associates receive discounts on merchandise sold by their employer. Full-time retail associates may be eligible for benefits such as healthcare and paid time off.
According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, job prospects for retail associates should grow 2 percent between 2016 and 2026. The popularity of online shopping has decreased the number of brick and mortar stores. However, some retailers are upping their game in terms of customer service, which creates jobs for retail associates. And because turnover in this field is high, a good number of openings for retail associates often can be found at any given time.
If becoming a retail associate sounds like a great job for you, check out the following resources for further information.