Thrift Store Donations & Retail Associate

Kelowna Women's Shelter; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 33,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Kelowna Women’s Shelter is seeking a casual Thrift Store Donations & Retail Assistant in Kelowna, BC. You will support daily operations, process donations, maintain an inviting sales floor, and deliver consistent, high‑quality customer service, reflecting the shelter’s values.

The role requires the ability to lift up to 30 lbs, stand for long periods, and work with volunteers in a collaborative, mission‑driven environment. Pay is $24.33/hour with casual hours, including weekends.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of retail, thrift store or customer service experience.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, POS systems and other relevant computer software programs.
• Basic math skills with the ability to manually calculate totals, make change, and reconcile cash transactions accurately.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 30 lbs while navigating stairs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Alignment with the mission and values of Kelowna Women’s Shelter Society.

Responsibilities

• Greet and assist customers in a friendly and professional manner.
• Assist with displays, pricing, stocking shelves and operating the POS system.
• Process donations and maintain a clean, organized store and donation area.
• Collaborate with volunteers and supervisors to support day‑to‑day operations.
• Promote the Thrift Store and participate in events or ads as delegated.
• Adhere to store policies, safety guidelines, and record‑keeping requirements.
• Ensure accurate cash handling, balancing, and daily sales records.

Skills

Retail experience

Customer service

Microsoft Office

POS systems

Basic math

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Tools

POS systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are you passionate about creating safe spaces for individuals experiencing domestic abuse? Do you thrive in environments where your leadership can make a tangible difference in people's lives? If so, the Kelowna Women’s Shelter (KWS) invites you to join our team as a casual Thrift Store Donations & Retail Assistant.

About Us

KWS has been providing programs and services for people impacted by Domestic Abuse since 1980. Our programs include emergency and second-stage housing, PEACE program, community-based victim services, sexualized assault services, education and prevention initiatives, a 24/7 support line, and a community thrift store. We are committed to fostering safety, choice, and inclusion, and believe in building a community free from abuse and sexualized violence through education, support, and strong partnerships.

Summary

As a casual Donations & Retail Sales Associate, you will support the effective daily operations of the Thrift Store by ensuring a positive, organized, and service-focused environment. This role is responsible for receiving and processing donations, maintaining a clean and well-merchandised sales floor, and delivering consistent, high-quality customer service. Your professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to representing Kelowna Women’s Shelter’s (KWS) values contribute directly to an efficient retail operation and a positive experience for both donors and customers.

Key Responsibilities

Retail

• Greet and assist customers in a friendly and professional manner and ensure store is welcoming at all times;
• Assist with displays and inventory prices, in consultation with the TS Manager and TS team members/volunteers;
• Sorting and pricing items;
• Stocking shelves and racks;
• Displaying items and maintaining display areas.
• Placing and replacing signage;
• Processing purchases via established store POS system with various forms of payment;
• Register float maintenance, transaction records, securing cash and deposits;
• Process smaller donations at sales counter;
• Daily opening and closing procedures;
• Ensure cash area is tidy and organized at all times; and
• Any other duties required to maintain the store’s day-to-day operations.

Donations

• Greet and thank donors warmly, creating a respectful and positive experience.
• Accept or respectfully decline donations based on established guidelines.
• Communicate the mission and impact of KWS to new and existing donors.
• Safely handle, lift, and carry donation items up and down outdoor steps.
• Sort and triage donations into appropriate categories (e.g., clothing, books, electronics).
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the donation area.

Teamwork

• Collaborate with volunteers in the sorting, pricing and organizing of incoming donations and the recycling of unsuitable donations.
• Assist the TS Team Lead and TS Manager in the orientation, training of TS team members/volunteers.
• Bring any personnel concerns to the attention of the TS Manager, where necessary.
• Assist the TS Team Lead and Manager to recognize TS volunteers and donors.
• Participate in regular team meetings.
• Contributes to a collaborative work climate which attracts, maintains, and motivates team members and volunteers.

Promotions

• Assist in the promotion of the Thrift Store, as delegated by the TS Manager and/or TS Team Lead, by responding to inquiries and/or participating in public events or advertisements.

Facilities

• Identify the need for supplies, equipment and/or fixtures and bring to the attention of the TS Manager. If assigned, ensure all necessary paperwork is completed, distributed and/or filed per policy, procedure and/or process.
• Perform cleaning and maintenance tasks, as delegated by the TS Team Lead or TS Manager, and ensure the Thrift Store and sorting room are organized and clean.

Policies

• Adhere to all policies, procedures and processes of KWS and KWS Thrift Store.
• Identify potential changes required in Thrift Store policies, procedures and/or processes, directly to the TS Manager.

Health & Safety

• Adhere to all health and safety policies and procedures of the Thrift Store as outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and Workers Compensation Act.

Information and Record-Keeping

• Assist the TS Team Lead and TS Manager with completion and/or filing of daily sales records, cash register and point-of-sales (POS) receipts, manually balancing register and all other necessary forms, including those for donated items given away to clients or others.
• Provide feedback to the TS Team Lead and TS Manager in all aspects of store operations, including customer, volunteer and donor feedback, and personal observations.

Requirements

• Minimum 1 year of retail, thrift store or customer service experience is an asset.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, POS systems and other relevant computer software programs is an asset.
• Basic math skills with the ability to manually calculate totals, make change, and reconcile cash transactions accurately.
• Frequent carrying, bending, lifting, and twisting with merchandise weighing up to 30 lbs while navigating stairs.
• Tasks may involve repetitive movements and handling of donations in varying sizes and weights.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Respect for donor confidentiality and dignity.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Alignment with the mission and values of the Kelowna Women’s Shelter Society.

Additional Requirements

• Must be available for a minimum 8 shifts per month, including two Saturdays.

Location: Kelowna Women’s Thrift Store, Kelowna, BC

Hours of Work

Casual position, varies based on the needs of the store

Store hours: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Saturday

Pay: $24.33/hour

Why Join Us

Be part of a mission-driven organization making a difference in the lives of children and families. Work in a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive environment. Access professional development opportunities to grow your career.

We acknowledge that the Kelowna Women’s Shelter is located on the ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.