sales associate

Columbia Sportswear Company; Bridgend; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Sportswear Company is seeking a Retail Associate to deliver exceptional customer service and drive sales on the shop floor. You will interact with customers, answer questions about features and availability, and provide recommendations while supporting store standards and team goals.

The role involves cash handling, loyalty program connections, and assisting with stock replenishment. A flexible retail schedule may be required, and basic inventory/POS proficiency is expected.

Qualifications

• No specific education required, High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• 2 years or less of experience in a position or specialization.
• Experience operating Inventory and POS systems, plus various retail software tools.
• 16 years of age or older.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional customer service and assist with product recommendations.
• Maintain visual merchandising, cleanliness, and safety standards.
• Handle cash register transactions accurately, including loyalty programs.
• Assist with receiving, replenishing, and processing product flow.

Skills

POS systems

Inventory systems

Retail software tools

Education

High School Diploma or GED preferred

Tools

Retail software tools

Job description

ABOUT THE POSITION

With over 430 retail stores worldwide, our associates are essential to our business. From ensuring product availability on the sales floor to creating eye‑catching visual displays to addressing customer inquiries to running an efficient checkout process, our associates create memorable customer experiences while simultaneously assisting the Store Leadership team in supporting Columbia Sportswear Company’s mission of "Connecting Active People with Their Passions." As a Retail Associate, you serve as a brand ambassador and ensure exceptional in‑store experiences through positive customer interaction. Within this role, you will employ your natural problem‑solving and sales abilities to answer customer questions and make compelling product recommendations while supporting Columbia Sportswear Companies’ values to enhance customer service and teamwork.

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Provide exceptional customer service by responding to consumer questions or issues regarding product features, benefits, and availability; engage with consumers to understand their needs and preferences (e.g., demonstrate and explain merchandise, make suggestions on suitable options for consumers, etc.).
• Maintain store standards for visual merchandising, cleanliness, and safety; retrieve merchandise from the sales floor, stock room, or other inventory locations.
• Perform all required cash register transactions (e.g., sales, returns, exchanges, connecting consumer to loyalty program) efficiently and accurately.
• Contribute to store profitability by receiving, handling, replenishing, and processing incoming and outgoing product flow in the stores accurately and efficiently.

YOU HAVE

• No specific education required (High School Diploma or GED preferred)
• 2 (or less) years of experience in a position or specialization.
• Skill operating Inventory and Point of Sales (POS) systems, and various other retail software tools.
• 16 years of age or older

JOB CONDITIONS

• Frequently in an active environment (i.e., requires the ability to constantly move about) that can be physical or strenuous (frequently adjusting/moving items weighing up to 40 lbs.), may frequently use specialized equipment, may have exposure to dust and noise.
• Occasionally requires the ability to work in a place.
• Ability to communicate clearly with others.
• Availability to work a flexible retail schedule, which may change seasonally and in response to location‑specific business trends or forecasts.
• All local, state, and federal laws are adhered to when evaluating your availability.

This job description is not meant to be an all‑inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.

Founded in 1938, Columbia Sportswear Company is a global leader in designing, sourcing, marketing, and distributing outdoor and active lifestyle apparel, footwear, accessories, and equipment. Our four primary brands - Columbia®, Mountain Hardwear®, SOREL® and prAna® - complement each other to address the diverse needs of active consumers and their products have gained an international reputation for their innovation, quality and performance. Learn more about our family of brands here.