Outlet Associate

Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee; Bend (AR); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill Industries is seeking an Outlet Associate for Cockrill Bend Outlet II in the United States. The role supports daily store operations by assisting customers, rotating merchandise, and maintaining a clean, safe sales floor. You will help with donation flow and production, while adhering to safety and loss prevention procedures.

The position emphasizes teamwork, strong attendance, and flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays in a fast-paced retail environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Prior retail, warehouse, production, or customer service experience is helpful but not required.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, push, and pull throughout shifts.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and follow procedures.
• Basic communication and teamwork skills.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide friendly customer service and answer basic inquiries about procedures and merchandise.
• Assist with moving merchandise and keeping sales floor organized and safe.
• Support donation flow and backroom operations as needed.
• Follow cash handling procedures if assigned to register duties.
• Maintain cleanliness of the sales floor and surrounding areas.
• Partner with store leadership to meet production and sales goals.

Skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Follow instructions

Stand/walk/bend/lift

Safe merchandise handling

Attendance & punctuality

Communication & problem-solving

Diversity awareness

Flexible scheduling

Operate material handling equipment

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift certification (if required)

Pallet jacks & carts operation

Job description

Cockrill Bend- Outlet II

Job Summary

The Outlet Associate supports daily outlet store operations by assisting customers, rotating merchandise, maintaining a clean and safe sales floor, and supporting production and donation flow as needed. This position helps create a positive customer experience while supporting Goodwill’s mission and operational goals.
The Outlet Associate is responsible for providing customer service, assisting with merchandise movement, keeping the outlet floor organized, and following all safety and loss prevention procedures. This role requires strong teamwork, attention to safety, and the ability to work in a fast-paced retail environment.

Essential Functions

Customer Service

• Greet and assist customers in a friendly and professional manner.
• Answer basic questions about outlet store procedures, pricing, and merchandise.
• Help maintain a positive shopping experience for all customers.
• Respond to customer needs and elevate concerns to management when needed.

Merchandise Handling

• Assist with moving carts, tables, tables, or merchandise onto and off the sales floor.
• Rotate merchandise according to store procedures.
• Keep merchandise areas organized and safe for customers and team members.
• Support sorting, staging, and recovery of goods as assigned.

Store Operations

• Maintain cleanliness of the sales floor, production areas, restrooms, and exterior areas as assigned.
• Assist with opening and closing duties.
• Support donation flow and backroom operations when needed.
• Follow cash handling procedures if assigned to register duties.

Safety and Loss Prevention

• Follow all safety procedures when moving merchandise, carts, tables, or equipment.
• Keep aisles, exits, and work areas clear of hazards.
• Report injuries, safety concerns, theft, or suspicious activity to management.
• Follow all company policies, procedures, and attendance expectations.

Teamwork

• Work cooperatively with store leadership and team members.
• Communicate issues, supply needs, or customer concerns promptly.
• Be flexible and assist in different areas of the store based on business needs.
• Support production and sales goals through consistent work habits.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Skills

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.

Experience

• Previous retail, warehouse, production, or customer service experience preferred, but not required.

Knowledge and Skills

• Basic customer service skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, push, and pull throughout the shift.
• Ability to handle merchandise safely and efficiently.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Basic communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a diverse environment with different cultural backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to operate equipment used in outlet operations, including pallet jacks, carts, tables, and related material handling equipment.
• Ability to operate a forklift, if required by location. Must obtain forklift certification. Training and certification are provided by the organization.

Preferred Education / Experience / Knowledge & Skills / Certifications & License

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous retail, customer service, or production experience preferred.
• Experience working in fast‑paced, high‑volume environments preferred.
• Prior nonprofit or mission‑based retail experience is a plus.
• Experience operating a point‑of‑sale system or handling cash transactions preferred.
• Bilingual language skills are preferred.