Retail Associate

Columbia Sportswear Company; Auburn (WA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with company match

Employee discounts

Commuter benefits

Wellness benefits

EAP + counseling

Job summary

Columbia Sportswear Company is hiring a Retail Associate to deliver exceptional customer service and recommend products that meet customer needs. You will support store operations, including merchandising, stock handling, and POS transactions.

The role emphasizes teamwork, brand representation, and flexible scheduling to align with store demands. Prior experience is helpful; HS diploma or GED preferred. This position is based in a retail environment.

Qualifications

• No specific education required, high school diploma or GED preferred.
• 2 years of experience or less in a similar role.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional customer service by answering questions and making product recommendations.
• Maintain store standards for visual merchandising, cleanliness, and safety.
• Perform all cash register transactions (sales, returns, exchanges, loyalty) accurately.
• Contribute to store profitability through proper product flow and stock handling.

Skills

Customer service

Sales

POS systems

Problem solving

Inventory management

Education

High School Diploma or GED preferred

Tools

POS systems software

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 Sportwear 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.

Columbia Sportswear Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter.

Pay Range: $18.00 - $25.92 Expected Pay Range for Hire: $18.00 - $19.00 *Newly hired employees typically are employed at the start rate for the specific store; however, previous experience will be considered.

• At Columbia Sportswear Company, we’re proud to offer part-time employees benefits that include a variety of services and products to help make your life and work more rewarding.
• Benefits that can protect your family’s financial future and help you save money through our 401k plan plus a generous company match.
• Columbia offers EAP + which is free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services.
• There are commuter benefits such as transit and parking reimbursement programs.
• We have wellness benefits and employee discounts available.