Retail Associate

Columbia Sportswear Company; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 23,419 - 34,440; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

401k plan with company match

EAP + counseling

Commuter benefits

Wellness programs

Employee discounts

Job summary

Columbia Sportswear Company in Aurora, IL is seeking a part-time Retail Associate to deliver outstanding in-store experiences. You will help customers, suggest products, and support the store team with merchandising, inventory, and checkout operations.

The role emphasizes friendly service, basic POS use, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment; a high school diploma is preferred, and candidates must be 16 or older.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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; demonstrate and explain merchandise and offer suitable options.
• 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 (sales, returns, exchanges, loyalty program) efficiently and accurately.
• Contribute to store profitability by receiving, handling, replenishing, and processing product flow.

Skills

Customer service

POS system

Merchandising

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED (preferred)

No education required

Tools

Inventory system

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 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.

Pay Range: $17.00 - $24.48 Expected Pay Range for Hire: $17.00 - $18.00 *Newly hired employees typically are employed at the start rate for the specific store; however, previous experience will be considered.

BENEFITS

• 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.

If you need an accommodation/adjustment to successfully complete and submit your application, please reach out to [e-mail] with the Subject: Applicant Assistance Requested.

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.