Retail Associate

Columbia Sportswear Company; Sevierville (TN); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts

Wellness time off

EAP (mental health services)

Advancement opportunities

Job summary

Columbia Sportswear Company is seeking a Retail Associate to deliver exceptional in-store experiences and act as a brand ambassador. You will engage customers, answer questions, and help with product recommendations while supporting store standards and team collaboration.

The role emphasizes problem-solving, sales abilities, and teamwork in a dynamic retail environment, with flexible schedules and strong focus on customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• No specific education required (HS Diploma or GED preferred)
• 2 years of experience or less in a similar role
• Ability to operate Inventory and POS systems, and related retail software tools
• 16 years of age or older
• Employees must be age 18 and have worked 1,000 hours

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional customer service by assisting customers with product questions and needs.
• Demonstrate and explain merchandise; offer suitable product recommendations.
• Maintain store standards for visual merchandising, cleanliness, and safety.
• Process cash register transactions accurately (sales, returns, exchanges, loyalty program).
• Contribute to store profitability through efficient product flow and inventory handling.

Skills

Customer service

Sales skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED preferred

Tools

POS systems

Inventory software

Job description

Compensation & Benefits

• $16 per hour
• Hiring 16 + years old
• Flexible work schedules with opportunities for advancement.
• Wellness time off to support your health and wellness journey
• Employee Discounts from all our brands including Columbia, prAna, Sorel, and Mountain Hardwear.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) provide access to free mental health services, financial services, discounts on fitness programs, and more!
• Fun, engaging, energetic team focused on helping you grow!
• We also offer generous employee discounts.
• Temporary employees are eligible for Wellness Time Off, which complies with all applicable state and local paid leave laws.

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.

Qualifications

• 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
• Employees must be age 18 and have worked 1,000 hours.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Company Background

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.