Retail Associate - Footwear

Columbia Sportswear Company; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with match

EAP + counseling

Transit and parking benefits

Wellness program

Employee discounts

Job summary

Columbia Employee Store in Portland, OR is seeking a Retail Associate to deliver outstanding customer experiences and support store operations. You will assist customers, explain product features, and offer compelling recommendations while processing transactions at the POS and maintaining visual standards on the floor.

The role emphasizes teamwork, adaptability, and a friendly, proactive approach in a fast-paced retail environment.

Qualifications

• 2 years or less of experience in a retail position or similar.
• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Ability to operate inventory and POS systems and basic retail software tools.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional customer service by responding to questions about product features, benefits, and availability.
• Engage with customers to understand needs and offer suitable merchandise options.
• Maintain store standards for visual merchandising, cleanliness, and safety.
• Perform cash register transactions (sales, returns, exchanges) accurately.
• Support store profitability by receiving, replenishing, and processing product flow.

Skills

Customer service

Sales ability

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

POS systems

Inventory management software

Job description

Columbia Employee Store - Portland 14100 NW Science Park Dr. Portland, OR 97229

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.

Benefits

• 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.

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.

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.