Retail Sales Associate

Columbia Sportswear Company; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 17,047 - 24,280; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Commuter benefits

Wellness benefits

Employee discounts

Job summary

Columbia Sportswear Company in Asheville, North Carolina is looking for a Retail Associate to join their vibrant team. In this role, you'll provide exceptional customer service, engaging with customers to understand their needs and recommending products. You'll maintain store standards and contribute to store profitability while being an integral part of the team.

This position requires strong communication skills and the ability to work a flexible schedule. Benefits include employee discounts and wellness programs, making it a rewarding opportunity for anyone passionate about retail.

Qualifications

• No specific education required; High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• 2 years or less of experience in a retail position or specialization.
• Ability to communicate clearly with others.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional customer service and respond to consumer questions.
• Engage with consumers to understand their needs and preferences.
• Maintain store standards for visual merchandising and cleanliness.
• Perform cash register transactions efficiently and accurately.
• Contribute to store profitability by managing product flow.

Skills

Customer service skills

Communication skills

Inventory management

Point-of-Sale (POS) operation

Education

High School Diploma or GED preferred

Job description

• $15 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 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

With over 430 retail stores worldwide, Columbia Sportswear associates are essential to the 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, associates create memorable customer experiences while simultaneously assisting the Store Leadership team in supporting our 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 our 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)
• 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, connecting consumer to loyalty program) efficiently and accurately
• Contribute to store profitability by receiving, handling, replenishing, and processing incoming and outgoing product flow accurately and efficiently

Qualifications

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

Job Conditions

• Frequently active environment requiring movement and lifting (up to 40 lbs.)
• May frequently use specialized equipment
• May be exposed to dust and noise
• Requires ability to work in a dynamic retail setting

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – free, confidential 24/7 counseling services
• Commuter benefits including transit and parking reimbursement programs
• Wellness benefits and employee discounts from Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, SOREL, and prAna

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. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter. For more information about your rights, see https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf.