Retail Sales Associate

Cotopaxi; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Volunteer time off

401(k) plan with employer match

Adventure Days

Product discounts

Job summary

Cotopaxi is seeking an enthusiastic Retail Guide for our Hayes Valley store in San Francisco. This entry-level, part-time role focuses on welcoming guests, sharing product knowledge, and helping customers plan their adventures.

You’ll join a mission-driven team committed to Do Good, sustainability, and exceptional service. The job is hands-on, fast-paced, and requires a flexible schedule including weekends; you’ll be on your feet and actively engaging guests.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Experience in retail or similar high-paced environments is a plus.
• Energetic and enthusiastic.
• Humanitarian at heart and aligned with Do Good mission.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized.
• Flexible hours including holidays and weekends.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long periods.

Responsibilities

• Guide customers, share product knowledge and experiences to support their adventure.
• Chat backpacks, jackets, and adventure with guests while discussing our Do Good mission.
• Create a high-impact and vibrant store experience and inspire customers to become fans of the brand.
• Help build a store culture that’s uplifting, collaborative, and fun.

Skills

Retail experience

Customer service

Job description

Job Title: Retail Guide (Retail Sales Associate)

Job Level: Entry-Level

Job Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Job Location: Cotopaxi Store: Hayes Valley - San Francisco, CA

Job Compensation: $21.00/hr plus bonus potential

About Cotopaxi:

We make adventure travel gear to empower people to see the world and make it better. As a Certified B Corporation, our Gear for Good promise drives everything we do - from ethical and sustainable sourcing to products built to last and create lasting change. Through the Cotopaxi Foundation, we dedicate 1% of our revenue to nonprofits that fight poverty and support communities in need. So far, we've helped more than 4.25 million people experiencing extreme poverty - and we're just getting started.

Our team is full of passionate, curious, and mission-driven people who love adventure and believe business can be a force for good. Whether you're working from a retail shop, our Salt Lake City HQ, your home, or your van in the woods, you'll find connection, collaboration, and a shared drive to make a difference.

Job Overview (What You’ll Do):

This isn't your average retail channel. Our brick & mortar stores are hubs for connection, inspiration, and adventure. We view profit as a byproduct of good conversation where every guest interaction is a chance to create meaningful connections and experiences that are more personal, inclusive, and impactful. Whether you're kitting someone out for their first outdoor adventure or outfitting a regular with our newest gear, you thrive off of creating fireside moments.

As a Retail Guide, they/she/he will create memorable moments for all who stop through our doors! Your focus will be guiding customers sharing your product knowledge and experiences to help support them on their next adventure – big or small. You'll chat backpacks, jackets, adventure and impact all while sharing our Do Good mission.

We look to inspire others and you'll help create a high-impact and vibrant store experience – inspiring others to become fans of the brand. If you're excited by our mission, energized by people, and excited to help build something meaningful in San Francisco we hope you'll apply.

Let's Do Good – together.

Job Responsibilities (How You’ll Do It):

Championing Authentic Guest Experiences

• We meet every guest where they are – guiding them through their journey with care, curiosity, and intention.
• Connect with every guest. Say hello, share your experience, and offer your help and expertise.
• Educate guests on products, experiences, local highlights as well as our mission and impact.
• Be an ambassador living Cotopaxi’s values of People, Innovation, and Adventure.

Operations and Impact

• Restock and destock products keeping the store spruced and ready for our guests.
• Be ready for our guests – open the store on time (and close the store down at the end of the day).
• Manage the point of sale system making sure customers leave supported and satisfied.
• Play an active role in creating a store culture that’s uplifting, collaborative, and fun.

Experiences to Highlight (What You’ll Bring):

• 18 years or older.
• Experience in retail or similar high-passed environments is a plus.
• Energetic and enthusiastic. Excited to share our story and drive deeper connections with our guests.
• A humanitarian at heart, and someone who believes in our Do Good mission.
• Have an eye for detail and are highly organized.
• Strong accountability and self guidance.
• Flexibility – Ability to work varying hours to support the team – at least 2 weekdays and 1 weekend.
• Can happily work throughout the holiday season (including the Friday after Thanksgiving).
• Can happily work for the duration of the location term.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work on your feet – this is an active role.

Job Benefits (The Perks):

We deeply care about our employees and are proud of our commitment and investment in our team. We prioritize wages and benefits and always keep the employee experience in mind as we work to create a quality work-life balance for everyone.

Here is a snapshot of the benefits we provide:

Wellness Benefits

• Company paid volunteer time off.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• Adventure Days: Two team building moments for the store to recharge and reconnect together.

Uniquely Us

• Live the brand you love with 60% off Cotopaxi products.
• Dig deeper and expand through our intentionally curated learning and development opportunities.
• Kit yourself out with the help of additional outdoor brand discounts to support any adventure.
• Stay connected no matter your location or department through regular virtual/in-person celebrations.
• Thrive at work and be a part of a culture that embraces people, innovation, and adventure in unique ways!

We're on a mission to Do Good - for people and the planet - and we know that starts with our team. Cotopaxi is proud to be a brand that celebrates every person for who they are and what they bring to the table. No matter your background, age, race, gender, ability, or faith - you belong here.

You don't have to come from the outdoor industry to make an impact with us. We value curiosity, compassion, and the courage to collaborate openly. So tell us your story - how your journey has shaped you and how you'd like to help Cotopaxi Do Good. We can't wait to meet you.

Cotopaxi participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.