Retail Sales Associate (Seasonal)

Cotopaxi; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness Benefits

60% off Cotopaxi products

Learning & development opportunities

Brand discounts for other outdoor gear

Job summary

Cotopaxi is seeking a part-time Retail Guide for our Georgetown, Washington DC store. You will guide guests, share product knowledge, and help create memorable experiences that reflect our Do Good mission.

This seasonal role supports store operations, restocking, and a welcoming, high-energy environment during the holiday period. We value energetic, organized individuals who enjoy connecting with people, are flexible with hours, and can lift up to 50 lbs while standing for long periods.

Qualifications

• 18 years or older.
• Retail or similar high-paced environment experience is a plus.
• Energetic and enthusiastic; eager to share our story and connect with guests.
• Humanitarian at heart; supportive of our Do Good mission.
• Eye for detail and highly organized.
• Strong accountability and self guidance.
• Flexible – able to work varying hours (at least 2 weekdays and 1 weekend).
• Able to work through the holiday season, including the Friday after Thanksgiving.
• Able to work for the duration of the location term.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and be on your feet in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Guide guests through their journey with care, curiosity, and intention.
• Greet guests, share experiences, and offer help and expertise.
• Educate guests on products, experiences, and our impact.
• Represent Cotopaxi values of People, Innovation, and Adventure.
• Restock and destock products to keep the store ready for guests.
• Open/close the store on schedule and ensure smooth operations at POS.

Skills

Retail experience

Energetic

People focus

Detail oriented

Accountability

Flexible hours

Holiday availability

Physical stamina

Job description

Job Title: Retail Guide (Retail Sales Associate)

Job Level: Entry-Level

Job Type: Temporary - Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Job Location: Cotopaxi Retail Store - Georgetown, Washington DC

Job Compensation: $20.00/hr plus bonus potential

Duration: November 2026 - January 2027 (Holiday Season)

About Cotopaxi:

Cotopaxi is a B Corporation that makes adventure travel gear to empower people to see the world and make it better. Our Gear for Good promise is to make our products as ethically, sustainably, and durably as possible, while having a positive social, environmental, and economic impact. We dedicate 1% of revenue to the Cotopaxi Foundation, which supports nonprofit partners with proven track records of alleviating poverty. Through our Foundation to date, we have helped more than 4.25 million individuals experiencing extreme poverty. For more information, visit www.cotopaxi.com.

Cotopaxi is a company that values people, innovation, and adventure and our work environment reflects just that. Whether you are working from one of our retail stores, our headquarters, your couch at home, or even your van in the woods, you’ll feel the camaraderie of our amazing team of visionaries, builders and go‑getters. We are a team of adventurous, mission‑driven people looking to prove that business CAN be a force for good.

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 Georgetown we hope you’ll apply.

Let’s build something great – 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.

The hourly rate for this position is $20.00.

Here is a snapshot of the benefits we provide:

Wellness Benefits

• Company-paid Mental Health Benefits.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• In The Wild 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!

As a mission‑driven brand, Cotopaxi is not only hyper aware of but also deeply invested in putting people first and paving the way as a humanitarian brand. We welcome, embrace and celebrate all people regardless of gender, age, race, disability, nationality, ethnicity, faith, or sexual orientation. We believe in Doing Good, and how we’re involved with that has no limits.

No matter what experience you have within the outdoor industry we encourage you to apply. At Cotopaxi we believe that experience comes from a variety of places. We look for individuals who thrive on challenges, are passionate about doing good, and believe that collaboration and candor are necessary for success. Show us how your experiences have shaped you and how you can contribute to Cotopaxi in our mission to Do Good. We can’t wait for you to share with us your personal story!

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.