Sales Associate (Sur La Table)

Cscgeneration 2; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Sur La Table in Palo Alto, California is looking for a dedicated Sales Associate. In this role, you'll inspire customers, assist in daily operations, and create a positive store culture while maximizing sales opportunities.

The ideal candidate has at least a year of retail experience, outstanding communication skills, and a passion for culinary goods. Join us to drive customer engagement and sales while enjoying a flexible work schedule.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• 1 year of retail sales experience preferred.
• Excellent communication and decision-making abilities.

Responsibilities

• Create memorable experiences that inspire customer loyalty.
• Maximize selling opportunities by understanding customer needs.
• Collaborate with the team to maintain a positive store culture.

Skills

Customer engagement

Sales strategies

Communication skills

Problem solving

Tools

Microsoft Office

Retail management systems

Job description

With over 58 stores and the largest avocational cooking program in the US, Sur La Table offers an unsurpassed selection of exclusive and premium-quality goods for the kitchen and table – and the culinary expertise and inspiration to go along with it. Whether the job entails interacting with our customers, driving digital growth, or providing vital behind-the-scenes support, we’re all here for the same reason – to roll up our sleeves and create happiness through cooking and sharing good food.

Position Overview

As a Sales Associate at Sur La Table, you play a key role in the success of the retail store by inspiring customers throughout every stage of their culinary experience. In this role, you’ll support daily operations, deliver a #bestincenter customer experience, a company-wide standard for excellence in service, and help drive sales by sharing product knowledge.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Experience & Brand Representation

• Represent Sur La Table’s brand and culture by creating memorable, educational experiences that inspire repeat visits and customer loyalty.
• Maintain expertise by staying current on products, actively engaging in available training, and independently seeking out additional resources.
• Actively engage customers, identify their needs, recommend relevant products or experiences, and lead a customer-focused, Guest Obsessed culture.

Sales & Business Performance

• Maximize selling opportunities by identifying customer needs and offering relevant solutions.
• Promote add‑on sales and support events that grow store traffic and customer engagement.
• Consistently meet or exceed monthly sales goals, contributing to overall store revenue. Performance is measured by key KPIs such as individual sales volume, average transaction value, and customer conversion rates.

Team Engagement & Store Support

• Collaborate with team members to maintain a positive, inclusive, and high‑performing store culture.
• Support onboarding of new associates by sharing product knowledge and best practices.

Operations & Compliance

• Accurately and efficiently process transactions including sales, returns, and price checks using the POS system.
• Assist in daily opening and closing procedures, floor replenishment, and maintaining visual merchandising standards.
• Complete inventory transactions including, but not limited to, receiving, MOS (Mark Out of Stock), and RARs (Return Authorization Requests).
• Adhere to applicable wage and hour laws. Accurately record time worked according to SLT Policy.
• Model and ensure all Sur La Table policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) are communicated effectively to associates, maintained and consistently followed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to communicate verbally and work cooperatively with associates and customers.
• Ability to remain standing for up to 4 hours at a time.
• Ability to move about the store coaching and directing associates; selling to customers and retrieving merchandise from stockroom or sales floor.
• Ability to grab, reach, push, pull, bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch to retrieve and replenish merchandise from stockroom or sales floor.
• Ability to lift and/or move merchandise weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to ascend/descend ladders to retrieve and/or move merchandise.
• Ability to operate a computer, POS system, keyboards, merchandise scanners and mouse to accomplish work.
• Available to work between 12 and 16 hours per week, with a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays. While this is the minimum availability, scheduled hours may differ based on business needs.
• Regular and predictable attendance.

Qualifications & Experience

• Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of employment.
• 1 year of retail sales experience preferred.
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities.
• Passion for community engagement and providing exceptional customer experiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and retail management systems preferred.

This job description represents a summary of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. Responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the jobholder might differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties, as assigned, may be part of the job. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Sur La Table has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

The CSC family of brands provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, state or local laws.

The CSC family of brands is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact [e-mail].