Seasonal Retail Associate

Columbia Sportswear Company; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

401k match

Employee discounts

Wellness time off

Job summary

Columbia Sportswear Company in Aurora, IL is seeking a Retail Associate to provide exceptional customer service, answer questions, and make compelling product recommendations. You will support store leadership, maintain visual standards, and process transactions with accuracy.

The role emphasizes teamwork, brand representation, and flexible scheduling in a fast-paced retail environment. Applicants should be 16+ with retail-friendly experience; benefits are offered to temporary staff.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• 2 years or less experience in a position or specialization.
• Ability to operate Inventory and POS systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional customer service by addressing questions and issues; suggest products.
• Maintain store standards for visual merchandising, cleanliness, and safety; retrieve merchandise.
• Perform cash register transactions (sales, returns, exchanges, loyalty) accurately.
• Assist with product flow handling and replenishment to support store profitability.

Skills

Customer service

Sales skills

POS systems

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Inventory systems

Job description

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.”

HOWYOU’LLMAKE 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.

YOUHAVE

• 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.

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position’s scope and function in the company.

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

Pay Range: $17.00 - $24.48 Expected Pay Range for Hire: $17.00 - $18.00*Newly hired employees typically are employed at the start rate for the specific store; however, previous experience will be considered.

Employees must be age 18 and have worked 1,000 hours.

• We’re proud to offer temporary employees benefits that can protect your family’s financial future and help you save money through our 401k plan plus a generous company match.
• We also offer generous employee discounts.
• Temporary employees are eligible for Wellness Time Off, which complies with all applicable state and local paid leave laws.