Thrift Retail Store Associate

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey; Prospect Park (NJ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous time off policy

Health, wellness, and financial resources

Robust health benefits

Retirement matching programs

Transit and commuter benefit

Job summary

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey is seeking a Thrift Store Associate in Pequannock, New Jersey. This full-time position requires sorting and grading donations, providing customer service, and following safety protocols. The role supports a diverse donor population and contributes to Goodwill's mission to unlock the good in communities.

Ideal candidates should have a high school diploma and experience in customer service or retail. The position offers generous time off and robust health benefits, including medical and retirement matching programs.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in customer service, donation processing, retail, or warehouse environments is a plus.
• Comfortable performing physical tasks, including lifting, sorting, and standing for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Sort, grade, and inspect donations for quality and condition.
• Tag and price merchandise according to company standards.
• Provide excellent customer and donor service, including accepting donations and issuing receipts.
• Support Goodwill’s mission by maximizing efficiency and productivity.

Skills

Customer service experience

Ability to follow safety procedures

Basic communication skills

Teamwork skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent preferred

Job description

About the Company

Goodwill Greater New York and Northern New Jersey (GWNYNJ) believes that the power of work and sustainable fashion is how we unlock the good in our communities. For over 100 years, we have helped people get jobs, stay employed, and progress in careers across New York and Northern New Jersey. We believe that diversity drives innovation and strengthens our workplace. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, experiences, and abilities.

Position Title: Thrift Store Associate

Location: Pequannock, New Jersey

Benefit Classification: Hourly

Position Type: Full-Time

Responsibilities

• Sort, grade, and inspect donations (textiles, housewares, electronics, shoes, and accessories) for quality and condition.
• Tag and price merchandise according to company standards, meeting production goals per hour.
• Prepare items on rolling racks and carts for transport to the sales floor, meeting company standards for full fixtures.
• Organize and separate items for e‑commerce and clearance departments, accurately labeling all goods.
• Follow safety procedures and operational guidelines to maintain a clean and secure work environment.
• Provide excellent customer and donor service, including accepting donations, issuing receipts, and ensuring the donation area remains neat and organized when needed.
• Support Goodwill’s mission by maximizing efficiency and productivity in daily tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the store team and broader organizational goals.

Schedule

• This is a full‑time role, requiring weekdays and some weekends.
• Flexibility in your availability is essential to meet the needs of the business which operates Monday to Sunday, 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Safety Guidelines

This role involves handling pre‑owned merchandise, which may contain allergens, dust, or other substances. Goodwill provides training, protective equipment, and follows safety protocols to ensure a clean and secure work environment. Employees must follow all safety guidelines and report concerns to management.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Prior experience in customer service, donation processing, retail, or warehouse environments is a plus.
• Ability to provide friendly, respectful service to a diverse donor and customer population.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and operational guidelines.
• Comfortable performing physical tasks, including lifting, sorting, and standing for extended periods.
• Basic communication and teamwork skills.

Benefits

• Generous time off policy.
• Health, wellness, and financial resources to help you achieve your personal goals.
• Robust health benefits including medical, dental, vision, parental leave, and company‑sponsored life insurance.
• Retirement matching programs and contributions.
• Transit and commuter benefit.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are happy to assist and ensure you have an equal opportunity to apply. If you require a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, or if you are unable to apply through our recruitment portal, please contact us at [e-mail].