Thrift Store Associate - 25 hours

tsainternal; Albert Lea (MN); On-site; USD 15,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

The Salvation Army Albert Lea Thrift Store is seeking a part-time Associate to process donations, stock merchandise, assist customers, and handle checkout operations at 416 Bridge Ave, Albert Lea, MN 56007. The role is on-site, 25 hours weekly, with a pay range of $11.68–$12 per hour. Requires a high school diploma; background check required.

Flexibility to rotate tasks, strong interpersonal skills, and basic math ability are valued. Prior retail or customer service experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Customer service and/or retail experience preferred.
• Basic math and cash handling experience is a plus.
• Must pass background checks.

Responsibilities

• Provide a welcoming customer and donor experience.
• Operate cash register accurately and efficiently.
• Sort, clean, process, hang, and organize merchandise.
• Stock and maintain sales floor merchandise to drive sales.
• Accept and process donations and issue receipts.
• Perform light cleaning to keep the store tidy.

Skills

Customer Service

Cash Handling

Merchandise Processing

Stocking

Donation Processing

Customer Assistance

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Summary

The Salvation Army Albert Lea Thrift Store provides an enjoyable shopping experience with great deals on a variety of goods. Revenue from the store directly supports the local community by funding Salvation Army Albert Lea Corps programs and services. The Albert Lea Corps is committed to “Doing the Most Good” by offering holistic, person-centered support to individuals and families. In addition to worship services and pastoral care, the Corps provides short- and long-term case management, food and clothing assistance, utility and rent support, housing resources, and connections to community organizations.

The Thrift Store Associate plays a key role in creating a positive experience for both customers and donors. This position is responsible for processing donated goods, stocking merchandise, assisting customers with shopping, and ensuring efficient checkout operations.

$11.68 - $12 per hour, 25 hours a week

416 Bridge Ave, Albert Lea, MN 56007

Essential Functions

Store Associates will be cross-trained in all essential functions and may rotate between tasks throughout their shift or focus on specific responsibilities as needed.

• Customer Service: Provide a welcoming and positive shopping and donation experience for customers and donors.
• Cash Handling: Operate the cash register accurately, efficiently, and quickly.
• Merchandise Processing: Sort, clean, process, hang, and organize merchandise.
• Stocking & Sales Support: Stock and maintain sales floor merchandise to enhance product visibility and drive sales.
• Donation Processing: Accept and process donations, assist donors with unloading items, and issue receipts.
• Store Maintenance: Perform light cleaning to maintain a tidy and organized store environment.
• Customer Assistance: Assist customers with loading purchases as needed.

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Customer services and/or retail experience preferred.
• Basic math skills required and previous experience handling cash a plus.
• Must pass background checks.

Competencies

• Flexible interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• High level of initiative and self-motivation.
• Ability to problem-solve, multi-task, and prioritize.

Working Conditions

• Perform all physical aspects of the position, including being mobile, bending, reaching, standing, and climbing.
• Must be able to regularly lift 40 pounds and occasionally 60 pounds.
• Must be able to communicate clearly with colleagues and customers.
• On-site role; not eligible for a remote-friendly work environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

Travel Requirements

• None.

Other Duties

• All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree to support its mission as employees.
• This job description is not all-inclusive and is intended to outline essential functions. The supervisor may assign additional duties, responsibilities, and tasks as needed.

The Salvation Army Mission

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its Mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Fair Chance Hire

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.