Retail Sales Associate

Job Summary

Retail salespersons sell or rent goods and services to customers in stores and other retail businesses.

Qualifications

They vary depending on the employer but usually retailers are willing to train employees and no special qualifications are necessary.

Responsibilities

Retail salespersons work in many different types of retail establishments, assisting customers with the selection and purchase of merchandise. In specialty stores, they sell merchandise ranging from recreation equipment, souvenirs, and food and clothing to audiovisual equipment. Main duties include greeting and assisting guests, maintaining cleanliness and merchandising within the store and utilizing effective selling techniques and guest service.

Their first and foremost responsibility is to sell merchandise and ensure customer satisfaction. To accomplish this objective, salespersons may:

Greet customers and assist them in identifying their needs (e.g. the size of shoe or T-shirt they need)

Demonstrate, fit or measure merchandise for customers and promote products such as raft trips.

Advise customers on the use and care of merchandise

Answer questions regarding the store and its merchandise

Process payments (cash, cheques, direct debit and charge cards) and provide sales receipts

Assist customers with returns and exchanges of merchandise

Wrap customer purchases or arrange for delivery

Estimate or quote prices, credit terms, trade-in allowances and warranties

Check and order stock

Stock shelves and maintains display areas.

Salespersons must be aware of current store sales promotions, policies regarding payment and exchanges, and store security practices. They may be required to develop new markets by soliciting new business when they are not busy serving customers.

Salespersons are often solely responsible for the contents of the cash register and, at the end of their shift, may: count money in the cash register; separate, account for and total credit card receipts, coupons and exchange vouchers; make deposits at a cash office or financial institution.

Personal Qualities

   A neat, well-groomed appearance

   The ability to remain courteous, patient and tactful when dealing with many different requests and people

   The ability to work in a busy store environment

Advancement Opportunities?

Opportunities for advancement may include: assistant manager and manager in small retail operations.  In larger multi store operations the potential for career advancement may be greater.

Pay Range

$5.90 – $ 13.00  (If the retail establishment offers commission, the potential exists to exceed this wage range.)