Retail Sales Associate

Columbia Sportswear • Albertville, MN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Retail Sales Associates serve as brand ambassadors and help create exceptional in-store experiences through positive customer interactions. They answer customer questions, make product recommendations, support teamwork, and contribute to Columbia Sportswear Company’s mission of connecting active people with their passions. Associates also support the Store Leadership team and help ensure product availability, appealing visual displays, and efficient checkout operations.

The position requires working in an active retail environment, with frequent movement and handling or adjusting items weighing up to 40 pounds. Employees may use specialized equipment and be exposed to dust and noise. A flexible retail schedule is required and may change seasonally or in response to location-specific business trends or forecasts. The listed pay range is $15.00–$21.60 per hour, with an expected hire range of $15.00–$16.00 per hour. Newly hired employees typically start at the specific store’s rate; previous experience may be considered.

Requirements

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Have up to 2 years of experience in a position or specialization.
• Be skilled in operating inventory and point-of-sale (POS) systems and other retail software tools.
• Communicate clearly with others.
• Be available to work a flexible retail schedule that may change seasonally and in response to location-specific business trends or forecasts.
• Be able to move about frequently in an active environment and frequently adjust or move items weighing up to 40 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or GED preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional customer service by answering questions about product features, benefits, and availability.
• Engage with customers to understand their needs and preferences, demonstrate and explain merchandise, and suggest suitable options.
• Maintain store standards for visual merchandising, cleanliness, and safety.
• Retrieve merchandise from the sales floor, stock room, or other inventory locations.
• Complete cash register transactions, including sales, returns, exchanges, and loyalty program connections, efficiently and accurately.
• Receive, handle, replenish, and process incoming and outgoing products accurately and efficiently to contribute to store profitability.

Benefits

• Employee discounts on Columbia, prAna, Sorel, and Mountain Hardwear products.
• Employee Assistance Programs providing access to free mental health services, financial services, fitness program discounts, and more.
• Wellness Time Off for temporary employees, in accordance with applicable state and local paid leave laws.
• 401(k) plan with a company match for eligible employees; employees must be at least 18 years old and have worked 1,000 hours.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed