​​In order to ensure your professional resume will support your goals, use this sample retail sales associate job description to inform what you should highlight on your resume.

By reviewing job description examples, job seekers will be able to identify what technical and soft skills, credentials, and work experience matter most to an employer in your target field.

Retail sales associate job description

A Retail Sales Associate is responsible for all sales activities and sales associate job duties, from greeting customers, answering questions, offering assistance, suggesting items, lending opinions, and providing product information. Individual responsibilities as a Retail Sales Associate may include demonstrating outstanding customer service and selling skills, keeping the selling floor stocked with merchandise, addressing customer complaints, assisting in the display of merchandise, or organizing the selling floor and stock areas.

A Retail Sale Associate must process payments by totaling purchases; operating cash registers and financial transactions, processing checks, cash, and store or other credit cards. Must also be able to deal with customer refunds courteously and professionally. The retail sales assistant maintains a professional attitude with sincerity and enthusiasm reflecting the store's commitment to our customers. Develops product knowledge by reading current vendor tags and pamphlets and attending training classes in order to communicate it to the customer. Sales associates must stay current with promotional events and sales.

Retail sales associate requirements:

  • Basic understanding of sales principles and customer service practices

  • Proficient in verbal and written English language

  • Knowledge of customer and market dynamics and requirements

  • Solid communication and interpersonal skills

  • Ability to read, write, and effectively communicate with customers, peers, and management

  • Telephone etiquette

  • Ability to multitask, while being attentive to customers and remaining flexible to the needs of the business

  • Ability to work as part of a team and take initiative independent of direct supervision

  • Physical demands: This position involves constant moving, talking, hearing, reaching, grabbing, and standing for at least two consecutive hours. May occasionally involve stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing ladders. 

  • Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment

  • Customer service focus

  • Enthusiastic, friendly, and energetic with a genuine desire to provide outstanding service

  • Available to work a variety of hours, which may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts

  • Previous retail experience or similar experience on the sales floor a plus

  • High school diploma or equivalent; college degree preferred

  • BS degree in Marketing or related field would be a plus

Retail Sales Associate skills & proficiencies:

  • Excellent Customer Service

  • Organization

  • Sales

  • Merchandising

  • Product Knowledge

  • Basic Math

  • Dependability

  • Attention to Detail

  • Time Management

  • Team Player

  • Written and Verbal Communication

  • Interpersonal Skills

  • Problem Solving

  • Information Technology

  • Visual merchandising

  • Operations

  • Ordering

  • Payroll

  • Product Rotation

  • Product Sourcing

  • Purchasing

  • Receiving

  • Shipping

  • Marketing

  • Trend Awareness

  • Multi-tasking

Recommended Reads:

Related Articles: