What Does a Retail Associate Do (and How Do I Become One)?

Retail associates help customers as they shop, often serving as the final step in the sales journey. As an entry-level customer service position with minimal educational requirements, a retail associate job can be a good first step toward a career in sales. Take a closer look at what retail associates do, how much they make, and how to get the job.

What is a retail associate?

A retail associate helps customers while they shop, answers questions, and assists in daily store operations. In this role, you serve as a representative of the retail brand and play an important role in the store’s overall success. Retail associates might also be referred to as sales associates or representatives.

What does a retail associate do?

As a retail sales associate, your day-to-day job duties and responsibilities might include:

• Greeting customers

• Answering customer questions related to merchandise and store policies

• Recommending products or services based on customer needs

• Processing customer payments and refunds 

A retail associate is also responsible for daily store operations, including:

• Opening and closing of the store in accordance with operating hours

• Stocking, organizing, and taking inventory of merchandise 

• Keeping the store clean

Is a cashier a retail associate?

A cashier is not the same as a retail associate. Managing cash flow is one of the multiple duties handled by a retail associate in a retail setting. In contrast, a cashier holds a specialized role that involves operating the cash register, processing coupons, and overseeing exchanges or returns, among other payment-related duties.

Retail associate requirements and qualifications

Most retail sales positions have no formal education requirements. Some employers prefer candidates with at least a high school diploma or equivalent, particularly for those selling more expensive items. Most companies offer on-the-job training for new associates. During these sessions, you’ll typically learn about customer service, store policies and procedures, and how to process payments.

Read more: Good Customer Service: Definition, Examples, and Tips

While a college degree isn’t usually required, having one could help you advance to a supervisory position, such as a store manager. 

In addition to previous job experience, these qualities and skills can help set you apart from other job seekers:

• A professional attitude 

• Product knowledge 

• Interpersonal skills, including verbal communication, empathy, and the ability to work as a team

• Basic computer skills

• Time management

• Ability to multitask

How much do retail associates make?

The median pay for retail sales workers in the United States was $16.30 per hour in May 2023, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [1]. You’ll usually get an hourly wage, commissions, or a combination of the two. Your wage can also vary based on the company you're working for, how much experience you have, and where you live.

What is the difference between a retail associate and an assistant?

Retail associates and assistants assist customers as they choose and purchase products. Although many of their job duties overlap, a retail assistant often has more experience and may have some managerial responsibilities. The associate position tends to be more of an entry-level position.

Why pursue a career as a retail associate?

As a retail associate, you can gain experience, knowledge, and skills that will serve you well whether you advance toward management in retail or choose a different career path.

Many retail sales jobs work nights and weekends, plus the ability to work part-time. This gives you the flexibility to earn money while working toward a degree or managing other life commitments.

Read more: Customer Service Skills, Courses, Salaries, and Career Paths

Tips for getting a retail associate job

When searching for a retail associate job, do your research about the stores you plan to apply to and create a resume that highlights your customer service skills. Use these tips to help you stand out to potential employers.

Do your research.

Research stores you might be interested in working for, particularly those located nearby. Learn what you can about their products and services. This will help you demonstrate that you’re interested and engaged with potential employers. 

Reach out. 

Contact your target stores via phone, website, or in person to learn about any open retail associate positions, as well as the preferred way to apply. Check job boards, but remember that stores might have open positions they haven’t yet listed. Be proactive.

Prepare your resume. 

Be sure to highlight any previous work experience, and include specific sales numbers if you have them. If this is your first job, focus on school or extracurricular accomplishments. Try to highlight experiences that demonstrate leadership, time management, problem solving, and math skills.

Read more: 16 Resume Tips for Your Job Search

Practice common interview questions. 

It’s normal to feel a bit nervous when interviewing for a job. Build confidence by rehearsing some answers to common questions. Retail hiring managers might ask:

• Why are you interested in working at this store?

• What do you think is required to be successful in sales?

• How would you respond to a rude or angry customer?

• What does outstanding customer service look like to you?

• Tell me about a time when you’ve worked as part of a team.

• What hours are you available?

Follow up. 

If you don't hear back about your application, follow up by email or phone one to two weeks after you apply. Express your interest in the role and ask about any next steps you can take. 

Next steps toward a career as a retail associate

If you want to work in retail, you can pursue an entry-level position as a retail associate, helping customers as they shop. Build the job-ready skills you need for a role in retail customer service with the CVS Health Retail Customer Service Professional Certificate on Coursera. Learn from industry experts at your own pace, and earn a credential for your resume in four months with just five hours of study per week.