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 an excellent 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 whilst 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 essential role in the store’s overall success. Other titles retail associates may go by include sales associates or representatives.

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 the following:

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

• Stocking, organising, and taking inventory of merchandise 

• Keeping the store clean

Retail associate requirements and qualifications

Retail sales positions typically 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. Additionally, many 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.

Whilst 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 empathy, communication, and the ability to work as a team

• Basic computer skills

• Time management

• Ability to multitask

How much do retail associates make?

The average annual base pay for retail sales workers in India is ₹2,50,000, according to Glassdoor India [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.

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 retail management or choose a different career path.

Many retail sales jobs work nights and weekends, plus the ability to work part-time. These hours offer added flexibility to earn money whilst working toward a degree or managing other life commitments.

Tips for getting a job as a retail associate

Preparation can make a tremendous difference as you seek your first or next job in retail. The following steps can help smooth the path forward, from researching the brand to strengthening your skills.

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. Doing so will help demonstrate your interest and engagement with potential employers. 

Reach out. 

Contact your target stores via phone, website, or in person to learn about any open retail associate positions and 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 demonstrating leadership, time management, problem-solving, and maths skills.

Practise common interview questions. 

Build confidence by rehearsing some answers to common interview 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 are still waiting to 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

Retail associates interact with customers and provide essential support to keep the establishment running smoothly. Continue learning about the retail industry and 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.