Position Summary
The Housewares, Soft Goods & Toys/Games Department Associate serves as a front-line customer service representative and plays a key role in creating a welcoming, helpful, and enjoyable shopping experience. This position is responsible for assisting customers, maintaining attractive and fully stocked departments, supporting merchandising efforts, and ensuring daily operational excellence across the Housewares, Soft Goods, and Toys & Games departments.
The Associate is expected to be highly visible on the sales floor, proactively engage customers, provide product knowledge and recommendations, and help customers find solutions that meet their needs. In addition to customer service responsibilities, the Associate assists with inventory management, stocking, pricing, merchandising, and overall department organization.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Customer Service & Sales
- Greet customers promptly and provide friendly, professional service at all times.
- Actively engage customers and offer assistance rather than waiting to be asked.
- Develop working knowledge of products throughout Housewares, Soft Goods, and Toys & Games to provide accurate recommendations.
- Help customers locate merchandise, compare products, and make informed purchasing decisions.
- Suggest complementary or related items that enhance the customer's purchase.
- Anticipate customer needs and provide solutions that create a positive shopping experience.
- Resolve routine customer concerns in a courteous and professional manner.
- Refer complex customer issues to Department Leads or Management as appropriate.
- Maintain a positive attitude and represent the store in a professional and customer-focused manner.
- Assist with special orders, inventory checks, and product availability inquiries when needed.
Merchandising & Department Presentation
- Keep sales floors clean, organized, and inviting.
- Maintain fully stocked shelves, displays, and promotional areas.
- Recover departments throughout the day to ensure merchandise remains neat and shop-ready.
- Assist with seasonal displays, promotional events, and feature presentations.
- Ensure signage, shelf tags, and pricing are accurate and visible.
- Support visual merchandising efforts that improve customer shopping experiences and drive sales.
Inventory & Stock Management
- Receive, unpack, and stock merchandise efficiently and accurately.
- Verify incoming shipments and report shortages, damages, or discrepancies.
- Replenish merchandise from backstock to maintain product availability.
- Assist with cycle counts, inventory audits, and annual physical inventories.
- Monitor inventory levels and report out-of-stock or low-stock items.
- Maintain organized stockrooms and storage areas.
Department Operations
- Follow all company policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
- Assist Department Leads with projects, promotions, and department initiatives.
- Maintain clean and safe work areas for customers and employees.
- Support store-wide events, sales promotions, and special activities.
- Perform opening, closing, and daily operational responsibilities as assigned.
- Work cooperatively with all store departments to maintain a positive team environment.
Leadership Development Opportunities
- Demonstrate initiative and a willingness to learn department leadership responsibilities.
- Assist with training and mentoring new employees when requested.
- Help coordinate department tasks during busy periods.
- Support Department Leads by identifying opportunities to improve customer service, organization, and department performance.
- Serve as a positive example of customer service and professionalism.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Previous retail and customer service experience preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Friendly, outgoing personality with a genuine desire to help customers.
- Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Dependable attendance and punctuality.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Key Performance Indicators
- Customer satisfaction and positive customer interactions
- Product knowledge and effective customer assistance
- Sales floor appearance and department presentation
- Merchandise availability and stock replenishment
- Inventory accuracy
- Reliability and productivity
- Teamwork and support of Department Leads
- Readiness for advancement opportunities
Position Growth Path
This position is designed to develop future Department Leads by building strong customer service, merchandising, inventory management, and leadership skills. Associates who consistently demonstrate exceptional customer service, initiative, accountability, and leadership potential may be considered for advancement opportunities within the store.
Pay: $12.00 - $13.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
