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 sales associate job can be a good first step toward a career in sales. Learn more about what retail associates do, how much they make, and how to get the job to determine if it’s the right direction for you.

What is a retail sales associate?

A retail sales 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 essential role in the store’s overall success. Other titles for retail associates 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

• Displaying merchandise to facilitate sales

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

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

• Stocking, organizing, and taking inventory of merchandise 

• Keeping the store clean

Retail associate requirements and qualifications

Retail sales positions usually have no formal education requirements. Some employers prefer candidates with at least a high school diploma or the equivalent, particularly for those selling more expensive items. Companies often 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.

While a college degree is rarely 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 Canada was $16.00 CAD per hour in September 2024, according to the Government of Canada Job Bank [1]. You’ll usually get an hourly wage, commissions, or a combination. 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 require you to work nights and weekends. Additionally, these jobs typically come with the option to work part-time, which gives you the flexibility to earn money while working toward a degree or managing other life commitments.

Tips for getting a job as a retail associate

Do your research. 

Research stores you might want to work for, particularly those located nearby. Learn what you can about their products and services. Doing so helps 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 or CV. 

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 math skills.

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 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. 

Prepare for a retail associate job on Coursera

Working as a retail associate can help you build essential career skills to prepare you for future roles. 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.