Sales associate

ABOUT THE POSITION

With over 430 retail stores worldwide, our associates are essential to our business. From ensuring product availability on the sales floor to creating eye‑catching visual displays to addressing customer inquiries to running an efficient checkout process, our associates create memorable customer experiences while simultaneously assisting the Store Leadership team in supporting Columbia Sportswear Company’s mission of “Connecting Active People with Their Passions.”

As a Retail Associate, you serve as a brand ambassador and ensure exceptional in‑store experiences through positive customer interaction. Within this role, you will employ your natural problem‑solving and sales abilities to answer customer questions and make compelling product recommendations while supporting Columbia Sportwear Companies’ values to enhance customer service and teamwork.

• Provide exceptional customer service by responding to consumer questions or issues regarding product features, benefits, and availability; engage with consumers to understand their needs and preferences (e.g., demonstrate and explain merchandise, make suggestions on suitable options for consumers, etc.).
• Maintain store standards for visual merchandising, cleanliness, and safety; retrieve merchandise from the sales floor, stock room, or other inventory locations.
• Perform all required cash register transactions (e.g., sales, returns, exchanges, connecting consumer to loyalty program) efficiently and accurately.
• Contribute to store profitability by receiving, handling, replenishing, and processing incoming and outgoing product flow in the stores accurately and efficiently.

• No specific education required (High School Diploma or GED preferred)
• 2 (or less) years of experience in a position or specialization.
• Skill operating Inventory and Point of Sales (POS) systems, and various other retail software tools.
• 16 years of age or older

• Frequently in an active environment (i.e., requires the ability to constantly move about) that can be physical or strenuous (frequently adjusting/moving items weighing up to 40 lbs.), may frequently use specialized equipment, may have exposure to dust and noise.
• Occasionally requires the ability to work in a place.
• Ability to communicate clearly with others.
• Availability to work a flexible retail schedule, which may change seasonally and in response to location‑specific business trends or forecasts. All local, state, and federal laws are adhered to when evaluating your availability.

This job description is not meant to be an all‑inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position’s scope and function in the company.