Key Holder Retail Sales Associate

Employment Type: Full-Time | Reports To: Manager/Assistant Manager

Who We Are

Thrift World is a retail thrift store company that promotes recycling and reuse of used clothing, accessories, and other household goods in partnership with nonprofit organizations. Founded in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1996, Thrift World supports nonprofit partners, helps divert waste from landfills, and creates local jobs through its retail, export, and e-commerce operations.

Job Description

The Key Holder Retail Sales Associate supports daily Thrift World store operations and helps create a welcoming, organized, and safe shopping experience. This hands-on role serves customers at the register, accepts donations, prepares and places merchandise on the sales floor, and provides guidance to team members. The Lead Associate models strong customer service and helps keep merchandise secure and ready for customer shopping.

You Will Be Responsible For

• Greet customers and donors, answer questions, assist with merchandise, and provide friendly, respectful service throughout each interaction.
• Operate the cash register accurately, process payments, handle cash, and follow company procedures for discounts, returns, and transaction overrides within assigned authority.
• Accept donations according to company guidelines; inspect items for condition and suitability for sale, and explain donation acceptance decisions courteously to donors.
• Sort, clean, prepare, and price donated merchandise according to store procedures and management direction.
• Move donations to the sales floor promptly, replenish merchandise, and maintain organized, easy-to-shop displays.
• Check that items are safely placed and stable, merchandise is secure, and aisles, exits, and customer walkways remain clear. Remove unsafe items from customer access and report hazards or damaged merchandise promptly.
• Assist with loading and unloading donations and customer purchases, using safe lifting practices, approved equipment, and team assistance as needed.
• Keep checkout, donation receiving, storage, and sales floor areas clean and orderly. At shift end, replenish supplies, sweep, and empty trash so work areas are ready for the next shift. Follow safety and loss prevention procedures.
• Guide and coach associates on customer service, donation acceptance, merchandising, and safe work practices. Help train staff as assigned.
• Support opening and closing procedures as assigned. Address customer or donor concerns calmly and involve management when needed.
• Share customer feedback and operational concerns with management; support other Thrift World locations and perform other related duties as assigned.

What We Need From You

A motivated, energetic team member who works well with others, supports daily and weekly goals, and helps store operations run smoothly.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Two years of experience operating a cash register.
• Strong customer service, communication, and leadership skills.
• A welcoming and helpful approach to customers, donors, and coworkers.
• Ability to multitask, pay attention to detail, and work independently or as part of a team.
• General math skills and the ability to use a point-of-sale system and standard store equipment.
• Ability to follow donation acceptance guidelines, pricing procedures, safety practices, and management direction.
• Reliable attendance and the ability to work a flexible schedule based on store needs.

Ergonomics

Work takes place in the sales floor, donation receiving, and storage areas. Duties require extended periods of standing and walking; reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, and crouching; and lifting or moving merchandise weighing up to 25 pounds. Use approved equipment or team assistance for heavy, bulky, or awkward items. Essential job functions may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

How to Excel

Bring a great attitude, be punctual, and contribute to team success. Treat customers, donors, and coworkers with respect. Follow company policies, communicate with management, and remain willing to cross-train in other store areas as needed. Help create a welcoming workplace and represent Thrift World professionally.