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 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 helps keep merchandise secure and ready for customer shopping. The associate provides friendly, efficient service and works with the team to meet store goals.

You Will Be Responsible For

• Greet customers and donors, answer questions, assist with merchandise, and provide friendly, respectful service throughout each interaction.
• Scan merchandise efficiently, process payments accurately, and handle cash according to company procedures. Minimize wait times while maintaining friendly service and transaction accuracy; refer overrides and exceptions to an authorized team member.
• 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.
• Tell customers about current promotions, upcoming sales, and store activities. Learn about available merchandise so you can answer questions and help customers find items.
• Help resolve customer or donor concerns calmly and respectfully, follow store procedures, and involve management when needed. Thank customers and donors for their support.
• Share customer feedback and operational concerns with management, demonstrate ethical conduct, and perform other related duties as assigned.

What We Need From You

A motivated, energetic team member who enjoys helping people, works well in a fast-paced retail environment, and supports daily and weekly store goals.

• Strong customer service and communication skills, including positive language and attentive listening.
• 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.
• Ability to learn register procedures, accurately handle cash transactions, and adapt to point-of-sale systems and other store technology.
• 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 50 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.