A Retail Sales Associate sells merchandise or products in a retail store. Provides information about store merchandise, assists customers with finding items and encourages sales.
The Thrift Store Associate is responsible for supporting the daily operations of the Ashtabula County Animal Protective League's thrift store by providing excellent customer service, processing donations, preparing merchandise for sale, maintaining an organized and attractive shopping environment, and assisting customers, donors, volunteers, and fellow team members. This position plays an important role in creating a welcoming shopping experience while ensuring merchandise is processed efficiently and presented in a clean, organized, boutique-style retail environment. The ideal candidate is dependable, customer-focused, adaptable, and enjoys working as part of a team in a fast-paced nonprofit setting.
VISION:
To provide outstanding customer service while maintaining a clean, organized, and inviting thrift store that encourages repeat customers, supports the ACAPL's mission, and generates sustainable revenue for the care of homeless animals.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Retail Operations Receive, sort, inspect, and prepare donated merchandise for sale. Price clothing, household goods, furniture, and other donated items in accordance with established pricing guidelines. Stock, organize, and replenish merchandise on the sales floor. Maintain attractive displays and ensure merchandise is clean, organized, and presented in a boutique-style shopping environment. Rotate merchandise and assist with seasonal displays as directed. Help maintain inventory organization in sales and storage areas. Donation Processing Accept donated items and thank donors for their support. Assist with unloading donated goods from customer vehicles and delivery trucks. Move donations throughout the store for sorting, processing, storage, and display. Communicate with management regarding donation quality and inventory needs. Store Maintenance Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the sales floor, donation processing areas, stockrooms, fitting rooms, and checkout area. Assist with routine cleaning duties and disposal of trash and recycling. Help maintain a safe shopping and working environment by identifying and reporting maintenance or safety concerns. Follow all organizational safety procedures and operational policies. Teamwork Work cooperatively with managers, coworkers, and volunteers to accomplish daily operational goals. Assist with special projects, sales events, inventory organization, and merchandising projects as assigned. Support a positive, respectful, and mission-driven workplace culture. Perform other duties as assigned.
EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS
Must be at least 16 years of age. Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. High school diploma or equivalent preferred; current high school students welcome to apply. Retail or thrift store experience preferred but not required. Customer service experience preferred. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Professional, positive attitude with the ability to work effectively with customers, coworkers, volunteers, and donors. Self-motivated with a willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced retail environment. Dependable with a strong attendance record. Ability to follow instructions while also working independently when appropriate. Basic math and cash handling skills preferred. Ability to read, write, and understand written instructions and operational procedures. Basic computer skills, including Google Workspace. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation preferred. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., stand for extended periods, and perform physical retail tasks.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Schedule:
Part-time or Full-time, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Environment:
On-site retail environment with frequent interaction with customers, donors, volunteers, and staff.
Physical:
Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. Must be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds and perform repetitive physical tasks throughout the workday.
Operational:
Fast-paced retail environment requiring flexibility, teamwork, attention to detail, and excellent customer service.
AT WILL EMPLOYMENT
Employment with Ashtabula County APL is at-will, meaning that employment is for no specified period and may be terminated by either the employee or the organization at any time, with or without cause. Ashtabula County APL is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any other legally protected basis. Employment decisions are based solely on qualifications.
NOTE:
This position description is not exhaustive. You may be required to perform other related duties within your skill set as negotiated and/or directed to meet the evolving needs of the department and the organization.
