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Associate Merchant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sales Associate/Merchandise

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $17.40/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Sales Associate/Merchandise

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $17.40/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Merchandise Associate

Torrance, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $17.40/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Merchandise Associate

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $17.40/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Merchandise Associate

La Mirada, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $17.40/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Merchandise Associate

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$18.57 - $19.07/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Merchandise Associate

La Quinta, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $17.40/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

merchandise associate

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $17.40/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Merchant information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$42

How much do associate merchant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate merchant in California is $25.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $35.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an associate merchant?

To thrive as an Associate Merchant, you need a solid understanding of retail math, merchandising strategies, and inventory management, often supported by a bachelor's degree in business, merchandising, or a related field. Familiarity with merchandising software, POS systems, and data analytics tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, negotiation, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively with vendors and cross-functional teams. These competencies are crucial for optimizing product assortments, driving sales performance, and ensuring smooth product flow in a competitive retail environment.

What is an associate merchant?

Associate Merchants are entry- to mid-level professionals who assist in the planning, selection, and purchasing of products for retail stores or online platforms. They work closely with buyers, vendors, and other teams to analyze sales trends, manage inventory, and help develop merchandising strategies. Their responsibilities often include monitoring product performance, preparing sales reports, and supporting the overall merchandising process to maximize profitability and customer satisfaction.

How does an associate merchant collaborate with buyers and vendors?

As an Associate Merchant, you will work closely with buyers to analyze sales data, identify market trends, and recommend product assortments that align with customer preferences. Collaboration with vendors is frequent, often involving negotiations on pricing, product specifications, and delivery schedules to secure the best terms. This role requires strong communication and analytical skills to balance the needs of customers, the goals of the business, and the capabilities of suppliers. Regular meetings and cross-functional teamwork are essential to ensure product selections are competitive and profitable.

What is the difference between Associate Merchant vs Buyer?

AspectAssociate MerchantBuyer
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related field; some experience in retail or e-commerceSimilar educational background; often requires experience in procurement or retail
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, collaborating with marketing, product teams, and suppliersOffice or retail environment, focusing on vendor negotiations and inventory management
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in retail, e-commerce, and consumer goods companiesWidely used in retail, wholesale, and manufacturing sectors

The main difference is that an Associate Merchant typically supports product selection, marketing, and sales strategies, while a Buyer focuses on purchasing, vendor negotiations, and inventory management. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but their core responsibilities differ within the procurement and merchandising process.

What are the most commonly searched types of Merchant jobs in California? The most popular types of Merchant jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Merchant jobs in California? For Associate Merchant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Merchant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Merchant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Associate Merchant jobs? Cities in California with the most Associate Merchant job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Merchant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,373 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

AE - Associate Merchandising Team Leader (Associate Manager)

AEO (Association for Enterprise Opportunity)

Arcadia, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

YOUR ROLE
As the full-time Associate Merchandising Team Leader, you are the Store Team Leader's "go-to" in developing and implementing the Merchandising strategy for the store. Your passion lies in training and coaching your team into great merchants delivering AEO brand Visual standards every day.  Through your leadership, your team always nails floorset execution, and rocks merchandising and marketing brand standards. You ensure the store is always "guest ready" through effective replenishment. Most importantly, you represent our company values and bring your REAL self to work every day.

 
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
  • You have a passion for driving sales: As a key LOD (Leader on Duty), you're an expert at driving sales by maximizing Fitting Room and Salesfloor productivity and building guest loyalty through a best-in-class guest experience. You contribute to the overall financial success of the store by analyzing reporting and daily trends to make strategic business decisions. You're the Store Team Leader's right hand in developing short and long-term business plans to drive key KPIs.
  • You're a merchandising innovator: You coach your team to deliver an outstanding guest experience by ensuring your store is always representative of AEO Brand Standards. You ensure your store stays in tip-top shape by #leading day-to-day merchandising, sell-through adjustments and replenishment. You have a keen eye for merchandising opportunities and are always ready with a  game plan to take action!
  • You're a people leader: You're all about motivating and inspiring your team through AEO's core values. You're a role-model  leader and you always hold your team accountable to rocking AEO's customer service standards, especially on the Salesfloor and in the Fitting Room.
  • You've got an eye for talent and a love of training: You make it a top priority to recruit and hire strong talent to ensure the store is always staffed to meet business needs. You take pride in training and developing your team to ensure they continue to provide outstanding service to the best of their abilities.
  • You know that teamwork makes the dream work: You know that building a great team requires you to consistently provide ongoing performance feedback through real-time coaching. You make team touch bases, development plans, and performance reviews a priority and you drive associate engagement by celebrating your team's outstanding performance - #winning!
  • You're an operational innovator: You're a natural at executing and innovating daily operational procedures, you support the team in maintaining visual standards throughout every zone in the store, and most importantly, you ensure the Fitting Rooms are always guest-ready and rocking AEO Brand Standards.
  • Integrity is your middle name: You ensure store safety standards are maintained, you're committed to Asset Protection standards, you always adhere to AEO's policies and procedures, and you do the right thing - always. 
YOU'D BE GREAT FOR THIS ROLE IF:
  • You love AE and Aerie products!
  • You've led teams in a retail management role previously - #practicemakesperfect!
  • You can multi-task and have attention to detail; priority-setting and time management are your strong suits.
  • You know how to lead and develop teams and have a general understanding of employment law.
  • Business acumen? You've got it!
  • You have flexible availability - you're available to work when the guest shops! 
OUR ASSOCIATES LOVE AEO BECAUSE:
  • They work with REAL people - there's nothing like your #AEOFamily.
  • They're given opportunities for development, the chance to learn new skills, and are offered great potential for career advancement.
  • They receive 40% off product at both AE & Aerie year-round (plus additional seasonal discounts with new Floorsets!)
  • They participate in store contests for the chance to win FREE merchandise and other exclusive prizes.
American Eagle is a leading American jeans and apparel brand, the go-to destination for casual style, embraced by generations of youth since 1977. We are rooted in authenticity, powered by positivity and inspired by our community. Our collections are designed to inspire self-expression and empower our customers to celebrate their own uniqueness. We have broadened our leadership by producing innovative, sustainable fabrics.
AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity ("EEO") laws. AEO prohibits discrimination against associates and applicants for employment because of the individual's race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or partnership status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This applies to all AEO activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, performance evaluation, discipline and discharge. AEO also provides reasonable accommodation of religion and disability in accordance with applicable law.
For Brand Ambassador and Stock positions, hiring will be based on need, however, applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.  For all other store jobs, applications will be accepted until the Apply Before date (if applicable), but may be extended based on applicant volume.
PAY/BENEFITS INFORMATION:
  • Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.
  • Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits.
  • Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service.  For additional information, please click HERE.
  • AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.