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Clothes Associate Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Sales Associate

South Portland, ME · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

If you believe in the power of clothes to create confidence and empower self-expression, you'll be ... All associates are expected to follow these principles in all relationships with other associates ...

Associate Hannaford Plaza

South Portland, ME · On-site

$15.10 - $15.35/hr

If you believe in the power of clothes to create confidence and empower self-expression, you'll be at home here. Overview : The Lane Bryant Associate is responsible for creating a hospitable store ...

Part time Keyholder

South Portland, ME

$14.50 - $18/hr

Our inclusive community of customers and associates champions the acceptance of all sizes, shapes, and people. If you believe in the power of clothes to create confidence and empower self-expression ...

Clothes Associate information

See Portland, ME salary details

$11

$20

$33

How much do clothes associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for clothes associate in Portland, ME is $20.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a clothes associate?

Clothes associates are retail employees who assist customers with selecting, trying on, and purchasing clothing items in stores. They are responsible for maintaining the appearance of the sales floor, restocking merchandise, and providing product information. Clothes associates also handle transactions at the register and ensure that customers have a positive shopping experience. They may also help with inventory, returns, and resolving customer concerns.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clothes associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Clothes Associate, you need basic retail knowledge, customer service skills, and familiarity with inventory management, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Proficiency with point-of-sale (POS) systems, barcode scanners, and stock management software is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and a positive attitude help you excel in customer interactions and team collaborations. These skills ensure efficient store operations, customer satisfaction, and a seamless shopping experience.

What are some common challenges clothes associates face during busy retail seasons, and how can they effectively manage them?

During peak retail seasons, such as holidays or major sales events, Clothes Associates often experience high customer traffic, increased restocking demands, and the need to maintain store organization under pressure. To manage these challenges, it's important to stay organized, communicate proactively with teammates, and prioritize tasks efficiently. Developing strong product knowledge and customer service skills can also help associates provide quick, effective assistance, ensuring a positive shopping experience for customers even during the busiest times.

What is the difference between Clothes Associate vs Retail Sales Associate?

AspectClothes AssociateRetail Sales Associate
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require fashion or retail experienceHigh school diploma or equivalent; customer service experience preferred
Work EnvironmentClothing stores, boutiques, department storesVarious retail settings including clothing stores, electronics, and general merchandise
Employer & Industry UsageFashion retail, apparel storesBroad retail industry, including clothing stores
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for specific clothing retail rolesMore general retail roles; comparison with Clothes Associate is common

Clothes Associates primarily focus on assisting customers in clothing stores, handling merchandise, and maintaining the sales floor. Retail Sales Associates have a broader role across various retail sectors but share similar responsibilities like customer service and sales. The main difference lies in the specific industry focus, with Clothes Associates specializing in apparel retail.

Infographic showing various Clothes Associate job openings in Portland, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,282 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Sales Associate

KnitWell Group

South Portland, ME • On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


KnitWell Group rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 104 rated fashion retailers


Job description

About usOur founder, Lena Bryant didn't set out to change fashion forever, but that's exactly what she did. 120 years later, Lane Bryant remains the iconic plus-size brand. Empowering women is kind of our thing. Our inclusive community of customers and associates champions the acceptance of all sizes, shapes, and people. If you believe in the power of clothes to create confidence and empower self-expression, you'll be at home here.


 

Stylist Overview

  • Embraces our diverse, inclusive culture.  Demonstrates Lane Selling behaviors to provide exceptional client experiences.  Contributes to achievement of Company goals, including financial objectives, client experience, operational controls, asset protection, safety, and merchandise presentation.

  • Lives Company Leadership Principles:
     

We Value Our People

  • Actively invests in personal growth and development

  • Demonstrates respect and openness for differing ideas, opinions, and backgrounds

  • Acts with a high degree of integrity and care for co-workers and clients

We Love Our Customer

  • Embraces selling, incentive and product knowledge techniques for success

  • Represents Lane Bryant by adhering to “Dress Your Best” guidelines

  • Consistently exceeds client expectations through Lane Selling

  • Effectively handles multiple clients and projects

We Win As A Team

  • Communicates and collaborates with positive intent

  • Supports client experience throughout all touch points

  • Supports and executes floor-sets; maintains visual brand standards

  • Ensures opening and closing checklist tasks are completed daily

  • Supports Asset Protection efforts to prevent shrink and ensure safety

  • Reports to work as scheduled; records all time worked accurately by using time and attendance system; remains flexible to the needs of the business

  • All other duties as assigned by Store, District or Regional Leaders
     

We Take Action and Own Our Results

  • Follows through on what must be done to deliver outcomes and meet expectations

  • Takes responsibility for decisions made to execute own work and results

  • Contributes to a high performing culture by delivering the best

  • Drives store goals with each segment

  • Create everlasting connection with client by offering credit rewards programs and Lane Personal Styling appointments
     

We Innovate and Learn Fast

  • Pushes for innovative solutions that bring originality to the organization

  • Embraces change; supports a test and learn culture

  • Contributes to an environment that promotes taking risk and out-of-the-box thinking.

Qualifications

  • Strong communication and customer service skills

  • Specialty selling/retail experience preferred

  • Technology proficient

  • Works a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business, including evening, weekend and holiday shifts

  • Must be able to read, write and communicate in English; other languages desirable

Position requires associates to:

  • Constantly move throughout the store to assist customers, retrieve merchandise, complete floor sets, unpack and replenish stock and complete other tasks; frequently involves prolonged pushing, pulling, bending, squatting, and reaching and may involve tight or confined spaces

  • Frequently operate computerized register system

  • Adjust or move objects (garment racks, mannequins, etc.) or merchandise weighing up to 25 pounds in all directions on a frequent basis; may need to adjust or move objects or merchandise weighing as much as 50 pounds in all directions on occasion and with assistance as available

  • Retrieve merchandise displayed or stored above shoulder level on a frequent basis, which may include climbing an 8-foot ladder; may need to replace overhead lightbulbs, signs, etc. on an occasional basis using an 8-foot ladder

  • Constantly interact with and assist coworkers and clients and other members of the public


 

Location:

Store 4918-Hannaford Plaza-LaneBryant-South Portland, ME 04106Position Type:Regular/Part timeEqual Employment Opportunity

The Company is committed to hiring and developing the most qualified people at all levels.  It is our policy in all employment decisions to ensure that all associates and potential associates are evaluated on the basis of qualifications and ability without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability that can reasonably be accommodated without undue hardship, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected classification under applicable law.  We do not discriminate in any of our employment policies and practices.  All associates are expected to follow these principles in all relationships with other associates, applicants, or others with whom we do business. 

The Company welcomes applications from people with disabilities.  Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the application process. 


What KnitWell Group employees say

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