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Merchandise Associate Jobs in Athens, AL (NOW HIRING)

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Merchandise Associate information

See Athens, AL salary details

$9

$19

$34

How much do merchandise associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for merchandise associate in Athens, AL is $19.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $23.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a merchandise associate do?

A Merchandise Associate is responsible for ensuring that store shelves are stocked, organized, and visually appealing to customers. They assist with receiving and unpacking merchandise shipments, pricing items, and arranging products according to store guidelines. Merchandise Associates also help customers locate items, answer questions about products, and may assist with inventory management. Their work supports the overall shopping experience and helps the store meet sales goals.

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

To thrive as a Merchandise Associate, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience in retail or inventory management, often supported by a high school diploma. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory tracking software, and basic merchandising tools is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and customer service skills help you stand out in this role. These abilities ensure accurate stock management, appealing product displays, and positive customer experiences, which drive sales and store efficiency.

How does a merchandise associate typically collaborate with other departments within a retail store?

Merchandise Associates work closely with various teams, including sales associates, inventory managers, and store leadership, to ensure products are effectively displayed and stocked. They frequently communicate with inventory staff to coordinate timely replenishment and may assist visual merchandisers in setting up promotional displays. This role often requires teamwork and clear communication to maintain store appearance and support sales initiatives. Collaboration with these departments helps create a seamless shopping experience for customers and ensures store goals are met.

What is the difference between Merchandise Associate vs Stock Clerk?

AspectMerchandise AssociateStock Clerk
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require retail or customer service experienceHigh school diploma or equivalent; physical ability to lift and move stock
Work EnvironmentRetail stores, customer-facing, assisting shoppersStockrooms, back-of-house, inventory management
Employer & Industry UsageRetail chains, department stores, supermarketsWarehouses, retail stores, distribution centers
Common Search & ComparisonCustomer service, sales support, merchandisingInventory, stocking, logistics

The main difference between a Merchandise Associate and a Stock Clerk lies in their focus and work environment. Merchandise Associates primarily engage with customers and assist with product displays in retail settings, while Stock Clerks handle inventory management and stock replenishment behind the scenes. Both roles require similar credentials but serve different functions within the retail industry.

Is merchandising a difficult job?

Merchandising as a merchandise associate involves tasks such as stocking shelves, organizing displays, and ensuring product availability, which can require physical effort and attention to detail. The difficulty level depends on the work environment, workload, and individual skills, but it generally involves routine tasks that are manageable with proper training and organization.
More about Merchandise Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Merchandise jobs in Athens, AL?

The most popular types of Merchandise jobs in Athens, AL are:

What job categories do people searching Merchandise Associate jobs in Athens, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Merchandise Associate jobs in Athens, AL are:

What cities near Athens, AL are hiring for Merchandise Associate jobs?

Cities near Athens, AL with the most Merchandise Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Merchandise Associate job openings in Athens, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,836 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Full-Time Store Merchandising Supervisor

Decatur, AL • On-site


KOHLS
Retail • 10K+ employees

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 1,473 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 21 rated department stores

Recommended by students

Paid breaks

Recommended by parents


$19.50/hr

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

About the Role

As Merchandising Supervisor you will be the expert in merchandising and leading associates to deliver excellent customer service through sales floor merchandising, pricing and recovery. You will teach, coach, develop and supervise associates while consistently executing merchandising processes.

What You’ll Do

  • Execute store merchandising standards following visual merchandising direction, accomplishing product presentation; make decisions about and adaptations to merchandising direction based on the layout, adjacencies and needs of the store in partnership with the Merchandising Manager

  • Maintain a well recovered selling floor where product is displayed in a manner that is clear, easy to understand and compelling to the customer

  • Maintain appropriate levels of product on the sales floor by remerchandising and replenishing as necessary based on sell through and seasonal changes

  • Coach, teach and train merchandising associates to accurately and efficiently execute company merchandising direction to brand standards

  • Execute pricing activities in store, ensuring that price changes, sign changes and ticketing procedures are completed accurately and efficiently

  • Support the training of associates on merchandising standards, product knowledge, and tools adhering to Kohl’s brand standards

  • Support and partner with the Operations team on merchandising incoming product, ensuring efficient execution

All Supervisor roles at Kohl’s are responsible for:

  • Leading with integrity, honesty and fostering teamwork in an engaged and inclusive culture

  • Exercising good judgment; taking appropriate partners as needed

  • Modeling, guiding and providing direction to associates

  • Demonstrating and coaching a customer service mindset, including customer service philosophies, anticipating customer needs and satisfactorily resolving issues

  • Leading by example by personally meeting or exceeding individual goals (e.g., productivity, credit, loyalty)

  • Supporting strong operational standards, shortage mitigation, and merchandising presentation to include accurate pricing and proper signing

  • Preventing loss by educating associates, monitoring daily store activity, maintaining product protection standards, ensuring company policies are followed and partnering with Loss Prevention

  • Monitoring and adjusting resources as dictated by the business to support customer needs and workload demands when assigned as leader on duty

  • Use key performance indicators (KPIs) to make informed business decisions that drive overall store results

  • Accomplishing multiple tasks within established timeframes

  • Training, monitoring and reinforcing company policies, procedures, standards and guidelines

  • Maintaining adherence to company safety policies for the safety of all associates and customers 

  • Key holder responsibilities include opening and closing store processes, and providing direction to associates

  • Other responsibilities as assigned

What Skills You Have

Required

  • Must be at least 18 years of age or older

  • Strong verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills

  • Flexible availability, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays

Preferred

  • 2 years experience in retail or similar industry

  • Experience supervising teams or associates, including the responsibility for coaching to achieve daily performance goals


Pay Starts At: $19.50


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