1

Merchandise Associate Jobs in Athens, TN (NOW HIRING)

Customer Service Associate

Cleveland, TN · On-site

$12 - $16.50/hr

Big Lots Customer Service Associate Big Lots is seeking motivated individuals to support our stores ... Key priorities include greeting customers, assisting them with selection of merchandise, completing ...

Sales Associate

Cleveland, TN · On-site

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

Regularly inform management about merchandise restocking, service requirements, and any customer ... associate schedules, and standard operating procedures • Must be able to remain in a stationary ...

Sales Associate

Athens, TN · On-site

$11.75 - $16/hr

Regularly inform management about merchandise restocking, service requirements, and any customer ... associate schedules, and standard operating procedures • Must be able to remain in a stationary ...

Sales Associate

Athens, TN · On-site

$11.75 - $16/hr

About [AgCentral Farmer's Co-op] General Summary The Sales Associate will assist in the receiving, stocking, pricing of all merchandise and help maintain a clean and orderly merchandise presentation ...

Sales Associate

Loudon, TN · On-site

$12.25 - $16.75/hr

About [AgCentral Farmer's Co-op] General Summary The Sales Associate will assist in the receiving, stocking, pricing of all merchandise and help maintain a clean and orderly merchandise presentation ...

bealls Store Associate

Dayton, TN · On-site

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

Executing store merchandising direction and standards, product flow, inventory flexing, and store operations functions to ensure consistency of brand experience * Perform general maintenance to ...

bealls Store Associate

Athens, TN · On-site

$12.75 - $14.75/hr

Executing store merchandising direction and standards, product flow, inventory flexing, and store operations functions to ensure consistency of brand experience * Perform general maintenance to ...

bealls Store Associate

Cleveland, TN · On-site

$12.50 - $14.50/hr

Executing store merchandising direction and standards, product flow, inventory flexing, and store operations functions to ensure consistency of brand experience * Perform general maintenance to ...

bealls Store Associate

Athens, TN

$12.75 - $14.75/hr

Executing store merchandising direction and standards, product flow, inventory flexing, and store operations functions to ensure consistency of brand experience * Perform general maintenance to ...

bealls Store Associate

Dayton, TN

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

Executing store merchandising direction and standards, product flow, inventory flexing, and store operations functions to ensure consistency of brand experience * Perform general maintenance to ...

bealls Store Associate

Cleveland, TN

$12.50 - $14.50/hr

Executing store merchandising direction and standards, product flow, inventory flexing, and store operations functions to ensure consistency of brand experience * Perform general maintenance to ...

GENERAL SUMMARY & SCOPE The Task Associate (TA) is responsible for delivering on operational ... They support the Merchandise Manager (MM) and Operations Manager (OM) through a focus on ...

GENERAL SUMMARY & SCOPE The Task Associate (TA) is responsible for delivering on operational ... They support the Merchandise Manager (MM) and Operations Manager (OM) through a focus on ...

GENERAL SUMMARY & SCOPE The Task Associate (TA) is responsible for delivering on operational ... They support the Merchandise Manager (MM) and Operations Manager (OM) through a focus on ...

GENERAL SUMMARY & SCOPE The Task Associate (TA) is responsible for delivering on operational ... They support the Merchandise Manager (MM) and Operations Manager (OM) through a focus on ...

GENERAL SUMMARY & SCOPE The Task Associate (TA) is responsible for delivering on operational ... They support the Merchandise Manager (MM) and Operations Manager (OM) through a focus on ...

GENERAL SUMMARY & SCOPE The Task Associate (TA) is responsible for delivering on operational ... They support the Merchandise Manager (MM) and Operations Manager (OM) through a focus on ...

Receiving Associate

Sweetwater, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Associate Assistance Program * RK Cares Associate Hardship Program * 24/7 Chaplaincy Services ... This could involve unpacking, getting merchandise ready, setting up displays, putting products on ...

Showing results 41-60

Merchandise Associate information

See Athens, TN salary details

$8

$17

$30

How much do merchandise associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for merchandise associate in Athens, TN is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $20.14 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 job categories do people searching Merchandise Associate jobs in Athens, TN look for?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Merchandise Associate job openings in Athens, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,446 per year, or $17 per hour.

Customer Service Associate

Big Lots

Cleveland, TN • On-site

$12 - $16.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 7 days ago


Big Lots rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

607th of 734 rated retailers


Job description

Big Lots Customer Service Associate

Big Lots is seeking motivated individuals to support our stores as we provide essential products at great values to the communities we serve.

As a Big Lots Customer Service Associate you will be responsible for providing excellent customer service to our customers. Key priorities include greeting customers, assisting them with selection of merchandise, completing transactions, and answering questions regarding the store and merchandise. Other duties may include unloading trucks, processing freight, recovering merchandise and stocking shelves.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provides customer engagement in positive and approachable manner.
  • Assists in maintaining a clean, well-stocked store for customers during their shopping experience.
  • Helps in the unloading of merchandise from delivery trucks, organizes merchandise, and transports merchandise from stockroom to sales floor.
  • Independently stocks shelves and recovers merchandise in the store.
  • Accurately handles customer funds and processes transactions using the POS system.
  • Remains constantly aware of customer activity to ensure a safe and secure shopping environment.
  • Performs all other duties as assigned in order to maintain an effective and profitable store operation.

Position Requirements:

Education: Prefer completion of high school or equivalent. Ability to follow directives and interpret retail operational documents as assigned.

Experience: Prefer experience working in retail, hotel, restaurant, grocery or drug store environments.

Physical Requirements: Ability to regularly lift up to 50lbs from floor level to above shoulder height; must be able to meet demands of frequent walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, climbing, pushing, pulling, twisting, and repetitive lifting, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Availability: Ability to work a flexible schedule including days, evenings, weekends and holidays.

Skills and Competencies: Customer Focus, Developing Potential, Results Driven, Strong Organizational Skills, Communication Skills, Problem Solving/Decision Making, Job Knowledge and Relationship Management.

Working Conditions:

  • Retail store environment where extended periods of standing are required
  • Retail store stockroom environment subject to fluctuations in temperature
  • Frequent lifting and maneuvering of merchandise and displays.
  • Exposure to dust and extreme temperatures while unloading trailers.
  • Scheduled work hours may vary, to include evenings and weekends.
  • Occasional use of ladders required.

What Big Lots employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Big Lots logo

About Big Lots

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Big Lots, headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, US, is a distinctive and diversified retail corporation. Operating in the retail industry, the company's core businesses involve offering an extensive range of merchandise such as furniture, seasonal items, consumables, soft home products, electronics, and accessories. Big Lots was founded in 1967 under the name Consolidated Stores Corporation until it was officially renamed Big Lots Inc. in 2001. The corporation's mission focuses on making a difference in the communities they serve by delivering surprising values every day. In line with this, Big Lots takes pride in their continued commitment to responsible retailing which includes their steadfast embrace of their corporate social responsibility.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Westerville, OH, US

Year founded

1967