2

Part Time Retail Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Part-Time Cashier & Customer Service Pay: $13.00-$15.00/hour + Good Attendance Bonus Looking for a ... Whether you have retail experience or this is your first customer service job, we'll teach you ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Part Time Retail information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$16

$18

How much do part time retail jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time retail in Chicago, IL is $16.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $17.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What's the easiest retail part time job to get?

Retail cashier or sales associate positions are generally the easiest part-time retail jobs to obtain, as they often require minimal prior experience and are frequently available for entry-level applicants. These roles typically involve customer service, basic cash handling, and stocking, making them accessible for many job seekers. Having good communication skills and a friendly attitude can improve chances of hiring.

What is the difference between Part Time Retail vs Part Time Cashier?

AspectPart Time RetailPart Time Cashier
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some retail experienceHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic math skills
Work EnvironmentRetail stores, customer service areasCheckout counters, customer service stations
Employer & Industry UsageRetail chains, department stores, boutiquesSupermarkets, convenience stores, retail outlets
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for retail roles involving customer interactionOften compared for cashier-specific roles within retail

Part Time Retail roles encompass a broad range of customer service and sales tasks in retail stores, while Part Time Cashier positions focus specifically on handling transactions at checkout counters. Both roles require similar credentials and are found in similar environments, but retail roles may include additional responsibilities like stocking and assisting customers, whereas cashier roles concentrate on payment processing.

What is a part time retail job?

Part time retail jobs are positions within retail stores or businesses where employees work fewer hours than full-time staff, typically less than 35-40 hours per week. These roles often involve tasks such as assisting customers, restocking shelves, operating cash registers, and maintaining store cleanliness. Part time retail jobs offer flexible schedules, making them ideal for students, parents, or those seeking supplemental income. They also provide valuable customer service experience and can serve as a stepping stone to full-time employment or advancement within the company.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a part time retail associate?

To thrive as a Part Time Retail Associate, you need strong customer service skills, basic math abilities, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management tools, and sometimes mobile payment technologies is often required. Outstanding communication, teamwork, and adaptability help you connect with customers and support your colleagues in a dynamic environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering excellent customer experiences, efficient store operations, and achieving sales goals.

What are some common challenges faced by part time retail employees, and how can they be managed?

Part-time retail employees often encounter challenges such as managing fluctuating schedules, handling busy periods with high customer volume, and balancing tasks like restocking, assisting customers, and operating the register. To manage these challenges, clear communication with supervisors about availability and preferences is important. Staying organized, being adaptable, and proactively asking for support when needed can help make shifts smoother and more enjoyable. Over time, employees typically become more comfortable multitasking and handling customer interactions confidently.

Why is it so hard to get a part-time retail job?

Retail part-time jobs are competitive due to high applicant volume and limited openings, especially during busy seasons. Employers often seek candidates with customer service skills, flexibility, and previous experience, which can make securing a position challenging for new applicants.
What are the most commonly searched types of Retail jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Retail jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Part Time Retail jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Part Time Retail job openings:
Infographic showing various Part Time Retail job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,798 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Part Time Retail Cashier

Ace Hardware

Crown Point, IN

$13 - $15/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Ace Hardware Corporation rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

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

36th of 51 rated home improvement retailers


Job description

Part-Time Cashier & Customer Service

Pay: $13.00-$15.00/hour + Good Attendance Bonus

Looking for a part-time job where the day goes by fast, your coworkers actually enjoy coming to work, and customers appreciate what you do?

We're looking for friendly, dependable people to join our team at Merrillville Ace Hardware. Whether you have retail experience or this is your first customer service job, we'll teach you everything you need to know.

What You'll Do

As one of the first people our customers meet, you'll help create a great shopping experience by:

  • Greeting customers with a smile.
  • Operating the register and processing transactions accurately.
  • Answering questions and directing customers to the right department.
  • Helping keep the front end clean, organized, and running smoothly.
  • Working together with the rest of the team to make every customer's visit a great one.
What We're Looking For

We're looking for people who are:

  • Friendly and enjoy talking with people.
  • Reliable and show up when scheduled.
  • Positive, hardworking, and willing to learn.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
  • Available to work evenings and weekends as part of a flexible schedule.

No hardware experience? No problem. We provide paid training from day one.

Why Work Here?

At Merrillville Ace Hardware, we're locally owned and operated. We're not just another big-box retailer. We believe in taking care of our customers, supporting our community, and creating a workplace where people enjoy coming to work.

Many of our team members have been with us for years because they're treated with respect and given opportunities to grow.

Benefits & Perks
  • Good Attendance Bonus
  • Employee merchandise discount
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Paid training
  • AT&T employee discount
  • Lenovo and Dell employee discounts
  • Perkspot employee savings program
Physical Requirements
  • Stand and walk for most of your shift.
  • Lift up to 30 pounds occasionally.

If you're dependable, enjoy helping people, and want to be part of a great team, we'd love to meet you.

Apply today and see why Ace really is The Helpful Place.

We are your local hardware store and we are a part of your community. Ace Hardware has over 5,000 stores around the world with the majority of those stores independently owned and operated by local entrepreneurs. These hard working men and women are part of the fabric of your community. They are small business owners who are local and loyal...just like it ought to be. While others have become large and impersonal, at Ace, we've remained small and very personal. That's why we say a visit to Ace, is like a visit to your neighbor.


What Ace Hardware Corporation employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Ace Hardware logo

About Ace Hardware

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ace Hardware is a renowned company in the retail sector, headquartered in Oak Brook, IL, US. Dating back to its foundation in 1924 by a group of businessmen, the company has grown from a single store in Chicago to a global hardware cooperative consisting of more than 5,000 stores in over 60 countries. It operates in the home improvement sector and specializes in hardware, home goods, local niche services, and select specialty retailers. As prevalent in its motto "The Helpful Place", Ace Hardware's mission is to provide customers with high-quality hardware products while delivering exemplary customer service.

Industry

Retail, hardware, plumbing and hvac wholesalers and construction materials wholesalers

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Oak Brook, IL, US