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Retail Associate Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

The Salvation Army

Retail Associate

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Retail Associate- The Salvation Army Thrift Store Location: Ankeny, IA Pay: $18 per hour Job Type: Part-time Schedule: 25 hours per week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled ...

The Salvation Army

Retail Associate

Ankeny, IA

$18/hr

Retail Associate- The Salvation Army Thrift Store Location: Ankeny, IA Pay: $18 per hour Job Type: Part-time Schedule: 25 hours per week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled ...

Buff City Soap

Retail Associate Full Time

Johnston, IA · On-site

$11 - $14/hr

Exclusive Discounts at Outside Retailers Are you looking for a high energy job where you can share ideas and recommendations with your teammates and clientele? Where your hard work is rewarded with ...

Buff City Soap

Retail Associate Full Time

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$12 - $14/hr

Exclusive Discounts at Outside Retailers Are you looking for a high energy job where you can share ideas and recommendations with your teammates and clientele? Where your hard work is rewarded with ...

DM Goodwill

Full-Time Retail Store Associate

Ames, IA · On-site

$15/hr

Goodwill of Central Iowa is looking for Retail Store Associates to accept, sort, and merchandise donated goods, cashier, and deliver outstanding customer service with our values of love, kindness ...

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All JobsRetail Associate JobsRetail Associate Jobs in Ames, IA

Retail Associate information

See Ames, IA salary details

$10

$15

$17

How much do retail associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for retail associate in Ames, IA is $15.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $16.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Retail Associate vs Cashier?

AspectRetail AssociateCashier
Primary RoleAssisting customers, stocking shelves, and maintaining store displaysProcessing transactions and handling payments at checkout
Required SkillsCustomer service, product knowledge, communicationCash handling, basic math, customer service
Work EnvironmentSales floor, retail storeCheckout counters, retail store
Common CertificationsNone typically requiredCash handling certification optional

While both roles are essential in retail, a Retail Associate has broader responsibilities including customer assistance and stock management, whereas a Cashier primarily focuses on transaction processing. Retail Associates often engage with customers throughout the store, while Cashiers work mainly at the checkout area. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right position based on their skills and interests.

What is a retail associate?

Retail Associates are employees who work in retail stores to assist customers, manage merchandise, and ensure a positive shopping experience. Their responsibilities may include greeting customers, answering questions, stocking shelves, operating cash registers, and maintaining store cleanliness. Retail Associates play a key role in providing customer service and supporting the overall operations of the store. They often work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate store needs. Strong communication skills and a friendly attitude are important for success in this role.

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

To thrive as a Retail Associate, you need strong customer service skills, basic math abilities, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management tools, and mobile payment technologies is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and a positive attitude help you engage customers and handle challenging situations effectively. These skills ensure a smooth shopping experience, drive sales, and contribute to overall store success.

What is the easiest retail associate job to get into?

Entry-level retail associate positions are generally the easiest to obtain, as they often require minimal prior experience and focus on basic customer service and stocking tasks. These jobs typically have straightforward application processes and may not require formal certifications, making them accessible for many job seekers.

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

During busy seasons, Retail Associates often face high customer volumes, increased restocking demands, and frequent multitasking. Managing these challenges involves maintaining a positive attitude, staying organized, and communicating clearly with both team members and customers. Effective Associates prioritize tasks, use downtime wisely to prepare for rush periods, and aren't afraid to ask for help when needed. Building strong teamwork and staying flexible are key to ensuring smooth operations during peak times.
More about Retail Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Retail jobs in Ames, IA? The most popular types of Retail jobs in Ames, IA are:
What are popular job titles related to Retail Associate jobs in Ames, IA? For Retail Associate jobs in Ames, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Retail Associate jobs in Ames, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Retail Associate jobs in Ames, IA are:
What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Retail Associate jobs? Cities near Ames, IA with the most Retail Associate job openings:
Retail Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Retail Associate job openings in Ames, IA 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 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,109 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Retail Associate

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory

Ankeny, IA • On-site

$18/hr

Other

Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Salvation Army rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

570th of 771 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Retail Associate - The Salvation Army Thrift Store

Location: Ankeny, IA
Pay: $18 per hour
Job Type: Part-time
Schedule: 25 hours per week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled


Benefits:

  • Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays, prorated by scheduled hours
  • Optional voluntary life insurance
  • 403(b) retirement savings plan
  • Access to additional voluntary benefit options
  • Employer funded pension plan for eligible employees

The Salvation Army Mission:

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Job Objective:

Support daily store operations by providing excellent customer and donor service, accurately handling sales transactions, assisting with merchandise production and pricing, maintaining a clean and organized shopping and donation experience, and helping move donated goods from receiving through processing and onto the sales floor.

Essential Functions:

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of the position. Other job-related responsibilities and tasks may be assigned. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

  • Maintain a friendly, professional demeanor with customers, donors, co-workers, leadership, and field personnel.
  • Provide excellent customer service on the sales floor, at the donation area, and during all assigned store activities.=
  • Operate the Point of Sale system accurately, complete sales transactions, manage assigned cash drawer, and follow Salvation Army cash handling policies.
  • Implement store opening and closing procedures as assigned.
  • Assist donors with donations, provide receipts, collect required donor information, track donations according to center policy, and courteously communicate when items cannot be accepted.
  • Sort, process, hang, tag, price, and prepare donated merchandise according to store production goals and assigned timelines.
  • Identify and set aside items for eCommerce sales as assigned.
  • Stock, straighten, clean, organize, and maintain the sales floor, work areas, donation area, and storage areas to support a safe and positive customer and donor experience.
  • Move priced merchandise to the sales floor, display areas, stock areas, or designated shipping locations as assigned.
  • Assist with receiving, loading, unloading, sorting, and moving donations or merchandise, including Salvation Army trucks, as assigned.
  • Complete bank runs and other assigned duties in accordance with Salvation Army policy.
  • Follow all Salvation Army policies regarding merchandise handling, pricing, sales, donor service, safety, dress code, and workplace conduct.
  • Must be available for a flexible schedule, including early shifts, late shifts, Saturdays, some holidays, and temporary assignment to other stores if the need arises.
  • Other duties as assigned.

What Salvation Army employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Salvation Army logo

About Salvation Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Industry

Non-profits, retail, amusement, gambling, and recreation and religious organizations

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US

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