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Retail Associate Jobs in Columbia, KY (NOW HIRING)

Retail Sales Consultant

Highway, KY · On-site

$17.12 - $21.50/hr

... Associate, Retail Sales Associate, or Retail Team Member, this career move would be a great fit! At AT&T, the safety of our employees and customers remains our top priority. We are committed to ...

Retail Store Stocking Associate

Campbellsville, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $15.50/hr

Retail Merchandiser SFS is growing, and we're looking for experienced Retail Merchandisers to join our nationwide network of independent contractors. This is an excellent opportunity for self ...

Retail Sales - Part Time

Campbellsville, KY · On-site

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

As a Lowe's associate, you'll gain access to many benefits beyond competitive pay and flexible ... retail technology, such as smart phones and tablets * Reading, writing, and performing basic ...

Sales Associate

Edmonton, KY · On-site

$11.75 - $16/hr

As a Retail Sales Associate, you will be the premier "SUGARTAINER" in charge of delivering a SWEET customer experience while promoting our brand. The Retail Sales Associate oversees setting up a ...

Sales Associate - Store

Number One, KY · On-site

$12.75 - $14.75/hr

The Sales Associate is responsible for assisting in the execution of all operational and ... Today, our customers are able to shop the brand in retail stores across the United States and ...

Sales Associate - Store

Number One, KY · On-site

$12.75 - $14.75/hr

The Sales Associate is responsible for assisting in the execution of all operational and ... Today, our customers are able to shop the brand in retail stores across the United States and ...

Sales Associate - Store

Number One, KY

$12.75 - $14.75/hr

The Sales Associate is responsible for assisting in the execution of all operational and ... Today, our customers are able to shop the brand in retail stores across the United States and ...

Store Associate

Highway, KY · On-site

$15.50/hr

As a Store Associate, you'll be at the heart of our guest experience, helping keep our stores clean ... Retail or customer service experience preferred All qualified applicants will receive consideration ...

Store Associate

Highway, KY · On-site

$15.50/hr

As a Store Associate, you'll be at the heart of our guest experience, helping keep our stores clean ... Retail or customer service experience preferred All qualified applicants will receive consideration ...

Come join our TJX family-a Fortune 100 company and the world's leading off-price retailer ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

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Retail Associate information

See Columbia, KY salary details

$9

$13

$15

How much do retail associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for retail associate in Columbia, KY is $13.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.60 and $14.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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 new job seekers.
More about Retail Associate jobs

What job categories do people searching Retail Associate jobs in Columbia, KY look for?

The top searched job categories for Retail Associate jobs in Columbia, KY are:

What cities near Columbia, KY are hiring for Retail Associate jobs?

Cities near Columbia, KY with the most Retail Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Retail Associate job openings in Columbia, KY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, and 54% Part Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,138 per year, or $13.5 per hour.

Part-Time Retail Associate - Michigan Rd. @ College Park

Park, KY


Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana
Non-Profits • 51 - 200 employees

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

684th of 781 rated non-profit organizations

Paid breaks

Respectful managers

Uninterrupted breaks


$12/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Position Status: Part-Time

Hourly Rate: $12

Location/Address: 8450 N. Michigan Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46268

Job Summary

The Retail Associate assists the store management team in reaching the operational goals of the site by functioning in various capacities within the retail location. The titles of the various jobs the Retail Associate may be called upon to learn and work include: Cashier, Textiles or Wares Producer, Donation Door Attendant, eCommerce Producer, e-Books Producer, and Rack or Cart Runner.

Example Duties and Activities

Cashier:

  • Rings up customer orders, maintains a balanced drawer, and follows all cash handling procedures and protocols.

  • Provides general information about Goodwill programs to educate customers and answer questions. Directs all higher-level questions to the appropriate associate or manager.

  • Maintains cleanliness of the sales floor (purge, size, run racks, and merchandise).

Textiles or Wares Producer:

  • Sorts product to identify quality and value (checks for holes, missing buttons, defective zippers, or stains and cleans as needed) and properly barbs, tags, and hangs textiles or wares. Sort textiles (curating for quality).

  • Produces 100 items per hour for wares/85 items per hour for textiles adhering to Goodwill's pricing standards and updating daily production tracking sheet.

  • Occasionally uses a pallet jack and regularly uses a conveyor belt.

Donation Door Attendant:

  • Accepts donations from customers and maintains a clean and clear donation door.

  • Quickly and accurately sorts products and distributes them to appropriate areas.

  • Maintains an efficient working area by ensuring the backroom is clean and organized (all boxes labeled, everything in its place, and a place for everything).

  • Loads and unloads trucks as needed and regularly uses heavy equipment, including a pallet jack, double stacker, floor scrubber, and hydraulic lift.

eCommerce Producer:

  • Develops a keen eye to identify and secure items of value for ClickGoodwill.

  • Stays informed of the market value of merchandise through eBay and other Internet shopping sites to properly tag, itemize, and secure items in totes for ClickGoodwill and educates team of eCommerce high ticket items.

  • Properly, efficiently and carefully pack curated products onto pallets, wraps, and ships totes to ClickGoodwill to meet the store budget regarding totes shipped per week.

e-Books Producer:

  • Scans books received by the store and decides what is sent to ClickGoodwill or displayed at the store location to meet the store budget.

  • Prints inventory sheets and packs, seals, and ships totes for ClickGoodwill.

  • Identifies top sellers and manages a clean, organized, in-store sales-effective display.

Rack and Cart Runner:

  • Checks each rack/cart to ensure quality and value.

  • Properly sizes, merchandises, and purges the sales floor.

  • Maintains a clean and orderly sales floor, puts away carts, and stocks shelves.

  • Runs one textile rack/wares cart per 15 minutes and updates daily production tracking sheet.

Required Competencies

  • Degree and Credential Requirements- NONE! We value candidates who can demonstrate capability and articulate how prior experiences will help them contribute. We believe in continuous learning and professional development.

  • Customer Focus - Has the ability to see, comprehend and relate with customers in an impartial, unbiased yet effective and balanced manner; builds and maintains customer satisfaction with the products and services offered by the organization; provides excellent service to internal and external customers.

  • Teamwork - Works well with others and makes valued contributions to the outputs of others in order to assist the team or project to achieve the required outputs.

  • Ethical - Adheres to procedures and protocol, including maintaining confidentiality in passwords, logging on and off procedures, and adherence to Goodwill's values.

  • Attention to Detail - Attends to details and pursues quality in accomplishing tasks, including safety awareness.

  • Time Management - Manages one's own time and the time of others effectively.

Preferred Competencies

  • Technical Knowledge - Has familiarity with computers and relevant software including basic computer and Internet navigation skills.

  • Communication Skills - Articulates thoughts and expresses ideas effectively using oral, written, visual and non-verbal communication skills, as well as listening skills to comprehend customers' needs. Delivers information in person, in writing, and in a digital world.

  • Mathematical Aptitude - Develops and applies mathematical thinking in order to solve a range of problems in everyday situations.

  • Critical Thinking - Uses judgment and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Other Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

  • Hard to Very Hard Physical Work - Is able to spend time in excess of 8 hours sitting, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, and crouching. Uses hands to grasp, carry, feel, or touch products and machinery. Has the ability to move and lift 10-50 pounds.

  • Can manage frequent exposure to moderate noise and temperature variations.

Benefits:Goodwill offers a competitive package of benefits even for part-time employment that includes:

  • Corporate wellness program that includes: an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), health coaching and wellness discounts (Weight Watchers, YMCA, etc.)

  • Discount programs for phone carriers (Verizon, AT&T, etc.) and 20% discount off Goodwill retail stores immediately upon hire

  • Financial education programs- credit union membership and access to online workshops

  • Daily pay options available

Mission and Values: click here (for IN) and here (for IL)

Goodwill is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled employerRetail1


What Goodwill Of Central & Southern Indiana employees say

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