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Retail Associate Jobs in Columbia, MS (NOW HIRING)

PetSmart

Retail Sales Associate Part Time

Hattiesburg, MS · On-site

$11.50 - $13.25/hr

Retail Sales Associate Part Time About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart. Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection ...

PetSmart

Retail Sales Associate Part Time

Hattiesburg, MS

$11.50 - $13.25/hr

Retail Sales Associate Part Time About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart. Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection ...

PetSmart

Retail Sales Associate Part Time

Hattiesburg, MS · On-site

$11.50 - $13.25/hr

Retail Sales Associate Part Time About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart. Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection ...

PetSmart

Retail Sales Associate Full Time

Hattiesburg, MS

$11.50 - $13.25/hr

Retail Sales Associate Full Time About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart. Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection ...

PetSmart

Retail Sales Associate Full Time

Hattiesburg, MS

$11.50 - $13.25/hr

Retail Sales Associate Full Time About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart. Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection ...

PetSmart

Retail Sales Associate Full Time

Hattiesburg, MS · On-site

$11.50 - $13.25/hr

Retail Sales Associate Full Time About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart. Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection ...

PetSmart

Retail Sales Associate Part Time

Hattiesburg, MS · On-site

$11.50 - $13.25/hr

Retail Sales Associate Part Time About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart. Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection ...

PetSmart

Retail Sales Associate Full Time

Hattiesburg, MS · On-site

$11.50 - $13.25/hr

Retail Sales Associate Full Time About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart. Together, we're building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection ...

Hobby Lobby Careers

Retail Associates

Hattiesburg, MS · On-site

$20.15 - $21.15/hr

Immediate Openings! We are currently accepting applications for full-time positions! We offer exciting career opportunities for bright, energetic and talented individuals in a stimulating, fast-paced ...

Hobby Lobby

Retail Associates

Hattiesburg, MS · On-site

$20.15 - $21.15/hr

- Overview Immediate Openings! We are currently accepting applications for full-time positions! We offer exciting career opportunities for bright, energetic and talented individuals in a stimulating ...

Best Buy

Retail Sales Associate

Hattiesburg, MS

$11.50 - $13.25/hr

As a Retail Sales Associate, you'll be the face of Best Buy for customers who visits our stores. We'll train you with the skills and knowledge you need to confidently recommend the right tech ...

Best Buy

Retail Sales Associate

Hattiesburg, MS · On-site

$14.75 - $17/hr

As a Retail Sales Associate, you'll be the face of Best Buy for customers who visits our stores. We'll train you with the skills and knowledge you need to confidently recommend the right tech ...

Best Buy

Retail Sales Associate

Hattiesburg, MS

$14.75 - $17/hr

As a Retail Sales Associate, you'll be the face of Best Buy for customers who visits our stores. We'll train you with the skills and knowledge you need to confidently recommend the right tech ...

AutoZone

Retail Sales Associate - Part Time

Bogalusa, LA · On-site

$14.50 - $16.50/hr

Join our team as a Retail Sales Associate, where you'll play a key role in delivering WOW! Customer Service by exceeding expectations and making a real difference for our customers. Whether you're ...

AutoZone

Retail Sales Associate - Part Time

Purvis, MS · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Join our team as a Retail Sales Associate, where you'll play a key role in delivering WOW! Customer Service by exceeding expectations and making a real difference for our customers. Whether you're ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsRetail Associate JobsRetail Associate Jobs in Columbia, MS

Retail Associate information

See Columbia, MS salary details

$9

$14

$16

How much do retail associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for retail associate in Columbia, MS is $14.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $15.05 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 are the most commonly searched types of Retail jobs in Columbia, MS?

The most popular types of Retail jobs in Columbia, MS are:

What are popular job titles related to Retail Associate jobs in Columbia, MS?

For Retail Associate jobs in Columbia, MS, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

Retail Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Retail Associate job openings in Columbia, MS 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 $29,311 per year, or $14.1 per hour.

Retail Processing Associate

Goodwill Industries Of Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS

$10/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Support retail functions by handling donated goods, including accepting, pre-sorting, hanging, and pricing items as directed by management.

  • Assist donors by providing exceptional customer service and safely loading and unloading donated goods from their vehicles.

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment, including cleaning work areas and adhering to safety policies.

Job description

Retail Processing Associate - Hattiesburg MS Store
Mission Statement:
Goodwill Industries of Mississippi, Inc.’s mission is to transform lives through lifelong learning The expectation of this position is to achieve organizational, team and personal goals in alignment with our mission and services offered.
Position Summary:

The Processing Associate primarily works in the backroom area of the store, supporting the retail functions by handling a variety of donated goods. The Processing Associate assists donors, providing exceptional customer service, with the loading and unloading of donated goods safely from their vehicles. Also, they accept, pre-sort, hang, barb, clean, price, and produce donated goods as directed by store management.

Primary Duties:
  • Provides professional and exceptional customer/donor service. Greets customers as they enter/exit the donation area in a friendly, positive manner. Responds positively to all customer inquiries, directing inquiries to management when needed.
  • Knowledgeable of the donated goods that Goodwill can and cannot accept. Redirects issues regarding the acceptance of donations to members of management.
  • Tags, marks, and/or codes items selected for sale according to designated price, type of merchandise, and processing guidelines. This includes, but not limited to, the correct operation and utilization of production processing system (PPS) equipment.
  • Uses flat carts, pallet jacks and other equipment in a safe manner to avoid injury to themselves and others, as well as to limit damage to merchandise during the sorting and placement process.
  • Responsible for cleaning and maintaining their work area to ensure the safety of Goodwill customers and employees.
  • Adheres to safety policies regarding the handling of equipment and storage of merchandise within specified areas.
  • Occasionally assists with the placement of donated goods, as needed, ensuring each item if placed in its appropriate location on the sales floor.
  • Maintains a positive, team-oriented relationship with peers and supervisors.
  • Maintains a safe, clean, and orderly work environment.
  • Demonstrates a professional, presentable appearance, by adhering to Goodwill’s uniform policy, including the visible presence of an issued nametag.
  • Works as scheduled, being flexible when needed.
  • Performs other duties as assigned. 
Education:
High school or GED preferred.
Skills:
  • Basic judgment skills to determine merchandise/donation value.
  • Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
  • Basic math skills and understanding of cash control procedures.
Additional Requirements:
  • Supports the mission and vision of Goodwill Industries of Mississippi, Inc.
  • Open availability.
  • Ability to transfer to other working locations, as directed by management.
  • Promotes and demonstrates ethical practices in all activities.
  • Promotes a safe work environment and follows all CARF requirements.
  • Ability to pass alcohol/drug screenings and criminal background check.
Physical Requirements:
  • Works in an environment with occasional high stress, with potentially short deadlines.
  • Stands and walks for most of the workday, occasionally sits.
  • Routinely bends, stoops, pulls, pushes, reaches, kneels, twists, turns throughout the day.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds in retail environment; 50 pounds in Donations/ADC/ Aftermarket environment, or the ability to do so safely.
  • Minimal travel required. May travel to other locations to assist with sales duties or training.
  • Some travel for meetings and/or trainings may be required.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by an individual assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Goodwill Industries of Mississippi, Inc.'s management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

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