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Retail Associate Jobs in Kankakee, IL (NOW HIRING)

Retail Associate - College Textbook & Apparel Store Location: Olivet Nazarene University Compensation: $15.00/hour Job Type: Part-time, Hourly, Year-Round The Olivet Bookstore/Mail Hub & Spirit Store ...

Retail Associate

Bradley, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $16.75/hr

The Retail Associate is expected to be engaged in these tasks as assigned during all working hours and will be expected to perform a range of functions in all areas of the Store as business needs ...

Retail Associate

Bourbonnais, IL

$14.50 - $16.75/hr

The Retail Associate is expected to be engaged in these tasks as assigned during all working hours and will be expected to perform a range of functions in all areas of the Store as business needs ...

Seasonal Retail Associate - College Textbook & Apparel Store Location: Olivet Nazarene University Compensation: $15.00/hour Job Type: Seasonal, Part-time, Hourly The Olivet Bookstore/Mail Hub ...

Part-Time Retail Associate

Morris, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $17/hr

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 ...

... 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 ...

New

... Wireless Sales Consultant, Retail Associate, Retail Sales Associate, or Retail Team Member, this career move would be a great fit!Ready to join our sales team? Apply today ...

Retail Sales Associate

Dyer, IN

$15 - $17/hr

Retail Sales Associate Overview Since 1945, our client has built a strong foundation through teamwork, efficient systems, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Their passion is reflected in ...

Retail Sales Associate

Bradley, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

A Retail Sales Associate (part-time) is a valued member of a high performing team who is empowered & equipped to do their job. You will know why your work matters and take pride in what you do! The ...

Retail Sales Associate

Bradley, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

A Retail Sales Associate (part-time) is a valued member of a high performing team who is empowered & equipped to do their job. You will know why your work matters and take pride in what you do! The ...

Retail Sales Associate Part Time

Bourbonnais, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $16.75/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 ...

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 ...

Retail Sales Associate Full Time

Bourbonnais, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $16.75/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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Retail Associate information

See Kankakee, IL salary details

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How much do retail associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for retail associate in Kankakee, IL is $15.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.09 and $16.15 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 Kankakee, IL?

The most popular types of Retail jobs in Kankakee, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Retail Associate jobs in Kankakee, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Retail Associate jobs in Kankakee, IL are:

What cities near Kankakee, IL are hiring for Retail Associate jobs?

Cities near Kankakee, IL with the most Retail Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Retail Associate job openings in Kankakee, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Full Time, and 80% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,541 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Retail Associate

Bourbonnais, IL

$15/hr

Part-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Retail Associate – College Textbook & Apparel Store

Location: Olivet Nazarene University
Compensation: $15.00/hour
Job Type: Part-time, Hourly, Year-Round

The Olivet Bookstore/Mail Hub & Spirit Store is looking for a dependable, positive, and customer-focused Retail Associate to join our team. This is a year-round, part-time position supporting the day-to-day operations of the store and providing excellent service to students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors.

We are looking for individuals who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and are comfortable with a variety of hands-on responsibilities. This role primarily supports our college textbook rental operations, including receiving, stocking, organizing, pulling, and processing textbooks, while also assisting with apparel, merchandise, Mail Hub services, and general store operations as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Service & Store Operations

  • Provide friendly, helpful, and professional customer service to students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors.
  • Assist customers with textbooks, apparel, merchandise, mail services, and general store questions.
  • Process customer purchases and assist with customer pickup orders.
  • Maintain a positive and welcoming store environment.
  • Support general store operations and assist team members as needed.

Bookstore & Mail Hub Operations

  • Receive, sort, stock, and organize textbooks and course materials.
  • Pull and stage textbook rental orders for customer pickup.
  • Assist with textbook rental processing, returns, and inventory organization.
  • Assist with Mail Hub operations, including organizing and handling packages.
  • Maintain accurate shelving and organization of textbooks and other merchandise.
  • Organize and maintain customer pickup orders for easy retrieval.

Stocking & Organization

  • Restock textbooks, apparel, merchandise, shopping bags, receipt paper, barcode labels, and other store supplies.
  • Organize and restock clothing returns and merchandise.
  • Keep displays, clothing racks, shelving, and merchandise areas neat and visually appealing.
  • Maintain organization of hangers, clothing racks, and other store areas.
  • Ensure registers and workstations remain stocked and organized.
Store Maintenance & Cleanliness
  • Help maintain a safe, clean, and well-organized environment for customers and staff.
  • Clean and sanitize workstations, counters, door handles, phones, credit card machines, and signature pads.
  • Clean the breakroom and designated areas as needed.
  • Empty trash bins and ensure waste is disposed of properly.
  • Clean store walkways and maintain a neat overall store appearance.
  • Assist with other cleaning and maintenance duties as needed.

Required Skills & Qualifications

  • Previous customer service experience required.
  • Previous retail experience required.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Positive, professional attitude and a willingness to help others.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness and organization.
  • Ability to multitask and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Dependable and able to follow directions.
  • Must be available to work weekends.
  • Ability to work independently when needed.

Physical Requirements

  • Must be able to lift and move 50+ pounds.
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
  • Ability to bend, kneel, reach, and move throughout the store and work areas.
  • Ability to safely handle and move textbooks, merchandise, packages, and other store materials.

Why Join Us?

  • Competitive hourly wage of $15.00 per hour.
  • Year-round, part-time employment.
  • Gain valuable retail and customer service experience in a college campus environment.
  • Work in a dynamic environment supporting students and the campus community.
  • Be part of a team that values customer service, organization, and efficiency.

Apply Today!

If you have retail and customer service experience, enjoy working with people, and are looking for a year-round part-time opportunity in a college campus environment, we encourage you to apply and join our team!