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Retail Associate Jobs in Kinston, NC (NOW HIRING)

Ross Stores, Inc

Retail Associate

New Bern, NC

$14 - $16/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Ross Stores

Retail Associate

Goldsboro, NC · On-site

$13.50 - $15.50/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Ross Stores

Retail Associate

Greenville, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $16.75/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Ross Stores

Retail Associate

New Bern, NC · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Ross Stores, Inc

Retail Associate

Greenville, NC

$14.50 - $16.75/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Ross Stores, Inc

Retail Associate

Goldsboro, NC

$12 - $13.75/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Ross Stores, Inc

Retail Associate

Jacksonville, NC · On-site

$12 - $13.75/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Ross Stores

Retail Associate

Goldsboro, NC · On-site

$12 - $13.75/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Ross Stores

Retail Associate

Greenville, NC

$14.50 - $16.75/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Ross Stores

Retail Associate

New Bern, NC

$14 - $16/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Ross Stores

Retail Associate

Jacksonville, NC · On-site

$12 - $13.75/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Ross Stores

Retail Associate

Greenville, NC

$14.50 - $16.75/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Ross Stores

Retail Associate

Goldsboro, NC · On-site

$13.50 - $15.50/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Ross Stores

Retail Associate

New Bern, NC

$14 - $16/hr

The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Rally House

Teammate (Retail Associate)

Greenville, NC

$13 - $14.50/hr

... retail, Time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks Qualifications * Must be at least 16 years of age * Previous customer-facing experience preferred Physical Requirements * Must be ...

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All JobsRetail Associate JobsRetail Associate Jobs in Kinston, NC

Retail Associate information

See Kinston, NC salary details

$9

$14

$17

How much do retail associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for retail associate in Kinston, NC is $14.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $15.72 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 Kinston, NC? The most popular types of Retail jobs in Kinston, NC are:
What job categories do people searching Retail Associate jobs in Kinston, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Retail Associate jobs in Kinston, NC are:
What cities near Kinston, NC are hiring for Retail Associate jobs? Cities near Kinston, NC with the most Retail Associate job openings:
Retail Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Retail Associate job openings in Kinston, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,636 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

Retail Associate

Ross Stores, Inc

New Bern, NC

$14 - $16/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

GENERAL PURPOSE:
The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly manner, treats fellow Associates with respect, efficiently follows all company best practice standards as outlined in all work centers, maintains a clean work area at all times, and ensures proper merchandise presentation. 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 require.  The Associate may be requested to perform additional tasks in specific situations, if performance of these tasks will help achieve our Customer service and operational goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Understands that safety is the number one priority and practices safe behaviors in everything they do.
  • Maintains a high level of awareness on the sales floor to create a safe and secure shopping environment for everyone. Maintains clutter free, clear egress to emergency exits. Immediately corrects or reports any unsafe conditions or practices to Store Leadership.
  • Treats all Customers and Associates with respect and courtesy; is friendly and professional at all times. Recognizes fellow Associates using Company recognition programs.
  • Assists Customers in any way necessary - is register-trained, assists Customers with merchandise, and answers Customer questions in a polite and knowledgeable manner.  Greets all Customers by making eye contact, smiling and saying "hello" throughout the Store as well as saying "thank you" with every register transaction.
  • Provides prompt and efficient responses to Customers at all times.  Responds to Customer Service calls immediately.  Handles all Customer issues in a courteous and helpful way, calling a member of the Store Leadership when needed.
  • Represents and supports the Company brand at all times.
  • Performs cleaning tasks such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, wiping counters and mirrors, replenishing restroom supplies, and disinfecting high-touch areas including the front-end, sales floor and restrooms to help maintain merchandise, customer and Team areas.
  • Maintains a professional appearance and adheres to the Company's dress code at all times.
  • Performs cleaning tasks such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, wiping counters and mirrors, and replenishing restroom supplies to help maintain merchandise, customer and Team areas.
  • Performs daily assigned sizing and recovery per company best practice to ensure a neat, clean and organized store that is well-maintained and efficiently merchandised to standards.
  • Expedites newly received merchandise receipts to the sales floor with a sense of urgency, merchandising all items per company best practice to the monthly presentation guidelines and maintaining merchandise/brand name familiarity within departments to assist Customers.
  • Understands the Loss Prevention Awareness program, the Shortage Highway, the Store Protection Specialist (SPS) position (where applicable), and merchandise protection standards.
  • As a representative of Ross Inc., demonstrates integrity and honesty in all interactions with Associates and Customers. Safeguards confidential information, cash and credit card information, and merchandise.
  • Follows all Mark-Out-of-Stock (MOS) policies, including the identification of MOS merchandise, proper processing of each piece and the notification of Store Leadership to review and approve all disposals.
  • Follows all policies and procedures concerning cash, check, charge card and refund transactions, voids and offline procedures.  Maintains a high level of awareness and accuracy when handling bankable tenders.
  • Demonstrates a sense of urgency to efficiently perform their role. Maximizes productivity by executing all Store best practices and minimizing steps and touches in their work flow.
COMPETENCIES:
  • Manages Work Processes
  • Business Acumen
  • Plans, Aligns & Prioritizes
  • Builds Talent
  • Collaborates
  • Leading by Example
  • Communicates Effectively
  • Ensures Accountability & Execution
QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS REQUIRED:
  • Effectively communicate with Customers, Associates and Store Leadership in a friendly, respectful, cooperative and pleasant manner.
  • Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations commonly used in retail environments.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ADA:
  • Ability to use all Store equipment, including PDTs, registers and PC as required.
  • Ability to spend up to 100% of working time standing, walking, and moving around the Store.
  • Ability to regularly bend at the waist, squat, kneel, climb, carry, reach, and stoop.
  • Ability to occasionally push, pull and lift more than 25 pounds.
  • Ability to use janitorial equipment, rolling racks, ladders and other assigned supplies.
  • Certain assignments may require other qualifications and skills. 
  • Associates who work Stockroom shifts: Ability to regularly push, pull and lift more than 20 pounds.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
None

DISCLAIMER
This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at management's discretion.
Ross is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. We believe that it is an essential part of the Company's overall commitment to attract, hire and develop a strong, talented and diverse workforce. Ross is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.

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