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Sales Associate Jobs in Peru, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sales Associate - CosmoProf Store # 06932

Peru, IL · On-site

$14 - $16.25/hr

COSMOPROF SALES ASSOCIATE: By working at Cosmoprof, you would be part of the largest hair and beauty supplier in the world and we are on a mission to empower our customers to express themselves ...

Sales Associate - CosmoProf Store # 06932

Peru, IL · On-site

$14 - $16.25/hr

COSMOPROF SALES ASSOCIATE: By working at Cosmoprof, you would be part of the largest hair and beauty supplier in the world and we are on a mission to empower our customers to express themselves ...

Showing results 41-60

Sales Associate information

See Peru, IL salary details

$8

$16

$30

How much do sales associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for sales associate in Peru, IL is $16.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Sales Associate, you need strong product knowledge, customer service abilities, and basic math skills, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and sometimes CRM tools is common. Outstanding communication, active listening, and a friendly, persuasive demeanor are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for building customer relationships, meeting sales goals, and ensuring a positive shopping experience.

What challenges do sales associates face when meeting sales targets, and how can they overcome them?

Sales Associates often encounter challenges such as handling customer objections, managing slow foot traffic, and keeping up with evolving product knowledge. To overcome these, it's helpful to actively listen to customers, ask open-ended questions, and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the products. Regularly participating in training sessions and collaborating with teammates for best practices can also boost confidence and effectiveness. Staying adaptable and maintaining a positive attitude are key to consistently achieving sales goals.

What is the difference between Sales Associate vs Customer Service Representative?

AspectSales AssociateCustomer Service Representative
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; sales training often providedHigh school diploma; customer service training
Work EnvironmentRetail stores, showrooms, mallsCall centers, retail, service desks
Employer & Industry UsageRetail, wholesale, hospitalityRetail, telecom, banking, hospitality
Common Search & Comparison IntentSales skills, commission structureCustomer interaction, problem-solving

While both roles involve direct interaction with customers, Sales Associates focus on promoting and selling products, often earning commissions. Customer Service Representatives primarily handle inquiries, resolve issues, and support customer satisfaction. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role based on their skills and career goals.

What is the lowest position in sales associate?

The lowest position within sales roles is typically an entry-level sales associate or sales clerk. These positions usually require minimal experience and focus on customer service, sales support, and basic product knowledge. Advancement can lead to higher sales roles or supervisory positions.

What do sales associates do?

Sales associates work in the retail industry. They often greet customers as they enter the store and assist the customer in finding what they need. A sales associate is responsible for walking customers through the entire buying process and ensuring the customer leaves satisfied. Customers rely on sales associates for information on the store’s inventory, in-store item location, and accurate pricing. Sales associates are also responsible for keeping the store neat and tidy; they process returns, reshelve items, and perform light cleaning. Depending on their shift, they may be the one to open or lock up the shop.

What is a sales associate?

Sales Associates are retail professionals responsible for assisting customers, providing product information, and facilitating sales transactions in stores or other sales environments. They help customers find products, answer questions, and ensure a positive shopping experience. Sales Associates may also handle inventory, restock shelves, and process payments. Their goal is to meet sales targets while delivering excellent customer service. This role is essential in creating a welcoming atmosphere and fostering customer loyalty.
What are the most commonly searched types of Sales jobs in Peru, IL? The most popular types of Sales jobs in Peru, IL are:
What cities near Peru, IL are hiring for Sales Associate jobs? Cities near Peru, IL with the most Sales Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Sales Associate job openings in Peru, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,353 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

$15.50 - $19/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Accountability:

Responsible for all duties as assigned by management, including providing exceptional customer service, greeting customers upon their arrival, handling cash transactions, and putting away merchandise on the sales floor.

Responsibilities & Essential Functions:

Communication

  • Makes customers feel welcome and appreciated. Assists customers with sales - accurately rings up merchandise on cash register, performs accurate transactions related to cash and credit cards, and bags merchandise.
  • Communicates customer concerns and compliments to management.
  • Provides great customer service to customers through greeting upon arrival, assisting with questions, walking customers to product, and thanking customers for supporting Goodwill.
  • Responsive and respectful towards others within the organization. Promotes internal and external customer service through effective communication. Displays appropriate behavior (courteous and respectful interactions) with fellow employees.

Attention to Detail

  • Understands Goodwill's pricing structure and identifies pricing concerns for management review.
  • Follows proper procedures for un-priced merchandise, returns, gift cards, vouchers, discounts, etc.
  • Understands cash handling processes including cash drops, change requests, and drawer reconciliations.
  • Helps with merchandising store by creating displays and end caps as directed by management.

General Housekeeping

  • Maintains a neat clean appealing checkout area, keeps checkouts clear of clutter, excess hangers and merchandise except goods designated by management.
  • Assists with light housekeeping tasks and putting away merchandise in its proper place.

Safety & Loss Prevention

  • Consistently follows established safety rules. Reports safety accidents and hazards when known and in a timely manner. Maintains a safe, clean, and orderly work area. Utilizes the proper equipment and supplies in meeting the safety standards. Maintains workstation supplies. Completes work station 5 minute clean up daily.
  • Follows loss prevention procedures by reporting any potential losses including customer and employee theft and abuse of discounts to the Loss Prevention Manager.

Other

  • Proactively supports mission through requests for customer participation in the round up program.
  • Follows established processes according to Kaizen standards.
  • Demonstrates regard for Goodwill's assets including property, and equipment.

The above list of responsibilities is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities or duties required. Employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned.

Environment:

This position is based in a retail store environment with regular interaction with customers, team members, and merchandise. Sales Associates spend most of their time on the sales floor assisting customers, maintaining displays, and processing transactions at the register. The role requires standing and walking for extended periods, frequent bending, lifting, and handling of merchandise. Work may also include occasional tasks in the warehouse area which can involve exposure to varying temperatures, noise, and dust. The environment is fast-paced and team-oriented, with a focus on delivering excellent customer service. Hours vary and can include evening and/or weekend hours.

Sensory and Physical Requirements:

Ability to efficiently and effectively perform all functions of the job. Ability to effectively communicate with customers. Ability to stand, bend, lift, and reach for long periods of time. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift up to 40 pounds. Use of both hands. Good manual and finger dexterity. Ability to visually inspect and eliminate non-saleable donations.

Disclaimer:

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. The employee will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by the employee's supervisor. Requirements are representative of the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities to perform this job successfully. The incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitude to perform each duty proficiently. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate persons with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who represent a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise.

Goodwill of Northern Illinois is an equal opportunity employer.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. The employment relationship is at will.

Qualifications & Basic Job Requirements:

  • Ability to provide high levels of customer service.
  • Ability to handle cash accurately.
  • Ability to count, add, and subtract.
  • Ability to follow instructions and work independently.
  • Ability to follow all safety rules.
  • Must be able to operate a pricing gun and cash register

Key Benefits We Offer:

Flexible work schedule, Store discount, IL PTO, Cultural observance day, Tuition reimbursement, 401k, Voluntary Aflac and Career advancement opportunities.