Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
New
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
New
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Associate: _____ Date: _____ Manager: _____ Date: _____ subject to change.
Softline Associate information
See Houston, TX salary details
$10.33 - $12.27
7% of jobs
$14.18 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$12.27 - $14.21
18% of jobs
$14.21 - $16.15
18% of jobs
The median wage is $16.64 / hr.
$16.15 - $18.09
27% of jobs
$18.92 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$18.09 - $20.03
11% of jobs
$20.03 - $21.98
3% of jobs
$21.98 - $23.92
2% of jobs
$23.92 - $25.86
2% of jobs
$25.86 - $27.80
5% of jobs
$27.80 - $29.74
3% of jobs
$29.74 - $31.68
3% of jobs
$10
$18
$31
How much do softline associate jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for softline associate in Houston, TX is $18.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $19.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a softline associate?
Softline Associates are retail employees who specialize in the sales and management of softline merchandise, which includes products like clothing, footwear, accessories, and linens. Their responsibilities typically involve assisting customers, restocking shelves, maintaining merchandise displays, and ensuring a clean and organized sales floor. They play a key role in providing customer service and supporting the overall shopping experience in stores that sell apparel and related goods.
What does a softline associate do?
As a Softline Associate, you will primarily focus on maintaining the presentation and organization of apparel, footwear, and accessories within the store. This includes restocking shelves, creating attractive displays, assisting customers with product selection, and ensuring fitting rooms are tidy. You will work closely with other team members, such as cashiers and hardlines associates, to provide a seamless shopping experience. Your efforts directly impact customer satisfaction and sales, making your role essential to the store's daily operations and success.
What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a softline associate?
To thrive as a Softline Associate, you need a basic understanding of retail sales, product merchandising, and customer service, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and handheld scanners is typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and a proactive attitude help you stand out in assisting customers and maintaining organized displays. These abilities ensure efficient operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive sales in a fast-paced retail environment.
What is the difference between Softline Associate vs Retail Sales Associate?
| Aspect | Softline Associate | Retail Sales Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | High school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require product knowledge | High school diploma or equivalent; customer service skills |
| Work Environment | Electronics, technology, or software stores | Clothing, electronics, or general retail stores |
| Employer & Industry | Tech companies, electronics retailers | Fashion, electronics, general retail |
| Common Search & Comparison | Yes | Yes |
The Softline Associate typically works in technology or electronics retail environments, focusing on product knowledge and customer support. In contrast, a Retail Sales Associate may work across various retail sectors, emphasizing customer service and sales skills. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in industry focus and product expertise.
Goodwill Industries Of Houston rating
5.5
Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
654th of 773 rated non-profit organizations
Job description
Job Title: Soft Lines Merchandising Specialist
Department: Donated Goods Program (DGP)
Reports To: Store Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Mission Support:
Goodwill Houston (GWH) is transforming lives by connecting people to opportunities that advance the future of work. Through education, training, and employment, we create pathways to success for individuals facing employment barriers. We empower people, strengthen families, and impact communities by addressing both immediate and future workforce needs. With the generous support of our donors and retail customers, we are changing lives through the power of work.
Position Summary:
Responsible for sorting sellable soft goods donations, separating sellable, unsellable, and high-value items. Hang sellable items and organize items by department, category, and size. Responsible for processing donations in the backroom to ensure merchandise is ready for the sales floor, ensuring goods are handled efficiently and cost-effectively to maximize profitability and support the GWH mission.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Responsible for sorting soft goods donations (clothing, linens, etc.) according to GWH quality guidelines to maximize production.
- Stay current with market trends, merchandising, and competitive pricing.
- Thoroughly examine all items to ensure they meet GWH quality standards.
- Responsible for hanging all approved, sorted goods on appropriate hangers and ensuring that all hung items are arranged in size order by department.
- Price soft goods merchandise according to the current GWH baseline pricing guidelines and use the tagging equipment to place price points on items.
- Knowledge of items to be considered as eCommerce that should be given to the manager on duty to process (review training binder for detailed guidelines).
- Ensure designated personal protective equipment (PPE) is being utilized while on duty.
- Maintain a clean and organized workstation before, during, and after the shift.
- Request additional production supplies from management when running low.
- Assist with product rotation and sales floor recovery to maintain a Full, Fresh, and Friendly shopping environment.
- Greet each customer and assist with basic questions about store operations and merchandise as needed.
- Assist with unloading donations from donor vehicles, accurately using the donation tablet, and assist donors as needed.
- Assist with loading and unloading equipment as needed.
- Perform housekeeping duties in assigned areas to keep spaces clean, safe, and clutter-free.
- Assist in maintaining the safety and security of GWH associates, customers, and company property.
- Perform necessary janitorial work.
- Must report all work incidents and injuries immediately.
- Performs other duties as assigned by management.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Demonstrate professionalism, good judgment, and present a friendly, cooperative attitude.
- Ability to multitask, make quick decisions, adapt to change, and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
- Adheres to all GWH Policies amp; Procedures, Loss Prevention amp; Safety Regulations, and GWH Guiding Principles.
- Must be punctual, dependable, and maintain a professional appearance.
- Maintain a high level of confidentiality.
- Must perform work safely; maintain good housekeeping standards, and ensure all aisles and pathways to fire exits are clear and free of clutter.
- Adheres to local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A high school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Ability to communicate effectively and interact well with individuals with diverse personalities and communication styles.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Retail sales experience is preferred.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule.
- Must have reliable transportation.
Key Performance Indicators (KPI):
- Production Standards: Sell through %; Average Price Piece-APP (based on company average)
- Work Integrity: Follows established procedures and processes donations timely with a sense of urgency
- Quality of Work: Attitude, sense of urgency, productivity, individual safety performance, etc.
- Safety Culture
- Attendance: Work schedule as assigned, notify leadership as needed, and no recurring issues
- Image: Personal image, keeps work area/location clean, safe, and organized with no donor creep
- Equipment Management
- Production Management
- Timely GWH LMS completion (training, etc.)
Physical Requirements/Work Environment:
- Ability to stand, twist, bend, squat, reach, kneel, push, and pull.
- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. and, occasionally, lift/move items up to 100 lbs. (e.g., large bags of donations, televisions, furniture, etc.)
- Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
- Moderate indoor noise with periodic exposure to outside temperatures.
I understand this job description and requirements, and that I am expected to complete all assigned duties. I understand that the job functions may change and that I may be transferred to another location at management's discretion.
I have read this job description and can perform the essential functions of this position with or without accommodation.
Associate: ________________________________________________ Date: _______________
Manager: ______________________________________________________ Date: ______________
Job description subject to change.
What Goodwill Industries Of Houston employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About Goodwill Industries of Houston
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Non-profits
Company size
11 - 50 Employees
Headquarters location
Houston, TX, US
Year founded
1902