1

Softlines Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Executive Assistant

Glendale, CA · On-site

$79K - $106K/yr

... Softlines. Responsibilities include senior executive scheduling across multiple time zones, travel ... associates and visitors at all levels * Assist with special projects, as needed * Perform other ...

Softlines Associate information

What is a softlines associate?

Softlines Associates are retail employees who specialize in the softlines department, which typically includes apparel, footwear, accessories, and other non-durable goods. Their primary responsibilities involve assisting customers, restocking merchandise, maintaining store displays, and ensuring the sales floor is organized. They may also handle returns, process transactions, and provide product information to shoppers. Softlines Associates play a key role in creating a positive shopping experience and supporting store sales goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a softlines associate?

To thrive as a Softlines Associate, you need a strong understanding of retail operations, product knowledge in apparel and accessories, and basic math skills, usually complemented by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management tools, and handheld scanners is typically required. Excellent customer service, attention to detail, and communication skills help associates build rapport with shoppers and maintain appealing displays. These abilities are crucial for driving sales, ensuring a positive customer experience, and supporting efficient store operations.

What are the main challenges a softlines associate faces during busy retail seasons?

During peak retail periods, such as holidays or major sales events, Softlines Associates often face high customer traffic, frequent merchandise restocking, and increased pressure to maintain organized displays. Balancing customer service with inventory management can be challenging, especially when handling multiple requests at once. Staying adaptable and communicating effectively with team members are crucial for keeping the sales floor running smoothly and ensuring a positive shopping experience.

What is the difference between Softlines Associate vs Hardlines Associate?

AspectSoftlines AssociateHardlines Associate
Work EnvironmentRetail stores, clothing, textiles, accessoriesRetail stores, electronics, tools, hardware
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma often preferred, basic retail experienceHigh school diploma often preferred, basic retail experience
Industry UsageFashion, apparel, textilesElectronics, hardware, sporting goods

The Softlines Associate and Hardlines Associate roles are both retail positions requiring similar credentials and work environments. The main difference lies in the product focus: Softlines Associates handle clothing, textiles, and accessories, while Hardlines Associates work with electronics, tools, and hardware. Both roles involve customer service, stocking, and merchandising within retail stores, but their product categories distinguish their specific duties and expertise.

What are the most commonly searched types of Softlines jobs in California?

The most popular types of Softlines jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Softlines Associate jobs in California?

For Softlines Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Softlines Associate jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Softlines Associate jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Softlines Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Softlines Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Softlines Associate job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

SALES ASSOCIATE - NORTH ISLAND MAIN STORE - SOFTLINES - FLEX (0-19.50) HOURS

North Island

San Diego, CA • On-site

$17.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Come work for us as a FEDERAL EMPLOYEE, and help support our mission by providing customers with quality goods and services at a savings and to support quality of life programs for active duty military, retirees, reservists and their families.
By choosing to work for the NEXCOM Enterprise, you will enjoy one of the best benefit packages available anywhere:
  • TAX FREE SHOPPING PRIVILEDGES
  • FREE BUS PASSES/FREE PARKING
  • DISCOUNTED TICKETS AT MWR
  • ACCESS TO NAVY LODGE HOTELS WORLDWIDE

Job Summary:
As a sales associate you will be the face of our company, you get to highlight our brand and image while contributing to building our reputation as a company that values its customers and their opinions. You will be directly responsible for assisting customers and helping them recognize the need for our products and services. Must be capable of learning about what we sell and are able to articulate our purpose in a manner that is educational insightful and professional. Have a positive and outgoing nature that enjoys serving others and making a positive impact to the organization.
Duties and Responsibilities:
CUSTOMER SERVICE
• Proactively engage and make a connection with customers.
• Asking questions and listening to customer s needs.
• Directing customers to merchandise informing them about upcoming events promotions mobile offers STAR card.
• Provide premier customer service.
• Cooperate and build positive inclusive and respectful relationships take accountability for your own actions and outcomes.
ORGANIZATION
• Maintaining store appearance.
SALES
• Cross-selling products and knowing layout of the store.
• Make suggestions to customer on latest trends and current promotions based on customer s individual needs. - Upselling products.
• Learning product features keeping up with the latest trends leveraging company tools and technology to confidently provide the customer with product knowledge specs.
• Using a Point-of-Sales system processing cash exchanges discounts gift cards credit cards debit cards cash handling including counting money and returning accurate amounts to customer.
• Completing various forms of paperwork reports and reconciliation
INVENTORY
• Be the keeper of merchandise complete all inventory processes and make sure merchandise is properly checked in and accurately ticketed. May participate in periodic inventories
DEPENDABILITY
• Adherence to assigned work schedule. Accurate and complete follow through on work assignments.
• Other Duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
PRODUCT KNOWLEGE: Basic knowledge of products merchandise
EXPERIENCE: Retail experience preferred but not required
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to read write and interpret instructional documents such as safety rules operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively communicate with customers peers and management. Ability to communicate on the telephone with proper etiquette.
MATHETMATICAL SKILLS: Basic math functions such as addition subtraction multiplication and division.
REASONING ABILITY: Ability to multi-task while being attentive to customers and remaining flexible to the needs of the business. Ability to work as part of a team and take initiative independent of direct supervision.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS WORK ENVIRONMENT: This position involves constant moving talking hearing reaching grabbing and standing for at least two consecutive hours. May occasionally involve stooping kneeling crouching and climbing ladders. Vision abilities include close vision color vision depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Involves lifting at least 25 lbs. and up to 50lbs in some departments. Work typically performed indoors but may be assigned outdoors depending upon location.
OTHER SKILLS: Enthusiastic friendly and energetic with a desire to provide outstanding service.
WORK HOURS: Available to work a variety of hours which may include early morning's, evenings, weekends and holidays
THIS POSITION MAY WORK ACROSS MULTIPLE DEPARTMENTS BASED ON BUSINESS NEEDS. THE INITIAL ASSIGNMENT WILL BE IN THE SOFTLINES DEPARTMENT.
No experience required.
High school graduate or equivalent preferred.