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Softlines Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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.

Marketing Strategy Associate - Global Softlines (PH/IA)

The Walt Disney Company

Glendale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life

Posted 3 days ago

New


Walt Disney Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 52 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Marketing Strategy Associate - Global Softlines (PH/IA)

Req ID:

10159276

Job Description:

At Disney Consumer Products (DCP), we bring beloved characters and stories into consumers' everyday lives through products and experiences across fashion, lifestyle, retail and more.

We are seeking a highly organized, culturally aware and strategically mindedMarketing Strategy Associate(PH/IA) to support the development and execution of Softlines marketing strategies and campaigns, with a primary focus on North America and connectivity to global initiatives.

As a Marketing Strategy Associate (PH/IA) with the DCP Marketing Team, you will help develop the go-to-market strategies and execution of communication plans for the Softlines category. The role will support a broad portfolio of fashion, lifestyle and entertainment-led collaborations and product launches, partnering across Marketing, Franchise, Creative, Communications, Commercial, regional teams, licensees and external partners

The role reports to the Director, Marketing Strategy - Softlines and is based in Glendale, CA.

This role is a 24-month project hire (PH) or Internal Assignment (IA) position with no guarantee of permanent employment (length of role may change based on business needs).

You Will / Responsibilities:

  • Support the development and execution of Softlines marketing campaigns across fashion, lifestyle and priority Disney franchises.

  • Help translateaudience, franchise and commercial prioritiesinto clear campaign plans and marketing materials.

  • Support the creation of presentations, creative briefs, campaign recaps, timelines and leadership updates.

  • Coordinate campaign timelines, deliverables, approvals and key milestones across multiple programs.

  • Partner with teams acrossFranchise, Creative, Communications, PR, Commercial, Sales, Retail and regional Marketingto support aligned execution.

  • Support communication and coordination with external agencies, licensees, retailers and brand partners.

  • Participate in cross-functional meetings, capturing decisions, action items and next steps to help move programs forward.

  • Monitorfashion, retail, entertainment, social and cultural trendsto bring relevant thinking into campaign development.

  • Help identify relevantcultural moments, emerging trends and activation opportunitiesfor Disney franchises and Softlines partners.

  • Support integrated campaign planning across social, digital, earned, experiential and partner channels.

  • Maintain campaign trackers, assets and shared planning materials to ensure teams have clear visibility into priorities and progress.

  • Other tasks as needed

You Will Have / Required Qualifications:

  • 2+ years of experience in consumer marketing, brand marketing, category licensing, franchise marketing, advertising, retail or a related field (including professional internships)

  • Genuine interest in fashion, retail, entertainment, consumer culture and emerging trends.

  • Experience framing up a verbal or written POV to influence leaders, partners, and peers

  • Experience managing a portfolio of tactical programs, marketing and sales strategies, details, and budgets

  • Experience developing positive relationships in and out of marketing and working with diverse teams in an inclusive environment. Strong relationship-building skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate across diverse teams and functions.

  • Demonstrated analytical skills to analyze the performance of marketing tactics and business results. Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret consumer, campaign and business insights.

  • Goal orientation with the ability to react quickly to changing business needs, remaining forward-thinking and flexible

  • Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

  • Understanding of integrated marketing, including social media, digital, PR, experiential and partner marketing.

  • Ability to adapt quickly to evolving business priorities while remaining proactive, solutions-oriented and detail-focused.

  • Experience using Outlook, Excel, Word, Keynote & PowerPoint. This includes deck creation and creative brief work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in Marketing Strategy, Consumer Package Goods, Brand Management, Advertising Account Management, Business/Program Management

  • Experience working across fashion, lifestyle, entertainment or culturally driven consumer brands including a strong interest in fashion, culture, consumer behavior and storytelling.

  • Cross-functional knowledge both internally and externally working across departments such as Franchise, Creative, Communications, PR, Commercial, Sales, Retail and more.

  • Experience working with consumer products (softlines) and interacting with licensees or brand/IP partners

  • Ability to interact with a variety of levels of decision makers and staff.

Required Education:

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Communications or equivalent work experience

Additional Information:

Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $95,500.00 to $128,000.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

NA - Brand Commercialization

Job Posting Primary Business:

Regional (NA - Brand Commercialization)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Marketing Strategy

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-09-03

What Walt Disney Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

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