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Softlines Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Softlines Clothing

Danville, IL · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

As a family company, we serve people and communities. When you work at Meijer, you're provided with career and community opportunities centered around leadership, personal growth and development.

Softlines Clothing

Danville, IL · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

As a family company, we serve people and communities. When you work at Meijer, you're provided with career and community opportunities centered around leadership, personal growth and development.

New

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 popular job titles related to Softlines Associate jobs in Illinois?

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

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

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

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Softlines Associate jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Softlines Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Softlines Associate job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Softlines Clothing

Meijer, Inc.

Danville, IL • On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Meijer rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 1,652 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

As a family company, we serve people and communities. When you work at Meijer, you're provided with career and community opportunities centered around leadership, personal growth and development. Consider joining our family - take care of your career and your community!

Grab the Good Stuff:

  • Weekly pay

  • Team member discount

  • 401(k) with company contributions

  • Paid parental leave

  • Paid education assistance

  • Development programs for advancement and career growth

  • Medical/dental/vision

  • And more!

Please review the job profile below and apply today!

This position will be responsible for delivering remarkable customer service by providing customers with exceptional product knowledge, efficient service and a friendly attitude. This entry level team member position will be exposed to a variety of retail tasks related to product, customer service and merchandising.

Be the reason our shelves are ready for a great day.

At Meijer, we're more than a retailer. We're a family company that serves people and communities. When you join our team, you're supported with opportunities to grow, lead, and make a real impact at work and beyond.

If you enjoy handson work, take pride in organization, and like knowing your efforts make a visible difference every day, this role could be a great fit.

Why You'll Love Working Here

We invest in you because when our team thrives, our communities do too.

  • Weekly pay

  • Team member discount

  • 401(k) with company contributions

  • Paid parental leave

  • Paid education assistance

  • Development programs for advancement and career growth

  • Paid family care leave

  • Medical/dental/vision

  • And more!

What You'll Do

As a Stocking Clerk, you play a critical role in keeping our store running smoothly. Your workensures shelves are fully stocked for our customers to provide an exceptional shopping experience.

You'll:

  • Stock shelves with a variety of food and grocery products
  • Move product from pallets or carts to the correct shelf locations efficiently and accurately
  • Pull backstock and dispose of cardboard and trash in designated backroom areas
  • Work closely with leadership to ensure assigned areas are completed on time
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment
  • Provide friendly, respectful interactions with customers when needed
  • Work overnight shifts to prepare the store for the day ahead
  • Support other tasks as needed to keep operations running smoothly

What You Bring

  • You're comfortable learning and using basic technology

  • You follow processes and procedures in an organized, efficient way

  • You stay calm and productive in a fastpaced environment

  • You enjoy being part of a team and supporting shared goals

  • Experience with pallet jacks or forklifts is a plus

  • You have the ability to perform physical tasks, such as lifting up to 50 lbs, bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, and standing for extended periods

We are committed to offering competitive pay that reflects market standards and ensures consistency within our organization.

This job has a step pay plan that generally starts between the rates below with raises occurring after predetermined hours worked. The actual rate offered will meet or surpass the legal wage requirement for the job's location.

$15.00 - $16.50

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k) plan with employer match, disability leave, and paid time off (PTO). In addition to these core benefits, we are committed to supporting your overall well-being and career growth. Our offerings include a variety of programs designed to support your personal and professional development, such as paid parental leave, paid education assistance (including free education), a childcare subsidy, and more. We are dedicated to creating a work environment that promotes work-life balance, long-term health and financial security, and continuous professional development.


What Meijer employees say

Pay

Benefits

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About Meijer

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Meijer is a family business. We believe in treating each other with dignity and respect. We are committed to strengthening the communities we serve. Retailing is a fast-paced business that demands continuous improvement. Meijer is committed to keeping our competitive spirit strong and staying nimble and flexible to win in the marketplace.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Grand Rapids, MI, US