Summer Associate Program Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

About Company:

In the summer of 1971, just off the Memphis State University campus, Whatever opened its doors at the corner of Highland Street and Southern Avenue as one of the country’s first head shops. Arguably one of the longest-running alternative smoke shops you’ll find, we’re honored to have served Memphis and the Mid-South for over 50 years! Little-known fact: One of our first locations was a head shop on the ground floor, with a furniture store upstairs. Waterbed Warehouse began in historic Cooper-Young in 1975, after we had already been selling pipes in the front and waterbeds in the back at the Highland shop, as many Memphians fondly remember.

We returned to Midtown on April 20, 2014, at 2027 Madison Avenue, just outside iconic Overton Square. Then, after over 40 years, we all said goodbye to the original building forever, and the first Whatever moved across the tracks to join the Highland Strip. At the beginning of 2016, we opened a third location on Germantown Parkway at Macon Road in Cordova. After settling in and celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2021, we opened our fourth store in Olive Branch on Goodman Road in the summer of 2022.

Our mission is to provide an unforgettable experience, create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, offer top-tier service and expertise in the latest trends, and curate an eclectic variety of products to enhance our standards of living. Under the same ownership since day one, the entire Whatever family remains dedicated to delivering top-notch, personalized service and the highest-quality pipes, hookahs, tapestries, posters, t-shirts, incense, and so much more!

About the Role:

The Retail Cordova Store Associate plays a vital role in delivering an exceptional shopping experience to customers by providing attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly service. This position is responsible for maintaining the store’s appearance, ensuring product availability, and assisting customers with their purchases and inquiries. The associate will help achieve sales goals by actively engaging with customers, understanding their needs, and recommending appropriate products. Additionally, the role involves handling transactions accurately and efficiently while adhering to company policies and procedures. Ultimately, the Retail Store Associate helps foster a welcoming environment that encourages customer loyalty and supports the store's overall success. This role requires adaptability, strong communication skills, and a commitment to upholding the company's standards, policies, and legal guidelines, including age verification.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including command of conversation and objection handling.
• Strong drive and willingness to learn from experiences and take feedback from management.
• Keen attention to detail, including observational skills, patience, and active listening.
• Proficiency in comprehending and successfully using point-of-sale and scheduling systems, as well as basic math skills.
• Ability to stand for extended periods (potentially the entire shift) and perform physical tasks such as handling fragile objects, kneeling, bending, and moving items up to 30 pounds.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Availability to be scheduled at least four days per week, including at least three weekend shifts.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 6+ months of previous retail or customer service experience.
• Experience working in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Familiarity with inventory management systems.
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities and conflict resolution skills.
• Bilingual abilities to assist a diverse customer base.
• Demonstrated ability to upsell and meet sales goals.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities:

• Greet and assist customers courteously and professionally, addressing their needs and questions promptly.
• Support promotional activities and sales initiatives by informing customers about current offers and loyalty programs.
• Develop and sustain customer relationships to increase repeat business.
• Create, track, and analyze personal performance goals for sales development, product knowledge, and job duties.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate stock needs to management to ensure product availability.
• Maintain store cleanliness and organization, including restocking shelves and keeping merchandise displays in order.
• Operate cash registers and process sales transactions accurately, including verifying customer age and handling cash and other payment methods.
• Follow all policies regarding cash handling, security practices, ID checks, and other operational procedures.

Skills:

The required skills, such as strong communication and basic math, are essential for interacting effectively with customers and accurately processing transactions. Physical stamina and organizational skills are used daily to maintain the store’s appearance and manage inventory tasks efficiently. Preferred skills, such as familiarity with inventory systems and bilingual communication, enhance the associate’s ability to serve a broader customer base and contribute to smoother store operations. Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills are applied when addressing customer concerns to ensure positive outcomes. Additionally, sales and upselling skills help the associate actively contribute to the store’s revenue growth and customer satisfaction. Overall, these skills combine to create a positive shopping environment and support the store’s operational goals.