Sales Associate I

Position SummaryThe Sales Associate is responsible for delivering an outstanding customer experience by providing friendly, knowledgeable, and proactive service throughout the store. This role supports daily store operations including merchandising, cashier, stocking, customer assistance, and maintaining clean, organized departments. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Customer Service & SalesGreet and assist customers promptly throughout the store using the Five Foot RuleProvide product recommendations, project guidance, and solutions to customer needsPromote the Ace Rewards program, Ace Helpful Promise, and current store promotionsMaintain awareness of advertisements, seasonal merchandise, and sales eventsAssist customers with loading large or heavy merchandise as neededHandle customer concerns professionally and involve management when appropriateDemonstrate strong product knowledge and continue learning across all store departmentsSupport a positive shopping experience by maintaining a helpful and approachable attitude at all times Store Operations & MerchandisingAssist with unloading trucks, stocking merchandise, and organizing inventoryMaintain assigned departments to company standards including cleanliness, signage, pricing, and recoveryRestock displays, endcaps, and promotional merchandise as neededRemove outdated promotional signage and price tags following sales eventsSupport special orders and assist customers in locating non-stock merchandiseMaintain awareness of store conditions and communicate operational issues to managementFollow all company policies and procedures related to safety, loss prevention, and operational standardsAssist with the front registers and fill in for Cashier  Teamwork & CommunicationParticipate in daily huddles, store initiatives, and team communicationWork collaboratively with all store associates and departmentsAssist with training and mentoring new team members as neededWear radio/headset and communicate effectively with management and coworkersMaintain professionalism and avoid non-work-related conversations on the sales floor Operational ExcellenceExecute assigned tasks with urgency, accuracy, and attention to detailHelp maintain a clean, safe, and organized sales floor and backroom environmentMonitor for potential theft concerns and follow company loss prevention proceduresSupport overall store goals and provide flexibility to assist where business needs requireDemonstrate dependability through consistent attendance and schedule flexibility Qualifications and SkillsStrong customer service and interpersonal communication skillsAbility to work effectively in a fast-paced retail environmentStrong organizational skills and attention to detailTeam-oriented mindset with willingness to assist in all areas of the storeAbility to learn product knowledge across multiple departmentsPrevious retail, hardware, or customer service experience preferredBilingual (Spanish) communication skills are a plusAvailability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed Forklift certified a plus Physical RequirementsAbility to stand and walk for extended periods of timeAbility to bend, reach, stoop, and lift throughout the workdayAbility to lift and move merchandise up to 40 poundsAbility to work both indoors and occasionally outdoors in varying weather conditions Work EnvironmentThis position works in a retail hardware environment with frequent customer interaction and moderate noise levels. Team members may occasionally work near moving mechanical equipment and outdoor conditions.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Core ValuesHelpful expertise- know the product, solve the problemOwnership mentality- act like its your storeCommunity first- service the neighborhood, not just the transactionContinuous improvement- always a better wayAccountability without excuses CompensationStatus: HourlySchedule: Flexibility based on business needsReports To: Department Manager or Store ManagerPay Range: Competitive, based on experience Why Join Hometown Ace Hardware?Join a growing, locally owned company that values its employees and communityBe part of a supportive team focused on delivering outstanding customer serviceHelp create a positive experience for every customerGain hands-on experience with opportunities for growth and advancementEnjoy competitive pay and employee discounts