Sales assistant - 16hr Part Time in Ashford

About the Position

With over 430 retail stores worldwide, our associates are essential to the business. From ensuring product availability on the sales floor to creating eye‑catching visual displays, addressing customer inquiries, and running an efficient checkout process, our associates create memorable customer experiences while simultaneously assisting the Store Leadership team. As a Retail Associate, you serve as a brand ambassador and ensure exceptional in‑store experiences through positive customer interaction. Within this role you will employ your natural problem‑solving and sales abilities to answer customer questions and make compelling product recommendations while supporting Columbia Sportswear Company’s values to enhance customer service and teamwork.

How You’ll Make a Difference

• Provide exceptional customer service by responding to consumer questions or issues regarding product features, benefits, and availability.
• Engage with consumers to understand their needs and preferences (e.g., demonstrate and explain merchandise, make suggestions on suitable options for consumers).
• Maintain store standards for visual merchandising, cleanliness, and safety.
• Retrieve merchandise from the sales floor, stock room, or other inventory locations.
• Perform all required cash register transactions (e.g., sales, returns, exchanges, connecting consumer to loyalty program) efficiently and accurately.
• Contribute to store profitability by receiving, handling, replenishing, and processing incoming and outgoing product flow in the store accurately and efficiently.

Qualifications

• No specific education required (High School Diploma or GED preferred).
• 2 (or less) years of experience in a position or specialization.
• Skill operating Inventory and Point of Sales (POS) systems and various other retail software tools.
• 16 years of age or older.

Job Conditions

• Frequently in an active environment (requires the ability to constantly move about), may be physical or strenuous (frequently adjusting/moving items weighing up to 40lbs.).
• May frequently use specialized equipment, may have exposure to dust and noise.
• Occasionally requires the ability to work in a place.
• Ability to communicate clearly with others.
• Availability to work a flexible retail schedule, which may change seasonally and in response to location‑specific business trends or forecasts.

At Columbia Sportswear Company (CSC), we’re committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone has the same opportunity to thrive. We welcome talent from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on age, gender, nationality, race, religion or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of our success as a global brand. We aim to recruit, develop, and retain exceptional people, ensuring fair practices and transparency in line with evolving standards. We are committed to equal pay for equal work and make employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Expected Pay: £12.71 - £13.71. Newly hired employees are typically employed at the Hiring Rate for the specific store; however, previous experience will be considered. The expected pay listed on this job posting reflects the gross expected pay for Full‑time positions. This pay disclosure will not apply to roles subject to different pay structures due to age or employment category (such as minors, apprentices, or interns) permitted under applicable law/CBA.

Founded in 1938, Columbia Sportswear Company is a global leader in designing, sourcing, marketing, and distributing outdoor and active‑lifestyle apparel, footwear, accessories, and equipment. Our four primary brands – Columbia®, Mountain Hardwear®, SOREL® and prAna® – complement each other to address the diverse needs of active consumers and their products have gained an international reputation for their innovation, quality and performance.