About Company
REI Co-op is a national outdoor retail company dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. We are a member-owned co-op, guided by our values and committed to making the outdoors accessible to all. With over 170 stores across the U.S., an online presence, and a thriving community, REI offers quality gear, expert advice, and experiences to connect people with nature. We also invest in the outdoor community, contribute to conservation efforts, and advocate for public lands, striving to protect the places we all love to play. Join a team where passion for the outdoors and community thrive!
Job Description
Are you an enthusiastic individual with a passion for helping people and a desire to learn? REI Co-op is seeking motivated and customer-focused individuals to join our team as Retail Associates at our vibrant Denver Flagship store. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to kickstart their career in retail, as *no prior experience is required*. We believe in fostering talent and providing comprehensive training to ensure your success. If you love the outdoors, enjoy connecting with people, and are eager to contribute to a community-focused organization, we want to hear from you!
At REI, we don’t just sell gear; we inspire, educate, and outfit our members for a lifetime of outdoor adventure. As a Retail Associate, you will be the face of our co-op, guiding customers through our diverse range of outdoor equipment, apparel, and services. You’ll play a crucial role in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, helping customers find exactly what they need for their next hiking trip, camping adventure, cycling journey, or simply a comfortable day out. We’re looking for individuals who are natural problem-solvers, excellent communicators, and possess a genuine desire to make every customer’s experience exceptional. This role is perfect for those who thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced setting where every day brings new opportunities to engage and assist.
Your journey with REI will begin with thorough, hands-on training covering essential product knowledge across various outdoor categories, effective sales techniques, and an immersive introduction to our unique co-op culture and values. You’ll learn about the latest innovations in outdoor gear, understand how to effectively assist customers with their specific needs, from fitting hiking boots to explaining the features of a new tent, and become proficient in store operations, including point-of-sale systems and merchandising. We invest in our associates, providing the tools and knowledge necessary to confidently serve our diverse customer base.
Beyond the daily tasks, this role offers more than just a job; it’s an entry point into a supportive community of outdoor enthusiasts and a company that truly values its employees, fosters career growth, and is deeply committed to environmental stewardship and community engagement. You’ll be part of a team dedicated to getting people outside, protecting wild places, and fostering a love for adventure in everyone. If you’re ready to grow, learn, and make a real impact by connecting people with the outdoors, then this is the perfect opportunity to launch your career. Join us and become an essential part of the REI story, helping to inspire, educate, and outfit for a life lived outdoors. If you’re ready to embrace new challenges and thrive in a collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply today!
Key Responsibilities
- Greet and engage customers in a friendly, enthusiastic, and respectful manner, creating a welcoming store atmosphere.
- Actively listen to customers' needs, identify their goals, and recommend appropriate products and services to enhance their outdoor experiences.
- Learn and apply extensive product knowledge across various outdoor categories to assist customers effectively, including fitting gear and explaining features.
- Process sales transactions accurately and efficiently using point-of-sale systems, ensuring a smooth checkout experience.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and visually appealing sales floor and product displays, adhering to merchandising standards.
- Assist with inventory management, including receiving, stocking shelves, and processing shipments.
- Handle customer inquiries, returns, and exchanges with professionalism, empathy, and a solutions-oriented approach.
- Collaborate effectively with team members and management to achieve sales goals, uphold store standards, and ensure operational excellence.
- Adhere to all company policies and procedures, including safety guidelines and ethical business practices.
- Actively participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to expand product knowledge and customer service skills.
Required Skills
- Excellent verbal communication and active listening skills.
- A positive, enthusiastic attitude and a strong customer service orientation.
- Eagerness to learn about outdoor products, activities, and the REI Co-op mission.
- Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, fast-paced retail environment.
- Basic computer literacy for point-of-sale systems and other store technology.
- Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends, evenings, and holidays, as retail schedules demand.
- Ability to stand for extended periods, walk, bend, lift up to 25 pounds, and perform other physical tasks associated with retail work, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Preferred Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- A genuine passion for the outdoors and an active lifestyle.
- Previous experience in a customer-facing role (while not required, any experience in engaging with the public is a plus).
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive hourly wage with opportunities for performance-based increases.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for full-time employees.
- Generous employee discount on all REI gear and apparel.
- Paid time off (PTO) and holiday pay.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match to help you plan for the future.
- REI Co-op membership benefits, including annual dividends based on eligible purchases.
- Opportunities for career growth, professional development, and internal promotions.
- A supportive and inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and a shared love for the outdoors.
- Access to outdoor education programs, events, and a vibrant community of fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
- Commuter benefits and employee assistance programs.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to click on the application link below to submit their resume and complete our online application. Please ensure all required fields are filled out accurately to be considered for this exciting opportunity.