Sporting Goods Industry Jobs: Find Sporting Goods Jobs

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Employers like Cabelas and Dicks Sporting Goods are always looking for knowledgeable, motivated workers to become part of their team.

Industry Outlook: Over 2,000 sporting goods stores operate in the United States as of August 2014. Along with specialized stores, sporting gear retail markets also exist in superstores with large departments devoted to outdoor sales. Companies attempt to provoke fads with new products to generate massive sales revenue and appeal to potential consumers by promoting the need for health-conscious lifestyles. Large sporting goods retailers, like Cabela’s or Gander Mountain, operate as both retail locations and attractions and take in millions of dollars in revenue each year. With the prospect of sporting tourism, the industry stands to grow steadily in the coming years.

Hiring now: sporting goods stores

How to Get a Job in Sporting Goods: Any previous retail experience may improve employment potential, but sporting goods jobs continue as attainable choices for entry-level work seekers. Strong skill in customer service stands as an essential quality for applicants. Awareness of currently popular products as well as an in-depth sports and outdoors familiarity lend employees necessary insight to help customers make satisfying and informed buying decisions. Many employers prefer candidates 18 years or older and with high school educations; however, requirements vary by company and position. Background checks prove mandatory in most states for employees working in firearms retail departments, sometimes in addition to specialized training and licensing.

Positions and Salary: Retail sporting goods sales workers explain the uses and values of sporting goods and assist customers with final selections. Stockers unload merchandise from supply trucks, take inventory, and ensure displays remain orderly and eye-catching for patrons. Cashiers handle financial transactions for shoppers. Hourly pay for the above positions ranges between $9.00 and $9.75 on average. Managers and supervisors, employees responsible for performing regulatory duties, training new personnel, and making sure the store remains profitable and efficient, earn about $39,000 annually.

Sporting Goods Store Job Descriptions

Cashier – Cashiers finalize customer purchases on cash registers or POS systems. Before beginning the checkout process, cashiers often inquire about the customer’s experience and offer assistance in locating additional items or resolving issues. The workers also typically promote store loyalty programs. When checking customers out, a cashiers needs to work in a quick and efficient manner in order to move lines quickly. Employees remain accountable for drawer balances and must avoid shortages or overages. Proper cash-handling skills ensures associates maintain correct draw counts. Asset protection proves essential to maintaining business, and cashiers stand as the last line of defense against unpaid merchandise leaving the store. Essential loss-prevention duties include checking inside products, correctly removing security devices, and checking for price tag switches. When not ringing up customers, cashiers maintain the store appearance by removing trash, cleaning surfaces, and organizing displays. Most stores hire cashiers as part-time help, but full-time positions remain accessible in various locations. Cashiers at sporting goods stores usually earn about $8.50 an hour.

Sales Associate – Some sporting goods retailers call associates team members, whereas a few retailers take it further by calling the entry-level workers rookies. Though titles may differ by location, job duties largely remain the same. Responsible for customer care, sales associates greet guests and provide personal assistance. With in-depth knowledge of store merchandise and advanced sales skills, sales representatives match customers with the products needed and also suggest add-on items. Duties also include making product suggestions based on customer requests as well as checking stock and retrieving merchandise for patrons. Sporting goods stores look for workers with passion and knowledge for sports. Crew members with advanced knowledge in particular sports may work in departments specific to such specialties. Many stores offer sections dedicated to fitness, team sports, footwear, and hunting, fishing, and camping. Most retailers look for employees capable of working flexible hours or rotating schedules that include evenings, weekends, and holidays. In the retail sporting goods industry, sales associates earn between $8.00 and $9.50 per hour.

Stock Associate – Also called a receiving associate, operations associate, or material handler, a stock associate maintains product levels on the sales floor and organizes stock in back storage. When deliveries arrive, the stock worker unloads pallets and moves the shipments to correct processing areas. A stock associate then unboxes and prepares merchandise for the sales floor. To keep stores continually looking properly supplied, the stock team member replenishes products whenever merchandise levels on the sales floor diminish. Visual presentation remains a key role, and stockers need to follow exact presentation standards when fulfilling stock. In order to do so, duties include correct folding of clothing, complete representation of size runs, and following merchandise guidelines and display plans. Stock associates often work outside of typical hours of operation. Many stores may assign evening shifts for stock associates to prepare stock and store presentation for the following day. Some locations assign early-morning shifts, or first shifts, for stockers to accomplish product fulfillment before stores open. Shifts may extend to operating hours, and stock associates may need to assist customers when needed. Stockers in the sporting goods industry may earn between $10.00 and $11.00 an hour.