Seasonal Sales Associate

We’re in business to save our home planet. Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, Patagonia is an outdoor apparel company based in Ventura, California. As a certified B Corporation and a founding member of 1% for the Planet, the company is recognized internationally for its product quality and environmental activism, as well as its contributions of more than $240 million to environmental organizations. Its unique ownership structure reflects that Earth is its only shareholder: Profits not reinvested back into the business are paid as dividends to protect the planet.

Job Title: Seasonal Sales Associate

Reports to: Store Manager

Location: Milan, Italy

Your Main Tasks:

Customer Service and Sales

• Greet all customers promptly and courteously as they enter the store.
• Utilize the tools and training provided by the Company to develop selling and service skills, resulting in long-term customer relationships and increased sales.
• Direct customers throughout the store or to the specific area the customer requests.
• Determine the specific needs of each person that enters the store and provide appropriate service.
• Give accurate and current information about the product for all inquiries; if the correct information is not at hand, do everything possible to provide an answer before the customer leaves the store.
• Increase the customer base by adding new customers to the mailing list.
• Maintain the feedback loop to designers and buyers by turning in customer comment cards; participate in information-gathering requests from the Company.
• Handle product returns in a way that demonstrates the spirit of our “Ironclad Guarantee.”
• Maintain a positive and cheerful attitude at all times.
• Understand the Patagonia Retail Philosophy and use this philosophy in all customer interaction.
• Apply the above standards to all phone inquiries.

Merchandising and Maintenance

• Check stock daily and restock when necessary to ensure that all products are available for customers; if stock is not currently available offer to put their name on the wish list and to call them when stock arrives.
• Perform merchandising duties: folding, hanging, and displaying product according to retail merchandising standards.
• Steam all hanging merchandise.
• Assist in displaying all featured merchandise prominently in each section.
• Help store merchandiser and/or store manager by suggesting alternative locations for products.
• Maintain store image by adhering to the dress guidelines for Patagonia Retail employees.
• Maintain a clean and well-organized back-stock area.
• Vacuum, sweep floors, and empty all trash each day if required.
• Clean employee break area each day.

Operations

• Report to work on time or notify in advance if absent or late.
• Operate the cash register; it should be each employee’s goal to use the register without error and to be consistently accurate in money handling.
• Understand and utilize all reports including: item master, units’ location report, open order report, color and style masters, etc.
• Use correct procedures for processing mail orders, transfers, special orders, and rentals.
• Know and utilize the procedures for processing paperwork between the store and Retail Services.
• Practice security measures that help prevent theft; understand the procedures for handling shoplifters.
• Practice safety consciousness at all times.
• Participate in all required Patagonia Retail employee training.
• Participate in the training of fellow employees, including New Hire Training and ongoing product, service, and environmental training.
• Be proactive in your ongoing education regarding the company, weekly reports, products, and the outdoor retail business.
• Take advantage of additional training opportunities that are offered.

Mentoring, Training and Employee Development

• Participate in all required Patagonia Retail employee training.
• Participate in the training of fellow employees, including New Hire Training and ongoing product, service, and environmental training.
• Be proactive in your ongoing education regarding the company, weekly reports, products, and the outdoor retail business.
• Take advantage of additional training opportunities that are offered.

What we’re looking for

In order to succeed in this role, it is expected that you will have:

• An inclusive mindset
• Strong customer service and sales skills.
• Previous retail or related customer service experience.
• Language skills: Fluent in English and Italian, in addition fluency in other languages will be an advantage.
• Patagonia product experience/knowled