Retail Store Associate - Snowboard, Outdoor & Lifestyle

Retail Store Associate – Snowboard, Outdoor & Lifestyle

Location: Los Angeles, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $24.00 – $26.00 per hour, based on experience
Work Setting: On-Site

About the Role

An independent specialty retail shop located on Sunset Blvd in Silver Lake, Los Angeles is seeking a knowledgeable, personable, and product-driven Retail Store Associate to join its team.

The store carries a curated mix of snowboards, surfboards, streetwear, technical outerwear, hardgoods, and related outdoor and lifestyle products. This is not a traditional big-box retail environment. We are a small, independently operated specialty shop with a customer base that values authenticity, strong product knowledge, personal service, and an appreciation for snowboard, surf, outdoor, and streetwear culture.

The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys working directly with customers, has a genuine interest in the products we carry, and is an active or previously active snowboarder. Candidates should be comfortable learning the technical details of products, helping customers identify the right gear, maintaining an organized and visually appealing sales floor, and supporting the overall daily operation of the store.

Key Responsibilities

As a Retail Store Associate, you will support the day-to-day operation of the store while providing a high level of customer service and product knowledge.

Responsibilities include:

• Greet customers and provide friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive service.
• Assist customers with selecting snowboards, outerwear, apparel, accessories, hardgoods, and other merchandise.
• Learn and communicate product features, technical specifications, sizing, fit, and intended use.
• Provide thoughtful product recommendations based on customer needs, experience level, and preferences.
• Maintain strong knowledge of snowboard, surf, outdoor, streetwear, and lifestyle brands carried within the store.
• Process purchases, returns, exchanges, and other transactions through the store's POS system.
• Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned.
• Receive, unpack, tag, organize, and merchandise incoming inventory.
• Restock merchandise and maintain appropriate product presentation throughout the sales floor.
• Assist with inventory counts, cycle counts, and general inventory organization.
• Maintain a clean, organized, visually appealing, and customer-ready retail environment.
• Assist with visual merchandising, product displays, floor sets, and seasonal product transitions.
• Help identify low-stock items and communicate inventory needs to store leadership.
• Become familiar with new product releases, brands, technology, and seasonal merchandise.
• Help create an authentic and welcoming environment for customers within the snowboard, surf, outdoor, and lifestyle communities.
• Support store events, activations, partnerships, and community initiatives as needed.
• Assist with social media or store content on occasion when appropriate.
• Perform additional store-related responsibilities as assigned by management or ownership.

Who You Are

The ideal candidate is genuinely interested in the products, brands, and culture represented within the store.

You should be:

• An active or previously active snowboarder with a strong understanding of snowboard culture and equipment.
• Friendly, approachable, and comfortable working directly with customers.
• Interested in snowboarding, surfing, outdoor recreation, streetwear, technical apparel, and lifestyle brands.
• Someone who genuinely enjoys learning about products and understanding the differences between brands, models, materials, and equipment.
• Comfortable discussing products with both experienced customers and individuals who may be new to the sport.
• Fashion-forward and aware of current brands, products, and trends.
• Reliable, punctual, organized, and detail-oriented.
• Comfortable working in a small independent retail environment where team members take on a variety of responsibilities.
• Able to work independently while also contributing positively to a small team.
• Community-minded and able to represent the store authentically.

Qualifications

Required

• Active or previously active snowboarder.
• Previous retail, customer service, sales, hospitality, or related experience preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Genuine interest in snowboarding, outdoor products, apparel, streetwear, or specialty retail.
• Willingness to develop strong product knowledge.
• Ability to operate or learn POS and inventory systems.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform typical retail duties, including stocking and moving merchandise.
• Ability to work weekends, evenings, and some holidays as needed.
• Ability to work on-site in Silver Lake, Los Angeles.

Compensation & Benefits

• $24.00 – $26.00 per hour, depending on experience and product knowledge.
• Full-time employment with benefits (medical, dental, vision).
• Employee product discounts.
• Opportunity to work with premium snowboard, surf, outdoor, streetwear, and lifestyle brands.
• Hands-on product education and exposure to new merchandise and seasonal releases.
• Small, collaborative, independently operated work environment.
• Opportunity for increased responsibility and professional growth as the business expands.