What are the responsibilities and job description for the Store Sales Associate - The COOP Concept Store (Allston) position at The Harvard/MIT Cooperative Society?
Overview
About The COOP
Founded in 1882, the Harvard & MIT Cooperative Society—known as The COOP—is one of the most iconic collegiate retail institutions in the country. Today, the COOP is in the midst of an exciting transformation—reimagining its role not just as a retailer, but as a platform for connection, community, and engagement across Harvard, MIT, and the neighborhoods they call home.
The COOP Allston store is a key part of this next chapter. Located within Harvard’s Enterprise Research Campus (ERC) at the Atlas Hotel, this new concept store is designed as a curated, welcoming destination—blending retail, storytelling, and community activation in an intimate footprint.
The Role
We are seeking Store Sales Associates to join us at launch and help bring this new concept to life. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both retail and people—someone who is energized by creating meaningful guest experiences, building relationships, and contributing to a dynamic, community-driven environment.
As a Sales Associate, you will serve as the face of the COOP on the sales floor—delivering an elevated, personalized experience while supporting daily operations, visual presentation, and store events. You will work closely with the Store Manager and Assistant Store Manager to help achieve sales goals, maintain operational excellence, and create a space that invites guests to explore and connect.
Key Responsibilities
Guest Experience & Selling
- Deliver a warm, engaging, and personalized experience to every guest
- Build genuine relationships with students, hotel guests, and local community members
- Demonstrate strong product knowledge and storytelling to support thoughtful selling
- Utilize suggestive selling techniques to drive sales while maintaining an authentic, service-first approach
- Resolve guest questions or concerns with professionalism and care, escalating when needed
Sales Floor Presence & Visual Excellence
- Maintain an active and consistent presence on the sales floor
- Ensure the store is always clean, organized, and visually aligned with brand standards
- Assist with merchandising, product displays, and floor resets
- Support the execution of seasonal changes and curated product presentations
Operations & Inventory
- Accurately process transactions through Shopify POS
- Support receiving shipments and maintaining organized back stock
- Assist with inventory management, stock replenishment, and cycle counts
- Follow all store procedures related to cash handling, opening/closing, and reporting
Community & Events
- Support in-store events and activations, helping create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere
- Encourage guest participation and help foster a sense of community within the space
- Represent the COOP brand with enthusiasm and authenticity during events
Team Collaboration
- Work collaboratively with leadership and team members to achieve store goals
- Participate in ongoing training and development around product knowledge and service standards
- Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented environment
Qualifications
- 1–2 years of retail or customer service experience preferred (specialty or premium retail a plus)
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Passion for customer experience, storytelling, and community engagement
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving retail environment
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
- Comfort with technology, including POS systems (Shopify experience a plus)
- Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
Key Attributes for Success
- Naturally welcoming and people-oriented
- Curious, with a desire to learn about products and brand stories
- Proactive and solution-oriented
- Team player with a strong sense of accountability
- Adaptable and excited to be part of a new store launch
Compensation and Benefits
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual
Pay: $17.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
Work Location: In person
Salary : $17 - $20