Retail Associate Full Time or Part Time

Hardgoods Department Manager in Billings MT

About Us:

The Base Camp is a family-owned outdoor retail store dedicated to providing our community with top-quality clothing, gear and exceptional service. Since 1975, we have been passionate about the outdoors and take pride in maintaining strong relationships with our customers. We strive to ensure every customer feels confident and prepared for their next adventure. We are currently seeking a knowledgeable and driven individual to manage our hardgoods department.

Job Title: Hardgoods Manager

Location: Billings, MT

Job Type: Full-Time (32-40 hours a week)

Starting Hourly Wage: $18-22 DOE

Job Summary:

The Hardgoods Manager is responsible for overseeing the sales, inventory, merchandising, and operations of all hardgoods categories, including camping, climbing, skiing, rentals, and backpacking gear. This role ensures the department meets sales goals, maintains a high level of customer service, and keeps inventory properly stocked and merchandised. Additionally, the Hardgoods Manager serves as a key support role to the Store Manager, assisting with store-wide operations, staff training, and strategic planning to enhance overall business performance.

Key Responsibilities:

Customer Service & Relations:

• Provide the highest level of customer service, ensuring customer satisfaction through prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable assistance.
• Lead by example, fostering a positive customer-first culture within the store.
• Utilize suggestive selling and cross-selling techniques to maximize sales and enhance the customer experience.
• Maintain an appearance and attitude that conveys confidence and professionalism.
• Stay informed on store promotions, events, and advertisements to effectively communicate them to customers.
• Assist customers with returns and problem resolution to ensure a positive shopping experience.
• Monitor store music selection and ambiance to enhance the shopping environment.

Sales, Promotions, & Inventory Management:

• Oversee the flow of goods between receiving and the sales floor, ensuring efficient stocking and merchandising.
• Work closely with buyers to track product movement, determine markdowns, and optimize gross margin and sell-through rates.
• Assist in planning and executing in-store and out-of-store promotions, including major sales events.
• Manage, organize, and supervise hardgoods categories, including sleeping bags, tents, packs, food, climbing, skiing, snowshoes, and related equipment.
• Monitor inventory levels, sales trends, and customer demand, communicating key insights to the buying team.
• Communicate regularly with the hard goods buyer to convey department needs.
• Coordinate with the merchandising manager to develop and implement seasonal merchandising plans to align with storewide initiatives.

Employee Management & Training:

• Supervise and mentor the hardgoods department staff, ensuring efficient time management and productivity.
• Monitor customer flow and ensure that all customers receive timely and effective assistance from staff.
• Develop and implement training programs for both new and existing staff, ensuring proficiency in product knowledge, sales techniques, backpack and boot fitting, and ski and gear rental.
• Work with vendor reps to set up in-store clinics to ensure a high level of staff education in the hard goods department.
• Support store management in overall employee supervision and store operations in their absence.

Rental Department Management & Community Outreach:

• Work closely with the hardgoods buyer and store manager to manage rental inventory, maintenance, and customer service.
• Ensure all rental gear is in excellent condition and properly tracked.
• Work with owners and management to update and maintain rental policies and procedures to ensure smooth operations.
• Work with the store manager and owners to develop and coordinate community outreach efforts, organizing clinics, workshops, and educational classes to engage customers and promote outdoor recreation.
• Partner with local organizations, schools, and outdoor groups to expand The Base Camp’s presence in the community.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Uphold and promote The Base Camp’s mission, values, and reputation in the community.
• Foster a collaborative team environment, ensuring alignment with company goals and initiatives.
• Track individual and department performance against set goals, adjusting strategies as needed.
• Contribute to a safe workplace by upholding safety policies and procedures.
• Support management decisions and attend store meetings and clinics.

Qualifications & Experience:

• 2 years of retail experience in outdoor hardgoods, preferably in camping, climbing, skiing, or backpacking.
• Strong knowledge of outdoor gear and technical equipment.
• Knowledge of local recreation areas.
• Prior experience in leadership or management roles preferred.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and manage time efficiently.
• Experience with inventory management systems and point-of-sale (POS) software is a plus.
• Passion for outdoor activities and gear.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a leadership team.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Occasional climbing, bending, and kneeling for merchandising and stocking purposes

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Employee discounts on outdoor gear and equipment.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Matched 401K program.
• Bonus opportunites.
• Opportunities for professional growth and training.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter to cody@thebasecamp.com. Applicants without relevant experience or a cover letter explaining your interest will not be considered.

Join our team and help customers gear up for their next great adventure!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Company Description

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Role Description

This is a full-time on-site role for a Retail Associate at The Base Camp located in Helena, MT. The Retail Associate will be responsible for tasks such as providing customer service, managing inventory, and ensuring a customer-focused experience.

Qualifications

• Interpersonal Skills and Communication
• Customer Experience and Customer-focused Service
• Inventory Management
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Previous retail or customer service experience is a plus
• High school diploma or equivalent