What is a sales associate?

"Sales associate" is a common job title for a person who provides a mix of sales and customer service functions in a retail setting. In some cases, sales associate is used as a substitute for "clerk," though companies use sales associate to denote emphasis on sales and service responsibilities.

Sales associates work in a variety of retail settings, including discount stores, department stores and specialty stores. They greet customers on the sales floor, ask questions, assist with problems and recommend certain products and services to match the customer's needs. Sales associates may also perform basic stocking duties and work at cashier stations.