What Does a Dollar General Sales Associate Do?

The role of a Dollar General sales associate is one that requires hard work, dedication, and an eye for detail. They are responsible for helping customers find the products they need while keeping an eye on inventory levels and maintaining clean store displays.

Dollar General stores have a very specific look and feel to them—this includes everything from their product offerings to the layout of the store itself. Sales associates must be able to quickly learn this style so that they can provide consistent customer service across all locations.

Dollar General Sales Associate Job Duties

A Dollar General sales associate typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Follow all company policies regarding customer service and safety standards
• Assist customers with picking out items or helping them find an item they cannot locate
• Assist with stocking shelves or maintaining store displays
• Assist with merchandising new items, organizing sales promotions, and conducting inventory checks
• Assist customers with completing transactions by accepting payment, processing returns, issuing coupons, or providing change
• Maintain a neat, clean store environment and assist in restocking shelves when necessary
• Assist in loss prevention activities such as monitoring theft activity or inspecting identification of potential shoplifters
• Assist customers with scanning items at checkout, bagging purchases, and answering any questions about products or services
• Assist customers with locating products as needed, answering questions about products, and processing returns or exchanges

Dollar General Sales Associate Salary & Outlook

Dollar General sales associates’ salaries vary depending on their level of experience, the company size and geographic location.

• Median Annual Salary: $49,500 ($23.8/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $97,000 ($46.63/hour)

The employment of sales associates in general merchandise stores is expected to grow slower than average over the next decade.

Employment growth will be limited by the increasing automation of retail establishments. Self-checkout systems and electronic price tags have reduced the need for sales associates to explain pricing and other policies to customers. However, these workers will continue to be needed to help customers find items and answer questions about products.

Dollar General Sales Associate Job Requirements

Dollar General looks for the following when hiring a sales associate:

Education: Most dollar stores require their employees to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some stores may accept a GED certificate in place of a diploma.

Training & Experience: Most new sales associates will receive on-the-job training from their managers or other experienced employees. This training will teach the new employee how to operate the cash register, how to interact with customers and how to stock and organize the store.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications can prove an employee’s qualifications to current and future employers, as well as provide ongoing training. Dollar General sales associates do not need certifications. However, some states require sales associates to pass an exam to obtain a sales license.

Dollar General Sales Associate Skills

Dollar General sales associates need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication skills: As a sales associate, you’ll need to communicate with customers about products, promotions and other company information. You’ll also need to communicate with your manager and other sales associates to ensure you’re meeting the company’s sales goals. Communication skills can include listening, speaking and writing skills.

Product knowledge: As a sales associate, you should be knowledgeable about the products you’re selling. This can help you answer questions from customers and help you make informed recommendations. You should also be familiar with the store’s promotions and sales to help customers find the best deals.

Customer service: Customer service is the ability to interact with customers in a friendly and helpful manner. As a sales associate, you’ll be expected to provide excellent customer service to your customers. This includes greeting customers, answering their questions and helping them find what they need.

Organization: As a sales associate, you’ll need to keep your work area and cash register organized. This includes keeping your cash drawer balanced, keeping your stock organized and keeping your work area free of clutter. Organization skills can help you complete tasks efficiently and keep your store looking clean and professional.

Teamwork: Working as a team can help you and your colleagues complete tasks more efficiently. As a sales associate, you may work with other employees to stock shelves, clean the store and check customers out. Being able to work with others can help you develop your teamwork skills and improve your ability to work with others.

Dollar General Sales Associate Work Environment

Dollar General sales associates work in a fast-paced environment where they are constantly interacting with customers. They may be required to work early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. Sales associates are required to handle cash and operate a cash register, so they must be able to count money accurately. They must also be able to lift heavy boxes and stock shelves.

Dollar General Sales Associate Trends

Here are three trends influencing how Dollar General sales associates work. Dollar General sales associates will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Growth of Online Shopping

The growth of online shopping is a trend that is quickly changing the retail landscape. As more and more people shop online, brick-and-mortar stores are losing customers and revenue.

Dollar General is one of the many retailers that is struggling to adapt to this trend. In order to stay competitive, they need to find ways to attract customers back to their stores. One way to do this is by hiring sales associates who are knowledgeable about online shopping and can help customers find what they’re looking for.

More Focus on Customer Service

As customer service becomes more important, businesses are beginning to focus on hiring employees with strong interpersonal skills. This is especially true in the retail industry, where customer satisfaction is essential for success.

Sales associates in Dollar General stores will need to be able to provide excellent customer service in order to keep customers coming back. They will also need to be familiar with the products that are sold in the store in order to answer questions and make recommendations.

Greater Use of Technology

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the workplace, and this is especially true for sales associates.

As technology advances, sales associates will need to learn how to use it to their advantage. This includes using social media to connect with potential customers, as well as using software to track sales data. In addition, sales associates will need to be comfortable with using tablets and smartphones to take orders and process payments.

How to Become a Dollar General Sales Associate

A career as a sales associate can be a great way to get started in the retail industry. As a sales associate, you’ll learn about different products and services, develop customer service skills, and build relationships with customers. You’ll also gain experience working with different types of people and learning how to sell effectively.

Dollar General offers many opportunities for growth within the company. You can move up the ranks from sales associate to manager or even district manager. Additionally, there are opportunities to move into other areas of the company, such as human resources or merchandising.