Retail sales and rental employees are found at many resort locations. They work in stores on site to sell or rent equipment, souvenirs, and miscellaneous assortments to visitors.

Depending on the employer, this kind of work can range from selling sweatshirts and apparel to renting SCUBA gear and sailboards for activities. Therefore, depending on the resort that employees work for, the necessary level of expertise will vary. Because retail and rental shops at resorts are a customer service position, there are a few job requirements that all store employees will have in common regardless of their expertise.

All rental and retail sales associates at a resort are employed to increase sales and help customers with purchases. This is true regardless if a visitor is purchasing a scorpion paperweight or renting out jet skis. All resort 'shop' employees are also required to be knowledgeable about the merchandise in their stores in order to give knowledgeable and helpful opinions. Employees should be enthusiastic, outgoing, helpful, and have an understanding of other resort amenities in order to answer questions. Many store workers will be asked to clean the shop, and perform some degree of cashier duties as well. Work with retail computer systems or experience with registers is also beneficial to new applicants.

Retail Jobs

Retail employees who have previous experience working in gift shops or other resort locations have a distinct advantage over those who are first time applicants. These positions are very highly trainable however, and most outgoing people who desire a job in retail sales can find one with some determination. Retail positions in resort shops are highly sought after, especially at premier locations like ski resorts, and summer lodges because the employee perks can be very desirable. Therefore, applying early and often will be key for job hunters.

Retail employees in apparel and gift shops will receive varying amounts of pay depending on the location of the resort and the applicant's experience. Most shop employees will earn salaries closer to minimum wage however, it is likely that several stores will offer commissions in addition to sales. Perks, like discounted or free housing are also common to off set pay. Retail managers will make more than minimum wage but will also have a larger number of responsibilities. Managers will be charged with hiring and scheduling responsibilities, billing, inventory, cashiering, and other managerial tasks like overseeing more than one store. Manager pay will range closer to $12-$18 an hour, depending on the resort. Because there are premier lodges located all over the world that need employees for their shops, the variance in salary and commission programs will vary extensively as well. Most employees can expect to work anywhere from 35-45 hours a week.

Rental Store Jobs

Rental store employees have more responsibilities than those who work in retail. This is largely because rental store employees are required to have experience with the equipment that they rent to vacationers. Having a working understanding of the safety issues regarding the rental equipment will be necessary and in some cases some minor instruction will be provided to renters as well. Take the example of working in a snow sport rental shop.

All employees will be required to understand how to correctly fit a person for skis. Additionally, they should have a working knowledge of different brands and how to fit for different skill levels as well. Therefore, a solid understanding of the sport, equipment, and safety issues will be key for good staff members. A lot of rental stores double as retail stores, so the responsibilities of a retail employee may apply to both stores. Rental employees will usually make more than $8.50 an hour and managers of rental shops can make as much as $20, although average salaries for managers fall around $13-$15 an hour.

Uniforms may or may not be required and will depend on the resort or lodge, although dress codes are almost always enforced.

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