The Retail Associate, often referred to as a Boutique Associate or Style Advisor at Aritzia, is a frontline role focused on delivering Aritzia’s “Everyday Luxury” experience in their boutiques across Canada. This position is central to the company’s operations, emphasizing exceptional client service, sales, and maintaining the brand’s aesthetic.
Aritzia operates over 115 boutiques, with a significant presence in Canadian cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Ontario, and this role is critical to their high-performance, client-centric culture.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide personalized styling advice and product recommendations to clients, aligning with Aritzia’s exclusive brands (e.g., Wilfred, Babaton, TNA).
- Drive sales to meet or exceed sales-per-hour goals, contributing to boutique performance.
- Maintain store presentation, including restocking, organizing inventory, and ensuring a clean, aspirational environment.
- Build lasting client relationships to encourage repeat visits and loyalty.
- Collaborate with team members to execute daily operations, such as opening/closing procedures and processing transactions.
- Participate in training through Aritzia University to enhance product knowledge and service skills.
Salaries
Aritzia offers competitive wages for Retail Associates, aligned with their pay-for-performance philosophy. Salaries vary by location, experience, and hours worked. Based on job postings and employee reports:
- Hourly Wage: $20–$30 CAD per hour.
- Entry-level associates typically start at the higher end of retail industry standards (e.g., $20–$22/hour).
- Experienced associates or those in high-performing boutiques may earn closer to $25–$30/hour, especially with commission bonuses.
- Commission and Bonuses: Sales-driven roles often include performance-based commissions, which can boost earnings during peak seasons (e.g., holidays).
- Annual Estimate (full-time, ~40 hours/week): $41,600–$62,400 CAD, assuming consistent hours and bonuses.
Benefits and Perks:
- Product Discount: 30% off online and in-store purchases, highly valued by employees.
- Aritzia Virtual Wellness: 24/7 access to physical, mental, and financial wellness resources.
- Aspirational Workspace: Stylish boutiques with amenities like in-house cafes (e.g., A-OK Café) and dog-friendly spaces in some locations.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Full-time associates may receive medical, dental, and vision plans, plus paid time off.
- Career Development: Access to Aritzia University for training and potential growth into roles like Floor Manager.
- Additional Perks: Free espresso, discounted meals during peak seasons, and exclusive shopping events.
- Employee reviews rate compensation and benefits at 3.3/5, with strong appreciation for discounts and wellness programs but mixed feedback on job security (2.8/5).
Requirements
Aritzia seeks candidates who embody their brand values, are passionate about fashion, and thrive in a sales-driven, client-focused environment.
Specific requirements for Retail Associates include:
- Education: No formal education required; a high school diploma is preferred but not mandatory.
- Experience:
- Previous retail, hospitality, or customer service experience is a plus but not required for entry-level roles.
How to Apply
Aritzia’s application process for Retail Associate roles is primarily online, with a streamlined approach to match candidates with boutique openings. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Aritzia Careers Page:
- Go to www.aritzia.com and navigate to the “Careers” section, or directly access aritzia.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com for current job listings.
- Filter for “Retail” or “Boutique Associate” roles and select a location (e.g., Vancouver, Toronto, Ontario). As of January 2025, Aritzia has numerous retail openings across Canada, with 57–73 jobs in Vancouver and 14–27 in Toronto.