Retail salespeople help customers find items in stores. They try to convince customers to buy those items.

Retail salespeople answer questions about various models, colors, and brands of an item. They show customers how items work. They also help customers locate items in the store. If they cannot find an item, salespeople check the stockroom or make special orders from other stores.

Retail salespeople compute the amount of the total sale and receive cash, check, or credit card payments. Most salespeople are assigned to a register at the beginning of their shift. At the end of a shift they total charge forms, return slips, and other non-cash items and deposit the day's sales at the store's cash office.

Retail salespeople bag, package, or gift wrap items for customers. Sometimes they mail or deliver special-order items. Salespeople also handle returns or exchanges of items. They keep track of items for sale in the store.

Retail salespeople stock shelves and racks and arrange items in an appealing way. They mark price tags and make sure that work areas are neat and clean. Retail salespeople also know how to identify and prevent security risks and theft. They also stay updated on new items, store promotions, and policies.