stock clerk

What does a Stock Clerk do?

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Stock clerks ensure stores or warehouse inventory is placed in the correct area so customers or people who fill orders can easily find the product they are looking for. They also ensure the items they stock and the area they are working in looks neat and tidy. Stock clerks may need to lift heavy items and must bend and reach often to stock merchandise in high and low areas.

Watch the video to learn what a stock clear does:

How to Become a Stock Clerk

stock clerk

On-the-job training is generally all that is required to become a stock clerk. These positions often work shifts in the early morning or at night when people are not shopping. Many stock clerks work part-time as well.

If you are interested in a job as a stock clerk, don’t forget that grocery stores and department stores are not the only places that hire. You may also find employment at a building and supply store or a warehouse.

Job Description of a Stock Clerk

Stock clerks fill inventory that may be understocked due to shoppers purchasing items or a warehouse filling orders. If a stock clerk works in a grocery or retail store, they may also be given the task of displaying products in an appealing way in order to attract more customers. This job is physically demanding as stock clerks are on their feet throughout their shift. They may also often lift and carry heavy boxes or merchandise. Along with lifting heavy items, they may do a lot of bending in order to stock products on low shelves.

Stock Clerk Career Video Transcript

When shoppers enter a store, they expect to find what they need easily and in ample supply. It’s the job of sales floor stock clerks to make sure that items for sale are arranged for customers’ ease and convenience. When merchandise arrives at a store, stock clerks unpack it, inspect the order for damage and accuracy, and then move it to the retail area, lifting heavy boxes as needed. They often mark items with price stickers or inventory control codes to keep track of what’s sold. Using their creativity, clerks put items on shelves, in cases, bins, or on tabletops to attract customers and keep merchandise organized.

Stock clerks often help customers too, finding or packing items, answering questions, and on occasion ringing up sales. A high school diploma or equivalent is expected for most stock clerk positions, and on-the-job training is usually provided. Part-time hours are common, often during off-peak shopping hours, such as early morning and late evening. With training and experience, sales floor stock clerks may advance to higher-paying supervisory or purchasing positions.

Article Citations

National Center for O*NET Development. 43-5081.01. O*NET OnLine.

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