Walmart General Merchandise In 2024: Duties, Pay, Benefits & More
With over 4,700 store locations in the US, Walmart heavily relies on its army of over 1.5 million associates to keep operations running smoothly each day. One of the most critical roles is that of the General Merchandise associate – the unsung heroes working behind the scenes in the store‘s bustling backrooms and sales floors.
But what exactly does the job entail? Is it the right position for you? Here is an in-depth look into Walmart‘s General Merchandise roles along with expert tips to help you land this popular retail role.
A Day in the Life: Duties of a Walmart General Merchandise Associate
As a General Merchandise associate, no two days will look the same. You will be assigned to different areas of the store based on the needs of each day. One day you may be unloading inventory in the backroom, the next day you may be tasked upfront assisting customers.
According to Walmart‘s latest job description, core duties typically include:
- Stocking shelves, displays, coolers and freezers with new merchandise and rotating older stock
- Setting up promotional displays and space for ad items or seasonal products
- Assisting customers find items and answering questions about stock availability, pricing, etc.
- Processing returns and exchanges at customer service as required
- Supporting inventory management by scanning shelves for out of stock items, mismatches, etc.
- Building pallets of backstock items and transporting between backroom and sales floor using pallet jack
- Unloading trucks and organizing incoming inventory in the backroom
- Assembling merchandise and display components as needed
- Keeping aisles, display cases, counters clean, organized and safe for customers
To summarize, if a product needs to get from the backroom onto the shelves or into a customer‘s cart, the General Merchandise associate makes it happen. You are the key support person keeping the store‘s inventory flowing.
General Merchandise Associate Requirements: Skills and Qualifications
To be a strong candidate for Walmart‘s General Merchandise roles, here are some must-have qualifications:
- Physical stamina and mobility – ability to be on your feet for 8-10 hours, lift up to 50 lbs, bend and twist frequently
- Basic math, reading and verbal communication skills
- Detail orientation to count inventory, check expiration dates, assemble components
- Teamwork skills to collaborate with peers and supervisors
- Flexible schedule availability – ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
Walmart provides paid training to new hires on equipment operation, safety procedures, customer service standards and store processes. So you do not need any prior retail experience to be considered.
However, previous work demonstrating your customer service, communication, and physical stamina will improve your chances. Even informal experience like volunteer work, sports or outdoor activities can show your fitness and dedication.
What is the Pay and Compensation for Walmart Merchandisers?
According to Walmart‘s latest data, the average hourly wage for General Merchandise associates is $15.25 as of January 2023. This varies slightly by location but provides a good benchmark.
For context, here is how Walmart‘s General Merchandise pay compares to competitors like Target and Amazon:
| Retailer | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Walmart | $15.25 |
| Target | $15 |
| Amazon | $18 |
Annual pay for full-time General Merchandise associates generally ranges from $30,000 to $35,000 including overtime pay opportunities. Part-time schedules will earn less based on fewer hours worked. There is room to move up to higher merchandising roles too.
Beyond hourly wages, Walmart provides bonus opportunities, 401k matching, employee stock purchase plans and other financial incentives. Overall compensation is quite competitive, especially for entry-level roles right out of high school.
What Employee Benefits Are Offered for Walmart General Merchandise Jobs?
Even as a part-time associate, you will qualify for Walmart‘s renowned benefits package including:
- Store discount cards – 10% off general merchandise, fresh produce, etc.
- 401(k) plan with up to 6% matching contributions
- Employee stock purchase plan for as low as $2 per pay period
- Life insurance (up to $5,000 policy for full-time and $2,500 for part-time associates)
- Short term disability insurance
- Accident insurance
- Critical illness insurance
- Perkspot discounts on phones, travel, events, etc.
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Adoption assistance (up to $5,000 per child)
- Free Associate College Degree Program
As one of the largest private employers in America, Walmart leverages its scale to provide a level of benefits rare among retail employers. Take advantage of perks like the college program to save hugely on tuition costs.
Applying for a General Merchandise Position: 5 Tips to Get Hired
You understand the job duties and benefits. Now let‘s get you hired! Follow these pro tips when applying for your local Walmart General Merchandise opening:
1. Check Walmart Careers site frequently. New openings are posted regularly based on store demand. Set up job alerts to be notified of merchandising roles in your area.
2. Highlight physical stamina. Emphasize any prior warehouse, construction, sports or physically demanding experience to showcase your mobility.
3. Prepare for situational interview questions. Expect questions like "How would you handle an angry customer?" to assess your problem-solving skills.
4. Understand Walmart‘s culture. Review the company mission, values and culture so you understand Walmart‘s service-oriented focus.
5. Ask about growth opportunities. Show your ambition by asking about pathways to advance in merchandising roles long term.
With over 5,000 stores nationwide, Walmart has no shortage of General Merchandise openings. Get ahead of the competition by tailoring your application to highlight the required qualifications. The right attitude and customer focus will propel you to the top of the hiring list in no time!
