Role Overview

Are you passionate about retail merchandising and ready to bring your skills to life in Columbia, Mississippi? As a Merchandising Sales Associate at Tractor Supply Co in Columbia, you'll travel across the district to execute planograms, assemble fixtures, and deliver legendary customer experiences. This dynamic role combines hands-on merchandising with customer interaction, perfect for those who thrive in a fast-paced rural retail environment.

Tractor Supply Co values team members who own tasks from start to finish, ensuring stores shine with perfect visual standards. In Columbia, Mississippi, this position offers a chance to serve local farmers, pet owners, and ranchers while building a rewarding career. Join a company committed to making life out here better every day.

A Day in the Life

Imagine starting your day in Columbia, Mississippi, loading your vehicle with merchandising tools before heading to the first store in your district. A typical day includes executing planograms with precision, measuring shelves, and rearranging displays to match brand standards. You'll interact with store team members, sharing tips on visual merchandising while tackling fixture assembly.

By midday, you're hanging fresh signage and performing cycle counts to keep inventory accurate. Customer interactions pepper your shift—using the GURA process to greet shoppers, uncover needs, recommend solutions like equine feed or welding supplies, and ensure they leave satisfied. Evenings wrap with recovery tasks, reviewing planogram integrity before traveling to the next location.

Your flexibility shines as shifts vary, often exceeding eight hours with travel between stores. It's rewarding work that keeps rural retail vibrant and customers coming back.

Why Columbia?

Columbia, Mississippi, is a welcoming hub in Marion County, blending small-town charm with a thriving agricultural economy. Here, Tractor Supply Co serves local farmers, ranchers, and families who rely on quality supplies for livestock, pets, and home projects. The community's tight-knit vibe means your merchandising efforts directly impact neighbors you see at church or the county fair.

Nearby areas like Hattiesburg and the Pearl River offer outdoor adventures, from fishing to hiking, complementing the rural lifestyle Tractor Supply champions. Columbia's growing economy, driven by timber, energy, and agriculture, creates steady demand for skilled merchandising sales associates. Living and working in Columbia means affordable living, strong community ties, and pride in supporting the local way of life.

Columbia, Mississippi, stands out for its low cost of living and family-friendly atmosphere, making it ideal for Tractor Supply team members seeking balance.

Career Growth at Tractor Supply Co

Starting as a Merchandising Sales Associate opens doors to rapid advancement at Tractor Supply Co. Your first 90 days focus on mastering planograms and customer service, with supervisors mentoring your progress. Excel here, and move into District FAST Supervisor roles, overseeing teams across multiple stores.

Many associates advance to Store Team Lead, Department Manager, or even Store Director positions. Tractor Supply's internal promotion culture rewards performance—over 80% of leadership roles are filled internally. Ongoing training in merchandising trends, leadership, and inventory tech builds your expertise.

Long-term, paths lead to regional merchandising manager or corporate roles. In Columbia, Mississippi, your district experience positions you for broader opportunities nationwide.

Compensation & Benefits

Merchandising Sales Associate salaries in Mississippi start competitively, reflecting travel and skill demands. Expect pay aligned with experience, plus mileage reimbursement for district travel. Tractor Supply Co offers transparency with performance-based raises and bonuses during peak seasons.

Comprehensive benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance from day one, alongside 401(k) matching. Enjoy generous PTO, employee discounts on farm supplies, and wellness incentives. These perks support a balanced life, especially valuable in cost-effective Columbia.

Team & Culture

Tractor Supply Co's culture revolves around 'Legendary Customer Experience' and teamwork. As a Merchandising Sales Associate, you'll join supportive district teams that celebrate wins, from flawless resets to rave customer reviews. Rural roots foster authenticity—expect barbecues, volunteer days, and shared passion for the outdoor lifestyle.

Diversity thrives in inclusive environments where farming knowledge meets fresh ideas. Leaders prioritize work-life balance, with flexible shifts accommodating family needs. This builds trust and loyalty, evident in low turnover and high employee satisfaction scores.

How to Apply

Ready to launch your merchandising career with Tractor Supply Co in Columbia, Mississippi? Review the role details and submit your application today. Apply using the button above to join our district team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What experience is needed for Merchandising Sales Associate at Tractor Supply Co? Prior retail or merchandising experience is required, with farming, ranching, pet, equine, or welding knowledge preferred. A valid driver's license and age 18+ are essential, plus basic literacy for planograms.

Does this role involve travel in Columbia, Mississippi? Yes, you'll travel between stores in the assigned district using your personal vehicle, with mileage reimbursement. Shifts vary by location, often 4-8+ hours.

What is the GURA process? GURA stands for Greet, Uncover needs, Recommend solutions, and Ask to add value—Tractor Supply's customer service framework for legendary experiences.

Are flexible hours available? Absolutely, shifts include days, nights, weekends, and overtime as needed, with advance scheduling for work-life balance.

What physical demands does the job have? Expect lifting, standing, bending, and fixture assembly on hard surfaces, indoors and outdoors, in moderate noise environments.

Is a high school diploma required? Preferred but not mandatory; ability to read, write, count, and use basic computers is key.

How does career growth work here? Strong performers advance quickly to supervisory and management roles, with company-wide training support.

What benefits stand out? Health insurance, 401(k), discounts, PTO, and mileage pay make it comprehensive for merchandising roles.

Can I apply without retail experience? Prior experience is required, but enthusiasm for rural lifestyles and quick learning can help.

What's the work environment like? Favorable, safe settings focused on customer service, with emphasis on safety training and team support.