Role Overview

Are you passionate about retail merchandising and ready to hit the road delivering exceptional store experiences? As a Merchandising Sales Associate at Tractor Supply Co in Monticello, Illinois, you'll travel across districts to execute planograms, assemble fixtures, and provide top-tier customer service. This dynamic role combines hands-on merchandising with Legendary Customer Experience, perfect for those who thrive in fast-paced retail environments.

Picture yourself owning the 'start to finish' of store resets, ensuring every shelf tells the Tractor Supply story. With prior retail experience and a valid driver's license, you'll support multiple locations while building skills in visual merchandising and sales. Join a team that's making rural life better, one perfectly stocked aisle at a time in Monticello, Illinois.

A Day in the Life

Your day as a Merchandising Sales Associate starts with checking your district schedule and hitting the road from Monticello. You'll arrive at your first store, review the planogram, and dive into measurements and resets, transforming aisles into shopper magnets. Interactions with team members and customers keep things lively as you hang signage and assemble PDQs.

A typical shift includes cycle counts for inventory accuracy, detailed recovery to maintain standards, and applying the GURA process—Greet, Uncover, Recommend, Appreciate—to every customer encounter. Whether it's peak holiday coverage or routine maintenance, flexibility is key. End your day reporting progress to your supervisor, ready for tomorrow's stores.

• Load your vehicle with tools and signage early morning.
• Execute resets with precision, adapting to store layouts.
• Engage customers, uncovering needs for perfect product recommendations.
• Travel between locations, often logging significant miles.

Why Monticello?

Monticello, Illinois, offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and rural vitality, making it an ideal base for a Merchandising Sales Associate role. Nestled in Piatt County, this community thrives on agriculture, with local farms driving demand for Tractor Supply's products. Monticello's economy supports farming families, pet owners, and ranchers who rely on well-merchandised stores.

Living in Monticello means easy access to nearby Champaign for bigger-city amenities while enjoying a tight-knit vibe. The area's annual events like the Monticello Railway Museum gatherings and Piatt County Fair highlight community spirit. For Tractor Supply team members, Monticello provides short commutes to district stores and a lifestyle aligned with 'life out here'.

Monticello's growing retail scene and proximity to Interstate 72 make travel efficient. Families appreciate top-rated schools and outdoor spots like Lake of the Woods. Choose Monticello for a role where your merchandising skills directly impact local farmers and neighbors.

Career Growth at Tractor Supply Co

Tractor Supply Co invests in your future, with clear paths from Merchandising Sales Associate to supervisory roles. Your first 90 days focus on mastering planograms and GURA, building toward District FAST Supervisor positions. Many associates advance to store management, leveraging merchandising expertise.

Company-wide training programs sharpen skills in inventory, sales, and leadership. High performers access leadership development tracks, with promotions often internal. In Monticello and beyond, Tractor Supply fosters long-term careers, from field support to regional merchandising leads.

• 90-day onboarding with hands-on resets.
• Annual reviews for promotion eligibility.
• Mentorship from experienced FAST supervisors.

Compensation & Benefits

Merchandising Sales Associates at Tractor Supply Co in Illinois earn competitive pay reflecting travel and merchandising demands, often starting above state retail averages. Expect comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision plans from day one. 401(k) matching supports retirement, while paid time off ensures work-life balance.

Team members enjoy deep discounts on farm, pet, and ranch supplies—perfect for Monticello lifestyles. Performance incentives and bonuses reward reset accuracy and customer service excellence. Additional perks like wellness programs and employee assistance round out a strong package for Illinois merchandising roles.

Team & Culture

Tractor Supply Co's culture revolves around 'Legendary Customer Experience' and neighborly values, creating supportive teams for Merchandising Sales Associates. You'll collaborate with store staff across districts, sharing best practices on planograms and recovery. Emphasis on ethical problem-solving builds trust and camaraderie.

In Monticello, teams embody rural pride, participating in local events and safety initiatives. Flexible, service-oriented associates thrive in this environment of mutual respect. Tractor Supply's commitment to diversity and inclusion strengthens every reset and customer interaction.

How to Apply

Ready to launch your merchandising career with Tractor Supply Co in Monticello, Illinois? Review the qualifications and submit your application today. Apply using the button above to join the FAST team and start making an impact.

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, or pet knowledge preferred. A valid driver's license and flexibility for travel are essential, along with basic computer skills.

Does this role require travel from Monticello, Illinois? Yes, you'll travel to stores within an assigned district using your personal vehicle. Shifts vary, often 4-8+ hours, with long drives between locations.

What is the GURA process in this job? GURA stands for Greet, Uncover needs, Recommend solutions, and Appreciate the customer—Tractor Supply's method for Legendary service during merchandising tasks.

Are there physical demands for this position? Yes, expect lifting, standing on hard surfaces, and assembly work in indoor/outdoor settings with moderate noise and varying temperatures.

Can I advance from Merchandising Sales Associate? Absolutely, with paths to supervisor and management roles through training and performance reviews at Tractor Supply Co.

What benefits does Tractor Supply offer? Competitive pay, health insurance, 401(k), PTO, employee discounts, and wellness programs support your lifestyle.

Is a high school diploma required? Preferred but not mandatory; you must read, write, and count accurately regardless of education.

How flexible are the hours? Shifts vary by store needs, including days, nights, overtime, and peak coverage like holidays.

What skills help succeed in this role? Strong communication, problem-solving, self-direction, and interpersonal skills are key for independent task completion.

Why work FAST team at Tractor Supply? Own variable tasks across districts, deliver impactful merchandising, and enjoy a dynamic role serving rural communities.