15 Best Retail Stores To Work at as a Side Job

Earn some extra cash to pad your finances, especially if you have goals for retirement or a major purchase.

By Jenny Cohen

Edited by Chris Kissell

Updated July 31, 2024

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

A side job can be a great way to make extra money for a particular financial goal or simply to pad your savings.

It can also be a great option if you're a retiree trying to find something to get you out of the house.

So, which retailers are good for someone who wants to pick up a side job? Here are some stores to consider.

Get paid up to $225 a month while watching viral videos

Instead of sitting around watching viral videos on YouTube, you could be getting paid actual cash taking surveys for InboxDollars instead.

It's simple. You sign up here and confirm your email. Then you watch videos and take surveys. Then you earn cash (yes, actual cash … not "points"). Log in during your spare time and see how you can earn up to an extra $225 every month.

BONUS: Free $5 when you sign up, confirm your email and phone.

Whole Foods

If you want to save money on groceries, it might pay to work for a supermarket chain such as Whole Foods.

The grocer gives employees a 20% discount on all items to help them save money on groceries when they are not on the clock.

Find Medicare plans with low or $0/month premium

Costco

Costco is well-known for taking care of its employees, which is why it could be a great option for a side job. Good pay and benefits make Costco a particularly attractive place to work.

Check with your local Costco to see if it currently has any openings.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom is known as a higher-end store, which makes it more attractive to some people.

The company also provides competitive benefits that may be helpful if you are looking for something beyond just hourly pay.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.¹

How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.

Try it

Buc-ee’s

Buc-ee’s is an increasingly popular convenience store chain that keeps opening new locations across the U.S.

The retailer is known for paying cashiers and other retail workers well. You can also get a job serving up the store’s famous brisket.

Home Depot

Check out Home Depot if you enjoy working in home improvement and want to help others find what they need for any project.

The retailer’s benefits include various discounts for associates, such as price breaks on gym memberships, electronics, and groceries or meal kits.

Best Buy

If you love electronics, consider a job at Best Buy.

Retail employees can purchase items that are only 5% above cost rather than the higher markup customers pay. You need to work for the company for at least 30 days before you can get the discount.

Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially

IKEA

IKEA has more than 50 locations in the U.S., and one might be close enough for you to work there part-time.

One great thing about working for IKEA is the pay, which is usually higher than the minimum wage.

Patagonia

Outdoor lovers should consider getting a job at Patagonia, an outdoor retailer that sells clothes, coats, backpacks, and other gear.

The company has a high pay rate for hourly retail workers and a good employee discount.

Wegmans

Wegmans has gained a strong following as a grocery store chain in the Northeast. One reason for its sterling reputation may be due to how it treats its employees.

The retailer pays part-time workers well, and you might be able to qualify for retirement benefits as well.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!²

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s is another great option if you want to work in a grocery store.

Check out your local Trader Joe’s for a part-time position that offers flexible work hours and benefits.

Target

There are almost 2,000 Target locations across the U.S., so it may be easy to find one with a job for you.

Your local Target should offer good hourly pay and benefits, giving you a financial boost.

Apple

Consider working at Apple if you are tech-savvy and enjoy helping customers with different types of technology.

Jobs at Apple stores can pay well, with some positions starting out with hourly pay above $20.

Break the Cycle: 8 moves to escape the paycheck to paycheck grind

Sam’s Club

Sam’s Club could be a great option if you are looking for a good-paying part-time job in retail.

The company’s average hourly rate for a cashier is $20 an hour, making it better than other retailers when it comes to pay. You can also accrue paid time off the longer you work there.

Macy’s

Macy’s is a major retailer that offers good benefits to its employees

The retailer pays an average of $16 an hour to sales associates, and you may be able to qualify for extra pay benefits while working there.

Aldi

Discount grocer Aldi may be a good option for a part-time position at a grocery store.

In a survey by Great Place to Work, 76% of Aldi workers said the company was a great place to work, citing good management and being treated well. Working here can also boost your bank account.

Bottom line

Your retirement readiness could depend on getting a side job that pays well. A part-time gig can also help you save for a major purchase, such as a new home or car.

Figure out how much you want to save and find a retail job that will help you achieve that goal.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Earn Cash Taking Surveys

SurveyJunkie Benefits

Over $55,000 paid to members daily
Earn up to $130 a month taking 4 or more surveys daily
$76 million paid out to date
20M+ lifetime members and BBB accreditation