Retail sales assistants work in shops, outlet stores, department stores, supermarkets, warehouses, boutiques and grocers. They may occasionally work outdoors if they work at a car dealership or hardware and garden centre, but most work indoors. They frequently work on shifts during normal work hours, as well as on weekends and evenings. Their work environments are very public spaces, and can be incredibly busy and demanding during holidays.

Retail sales assistants use cash registers, EFTPOS and credit card machines, barcode readers, pricing label guns and small step ladders for stacking or arranging high displays. In some shops they may use specialised equipment for the particular product they are selling. Some may use scales and tape measures, others may use watering and gardening equipment, and some will use clip boards and brochures. Many retail sales assistants are required to wear uniforms.