Customer Service Associate, Electronics - Hayward, CA
Posted on October 24, 2025
WHSmith is a premier global travel retailer operating over 1,700 retail locations in 30 countries, with a substantial presence in high-traffic airports and resorts worldwide. Within North America, WHSmith operates through its divisions, including Marshall Retail Group (MRG) and InMotion, managing more than half of the company’s international retail estate. This positions WHSmith North America as a prominent player in the specialty retail industry, particularly in travel environments such as airports where convenience, speed, and excellent customer service are paramount. Many of their stores offer a wide range of products from books, magazines, electronics, and travel accessories, designed to cater to the needs of travelers and everyday customers alike.
The company prides itself on fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace environment, embracing equal employment opportunities and adhering to ADA guidelines. WHSmith North America ensures a supportive setting for employees, focused on career growth and recognition. Their commitment to workforce diversity guarantees that every qualified candidate receives fair consideration, regardless of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, age, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or other protected categories.
The Customer Service Associate, Electronics, is a critical role within the InMotion brand at the Oakland International Airport (OAK) location. This position is part of WHSmith’s Field Team and directly shapes the customer experience by providing expert assistance in the electronics category, one of the highly dynamic and fast-evolving segments in retail. Associates in this role act as the face of the brand, engaging with a diverse range of customers, answering questions, making product suggestions, and supporting sales while maintaining merchandise and store presentation standards.
This role requires weekend availability to ensure that the store delivers consistent customer service during peak travel days. The role offers a competitive pay rate of $18.00 per hour, reflective of the skills and customer interaction responsibilities tied to the position. Working in a bustling airport environment, Customer Service Associates gain valuable experience in a fast-paced, customer-focused setting that embraces innovation and career development opportunities.
Beyond direct customer interaction, the Associate is also responsible for store upkeep, inventory management, and supporting daily operational tasks such as opening and closing procedures and security. Key duties include maximizing sales by product suggestion and upselling, maintaining cleanliness and visual appeal of the store, and assisting with backstock replenishment. The opportunity to serve as a keyholder and take on additional responsibilities is also offered, promoting leadership development and growth within the company.
WHSmith offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, employer-paid life insurance, disability insurance, paid time off, paid parental leave, and a 401(k) plan with company matching. Employees also enjoy an attractive employee discount, underscoring WHSmith’s commitment to valuing and rewarding their workforce.
This role is not only perfect for those eager to enter or continue a career in retail but also clients who appreciate working in diverse environments that demand high professionalism and adaptability. WHSmith provides robust support, training, and opportunities for advancement within the retail travel space. Being a Customer Service Associate with WHSmith means contributing to the future of retail in an exciting environment where innovation, customer connections, and career growth converge.
                - Limited sitting
 - frequent standing, walking, climbing, crouching, bending, pushing, or pulling
 - normal or corrected vision and hearing
 - can distinguish varying or specific colors, patterns, or materials to assist customers
 - fluency in English is required for training, customer interactions, and ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures
 - typically indoors
 - typically in a consistent temperature
 - use of fine motor hand functions
 - lift 0-60 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation