Final answer:
A sales associate should approach a customer comparing two sweaters with a friendly greeting and offer help in a non-intrusive manner, providing information to aid the customer's decision.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best way for the sales associate to approach a customer in this situation would be to offer gentle assistance without being overbearing. A friendly greeting and a simple question, such as “Do you need any help deciding between those two sweaters?”, can provide an opening for the customer to ask for opinions or details about the products. The associate should be prepared to highlight the features of each item, such as fabric quality, care instructions, and versatility with other clothing items. The goal is to provide information that helps the customer make a decision based on their personal needs and preferences.