After you’ve left the customer for a couple of minutes, approach them in an assured manner. Lean towards making a personal remark (about either the person or the product they are looking at), which demands a positive response. You should do this in a conversational and casual tone; this should spark a natural conversation, which is more preferred than asking the basic “can I help you?” question. Customers often dread being asked this question, as they believe it to be quite forced and insincere, and often feel a little pressured into giving an immediate answer.

Don’t worry if they ask to be left for a couple of minutes and don’t let this knock you back. Reassure them that you’re there to help without being too persistent. Leave them another few minutes before even thinking about approaching them again. If you get the vibe that they really want to be left alone then continue working in a close proximity, so that they know you’re on hand whenever they need you.

Once you feel you are in the position to help or advise the customer on a particular product, begin asking casual questions that will trigger a positive answer and avoid any types of closed questions that will most likely result in a ‘no.’ If they’ve shown a certain liking towards a product then begin to compliment it. A good salesperson will also try to relate to the product; statements such as “I wore this once and it looked fabulous, especially with [another product]” are genius, because not only will this trigger a conversation, it will also add additional products onto the potential sale.

If the customer asks for the product that isn’t already out on the shelf then go to the stock room to see if the product they want is there. Never leave the stock room empty handed; instead, choose a similar piece of merchandise or something that you believe the customer will like, based on the feedback they’ve given about the original product you were looking for. Present the merchandise to the customer, who may then proceed with trying it on/buying it. If they dislike the new item you’ll just given them then not to worry. Research into the availability of the original product – is it available online? Will you be able to order it from another store for the customer?

If they love the product and would like to purchase it then direct them suggest a few additional products without sounding too pushy. Statements and questions like, “there’s also a [product] that goes with it really well, would you like to see it?” or “another customer who bought this found that this [product] complimented it really well” are two examples of furthering a sale. When doing so, you should always ensure that your interest in the additional items is sincere, and that you’re not just suggesting other merchandise for the sake of it.

After escorting them to the till (when possible) or directing them to the till, thank them. Give them your name if they ask for it; this means that you’ve done a really good job!

Check back regularly for the latest retail jobs, fashion jobs, sales jobs and much more.

The first factor to remember is to always maintain a high level of positivity and enthusiasm when working, especially when you are on the shop floor and there are customers around. Customers are unlikely to purchase a product from someone who is lifeless and uninterested; having a negative attitude towards your work will not drive sales, but simply drive the customers away. Inject a little vivacity into everything you do, as it will automatically put the customer at ease whilst shopping.

Working with a positive attitude will not only benefit the business, it’ll also benefit you; you will enjoy working a lot more if you share a real passion towards each task. You may even get rewarded depending on whether the company you work for issue incentives, giving you another reason to sell as much as you can.

Before selling on the shop floor, you must ensure that you look presentable and approachable. It’s doubtful that a customer will want to query anything with you if you’re looking a little scruffy… and smelly! Make sure you’re work uniform (if you have one) if worn to the correct standards and that you look neat and tidy. Avoid the “just rolled out of bed” look as this may generate the assumption that you’re too tired or turned off to be approached!

A proficient retail salesperson should have sufficient knowledge about the majority of merchandise on the shop floor. There’s nothing worse than asking a sales assistant about a product and they have even less of an idea than the customer does. Take advantage of quiet spells by getting to know the goods on the shop floor. Ask your colleagues whether or not they’ve tried or bought the any of the products; they may give you some really helpful information about some of the merchandise, which you can pass on to potential buyers – as long as it’s positive information, mind!

A good salesperson will approach customers without seeming pushy. As soon as a customer feels they are being forced into a sale, the only direction they’ll be heading is the door, not the till. They key is to greet the customer with a friendly smile, possibly with a product or prop in hand to illustrate that you are there to work, before leaving them to look around for a good few minutes. Don’t worry about leaving them to it for a while; besides, if they are looking for a specific product, they will approach you or seek your advice. The trick is to allow them enough space and time, to ensure they feel at ease in the environment they have just entered.

For all candidates who have previous retail experience on the shop floor, a managerial job would be a great retail opportunity to consider. Retail managers, assistant managers and store operations staff are effectively the face of a retail brand and are expected to use their current skill set to complete a whole range of different tasks around their retail environment. Not only do these roles urge you to step out of your comfort zone, but you will also be expected to motivate your team, have a certain level of confidence and have the ability to work under pressure. Such managerial roles are extremely beneficial and can set you up with a whole medley of skills that will be with you for life.

If you’ve experienced a sales assistant role and you’d like a little more responsibility but unsure whether or not you’re ready for a full managerial role then consider a supervisor role. Supervisors are great team leaders and are expected to use their initiative to help the team reach a particular incentive or target. Managers share a similar role to supervisors, except they’re given a much higher level of responsibility. Read our recent retail article to learn more about the role of a retail manager – What would be the ideal candidate for a managerial retail job?

If you already have managerial experience then why not consider furthering your retail career through a retail head office job? Specialising in buying, merchandising, marketing and much more, our Retail Head Office team can guide you towards the perfect role that suits you best. Although you will no longer be working on a shop floor, you will be presented with a whole new level of responsibility by working within head office and learning a considerable range of skills along the way. If you have a strong retail head and strive to become the brains of a brand and the thought of retail head office job is something that interests you then why not browse our retail jobs today?

Check back regularly for the latest retail jobs and retail opportunities.

Before applying for a fashion job, you must first consider which direction you are to take within the fashion industry. Do you want to be a Fashion Designer? Perhaps you’re interested in becoming a Buying Assistant or Buying Manager? Maybe you’d like to go down the store operations route and become a Store Manager or Regional Manager? If you’re struggling to pinpoint an area you may be interested in, it’s best to compare your current skill set with the demands of each possible role. If you’re a creative individual and enjoy projecting your ideas forward then a Fashion Designer role could be suited to you, whereas if you’re interested in the bustling in-store atmosphere then a store operations role for a fashion brand may be the job for you. So, how can you become the perfect candidate for the retail job you’re working towards?

As with any retail job, previous experience in retail can benefit you in many ways and usually sets you apart from other applicants, depending on your level of retail experience. An in-depth knowledge of the fashion industry will also set you apart from the rest, as you’ll be able to demonstrate your passion and determination to learn.

In addition, you should understand what may be expected of you in that particular retail job and ask yourself whether the job is suited to your current skill set, personality and characteristics. Applicants with a high level of enthusiasm and a “can-do” attitude will always go far in retail, and an ability to deal with pressured situations in a calm and professional manner is also strongly desired among most fashion roles. The ideal candidate for a fashion job will also need to have a certain level of confidence to be able to project any ideas forward to fellow colleagues and to communicate with customers, if necessary.

Good listening and communication skills are desired, in addition to a positive attitude, which is always needed to raise the spirits of other team members on a shop floor! As with most retail jobs, the word “initiative” may crop up on a regular basis, as you’ll be asked to think on your own two feet in order to perform various tasks throughout your day. If you embody all of the above and strive towards climbing the retail ladder, you’ve undoubtedly got what it takes to become the ideal fashion candidate.

Other typical roles within this sector include Designers, Product Developers, Buying Managers, Buyers Assistants, Account Managers, Merchandise Managers, Wholesale Merchandisers, Store Managers, Regional Managers and more.

No matter which role you’re interested in or believe suits your skill set best, R-Three can guide you towards your perfect retail job. Why not browse through our current retail jobs today?

The first factor to note is that you must understand what is expected of you in a managerial role. Not only will you be responsible for staff training, advertising, payroll, health and safety and a various other range of things, but you’ll also be expected to provide excellent customer service and set an example to your fellow colleagues. Managerial roles also urge you to step out of your comfort zone, as you’ll have to perform a wide range of varied tasks under pressure, so be prepared; candidates that have previous experience in working in a pressured retail environment will catch the eye of an employer straight away. The ability to multi-task under pressure is a skill in itself, but once you’ve cracked this, you’ll have a really great shot at becoming the perfect candidate for any store operations job.

The ideal candidate for a retail manager job will also need to have a certain level of confidence to be able to give constructive criticism and praise to team members. A high level of initiative is also desired, as managerial roles can involve operating across a wide variety of different functions where forward-thinking and quick decisions need to be made.

Positivity and enthusiasm is a clear must when it comes to looking for a suitable retail manager or store operations candidate in addition to possessing strong listening and communication skills, as you must be able to motivate your team and achieve daily, monthly and yearly targets. This can be really fun, as you can set incentives for your team when they’re lacking motivation. A suitable candidate should also fully understand how various facets of the retail industry operate. After all, sufficient retail knowledge is always beneficial when applying for any role within retail.

Typical roles in the store operations sector include Store/Branch Manager, Department Manager, Floor Manager, Sales Manager, General Manager, Regional Manager, Area Manager, Operations Manager, Marketing Manager and HR Manager. No matter which role you’re interested in or believe suits your skill set best, R-Three can guide you towards your perfect retail job. Why not browse through our current retail jobs today?

So, what’s expected of a Retail Store Assistant/Sales Assistant? Well, besides promoting a high level of enthusiasm, retail assistants are also desired to show a range of interpersonal skills and the ability to support the company or brand itself as well as understanding the fashion sector as a whole.

Store Assistant roles are usually quite varied, depending on your working environment and the brand you are representing. Although you’ll be spending lots of time on your feet serving customers, you’ll get the chance to exercise your communication skills and supply each customer with their every need, through the aid of your own initiative as well as taking advantage of your current skill set.

Retail Store Assistants and those involved with shop floor sales will also be expected to help, advise or recommend certain items or services to each customer, in addition to performing specific tasks that have been asked by senior members of staff. Doing so will not only broaden your current retail skills, but it’ll also help you to become a lot more confident on the shop floor, as you’ll realise that communication and good service is the way to generate sales. It’s fun and exciting, especially when there are day-to-day incentives involved and you are rewarded for your efforts!

This busy and bustling shop floor atmosphere will also kick your multi-tasking skills into shape, as you’ll have to deal with numerous customers at the same time while performing minor tasks along the way. Applying for a Retail Store Assistant/Sales Assistant job is extremely beneficial for anyone, seeing as the range of skills and experiences you’ll take under your belt will be there for life. It also means you could move up the retail ladder by applying for a more managerial role in the near future, as the experience you’ve gained through a Retail Store Assistant role will have equipped you with a great chunk of retail expertise and knowledge. Store manager roles and other store operations jobs have a variation of exciting responsibilities and you could be well on your way to either of these roles after assisting a retail store.

Check back regularly for the latest retail jobs, fashion jobs and sales jobs.

So, what kind of skills would attract a retail employer?

• You’ll need strong customer focus and have the ability to provide excellent service to absolutely every customer.
• Excellent listening, communication and interpersonal skills would be beneficial and to any retail employer and if you have experience of these skills, you’re sure to stand out from the crowd. Remember to let your personality shine through in your interview, which will demonstrate your confident, interpersonal skills.
• If you have flexibility and strong time-management skills, this will automatically stand out to the retail employer. Excellent time keeping will show your dedication to the retail role.
• Retail employers will honour you if you have a strong level of commercial awareness, as this will demonstrate your passion towards the retail industry.
• Any previous leadership and management qualities will attract the retail employer straight away, as you’ve proved that you’ve previously worked at a managerial level that demands a high level of responsibility.
• A good standard of numeracy, literacy and IT skills would also make your stand out from the other retail applicants, as it shows you have a diverse and very able set of skills.
• Having the ability to work under pressure is a skill desired by most retail employers, seeing as the busy and bustling lifestyle that most retail roles promote can be sometimes difficult to deal with; the candidate must therefore be able to work well in busy retail environments.
• Attention to detail is another desired skill by most employers, as it shows your dedication to doing the job properly.
• Problem-solving skills are extremely beneficial to have when it comes to applying for a retail job, as you’ll be able to express to the employer that you can use your initiative to overcome a particular problem, whether it be on the shop floor, head office or elsewhere.

Retail is a sea of opportunity, which promotes a diversity of retail jobs; at R-Three, it’s our job to fish out the right one for you. Whether you’re considering a marketing role, retail head office job or perhaps a hospitality and leisure job, any job in retail can be extremely rewarding.

The varieties of roles that are up for grabs are endless. Whether you’re a creative nut who enjoys design and merchandising or someone who shares interest in marketing strategies and PR, retail is guaranteed to suit your current skills and better yet – develop them.

Here are a few examples of jobs from across the retail sector:

• Retail head office jobs – Our retail head office team specialise in buying, merchandising, marketing, technical roles, designing roles and account manager roles. Other typical roles in this sector include office managers, HR managers, general admin roles, facilities managers and many more. Find out more about our retail head office vacancies today.
• Store operations jobs – Our expertise within store operations recruitment covers the complete retail jobs markets, offering typical roles such as: assistant/deputy store manager, operations manager, general manager, section manager, floor manager and much more. Find out more about our store operations roles.
• Luxury retail jobs – Our luxury retail recruitment opportunities include fine fashion, beauty brands, jewellery and more. Typical roles in this sector include concession manager, sales executive, assistant manager, store manager and area manager. Why not find out more about our luxury retail jobs?
• Fashion jobs – Roles within the fashion sector include designers, product developers, buying managers, account managers, wholesale merchandisers and many more. Find out more about our fashion jobs today.
• Sales jobs – Typical roles within the retail sales sector include: sales managers, sales consultants, brand/product managers, field sales managers and many more. For more information, visit our sales page.
• Retail marketing jobs – Our marketing department recruits across various area of the marketing industry. Typical roles in this sector include: marketing assistants/managers, marketing controllers, online marketing managers, direct marketing managers and many more.

R-Three also specialise in recruiting for the following sectors: Senior Appointments, Hospitality  & Leisure, Supply Chain & Procurement, Human Resources and Welfare & Skills Division.

No matter which retail job takes your fancy, you’re guaranteed to pick up a wide range of skills throughout your retail career. Besides, the opportunities within retail really are never-ending.

Before the interview

• Preparation is key; preparing for the interview could really set you apart from the other candidates applying for the same role. Try to prepare as far in advance as possible and start by researching into the background of the company, their goals, achievements and any other important information; this will help demonstrate your interest in the company and it’ll also show the employer that you’re serious and committed. Write all of this down on a piece of paper and revise it so that you know it all off by heart. Make sure you don’t recite a whole paragraph from the company’s website or Wikipedia! Even though you’re showing the employer that you’ve previously researched into the company, the conversation should flow naturally.
• Get your ‘interview outfit’ sorted at least a couple of days before the interview. This means you won’t be running around trying to find appropriate attire on the morning of the big day. Leaving enough time to decide what to wear will also help you feel at ease and possibly less nervous about the whole interviewing procedure, as you’ll feel a little more prepared.
• Make sure you know your CV well and that you’ve been completely honest. As soon as an employer notices dishonestly, they won’t even consider you for the role.
• Write down any questions before the interview that you may want to ask.

The interview

• Arrive on time or at least five minutes early to your interview. Make sure you’ve planned your route and that you have allowed yourself plenty of time to get to the interview. Arriving early can provide you with the chance to freshen up and look over your interview notes.
• Be polite; first impressions are everything. When the interviewer comes along, give a firm handshake and smile while remaining eye contact. If you’re confident, you’ll know that nerves won’t get the better of you during the interview.
• Maintain a positive attitude at all times. Don’t bad mouth your previous employers, work environment or any other retail companies for that matter, as this can seem very unprofessional.
• Maintain eye contact throughout the interview and keep your arms in a relaxed position. Any negative body language may make the interviewer think you’re either nervous or not that bothered about the whole interviewing procedure.
• Speak clearly and concisely at all times so that the interviewer understands everything you’re saying.

For more hints and tips, check out our full interview guide.

- Listening & Communication skills

Your communication skills will undoubtedly develop when the retail company you are working for is at its busiest as there will always be a regular influx of customers to communicate with. You’ll learn to reach certain sales targets by communication with fellow members and providing customers with the best service possible. Communicating with your team and taking it in turns to cover the shop floor give you the opportunity to keep on top of store standards and you’ll become dependent on the ability to communicate. In terms of your listening skills, you’ll learn to take into consideration the customer’s needs and provide them with exactly that. Similarly, you’ll learn to listen to what every team member has to say in order to make the day’s sales as successful as possible.

- Ability to multi-task

Your ability to multi-task will unequivocally develop, as you’ll learn to deal with a multiple number of customers at the same time and provide each customer with a separate product or service.

- Motivation

You’ll feel incredibly motivated during the company’s busiest months, as you’ll feel determined to reach a set goal or target by taking advantage of the amount of customers in-store. A daily or weekly incentive set by your store’s manager may also fully motivate you and the whole team and you’ll work together to work at the best level you can possibly be.

- Initiative

Your initiative will improve on various levels; you’ll learn to think on your own two feet and make decisions for yourself without asking someone in authority. The busy environment will also urge you to trust your gut instinct and make a decision based on what’s best for that retail company.

So, whether you’re looking for a retail job for January or the upcoming months or you’re just considering a role in retail, please do not hesitate to ask our retail experts for further advice. Why not browse through our current vacancies today? You may just find your perfect job in retail.