Hire a Shop Assistant
Shop assistants are in charge of performing tasks necessary to the daily operations of a retail store, whether big or small. They assist customers and divide their time working on duties related to customer service, stocking, and visual merchandising. Shop assistants work in pretty much any retail environment that sells merchandise directly to customers. The most common businesses that hire these workers include supermarkets, fashion, electronics, home improvement, amongst others. Shop assistants usually report to the assistant manager or the store manager, depending on the hierarchy. The shifts get assigned by the supervisor and can include nights, holidays, and weekends. Usually, the position of a shop assistant is an entry-level position in the retail setup. Most professionals looking to build a career in this field use this as a stepping stone to move to a managerial role. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS), the demand for the position will rise marginally in the next few years. As far as compensation is concerned, retail associates are paid an average salary of $30,000 per year, with the top 10% earning upward of $48,000 yearly.
Demands of the role
Shop assistants are responsible for a range of duties that support both the front and back end of a retail environment. The primary responsibilities include welcoming customers, monitoring customer activities, arranging window displays, and processing customer purchases and refunds. They identify buyer's needs and recommend suitable items that best satisfy their requirements. Shop assistants should be aware of specific product locations and maintain the required knowledge for items sold in the store. These help them provide the best service to customers and enhance the customer buying experience. They also handle customer queries and complaints, in case there are any. Shop assistants should also be up to date and aware of store offers, promotions, and service policies. In some stores, they also assist the stock team with their duties. Other day-to-day tasks include restocking the floor, ensuring all products get merchandised as per company standards, and relevant duties to keep the store presentable.
Required skills and background
Hiring managers usually seek a hard-working, customer-oriented shop assistant to ensure the smooth running of the store. To be successful in this role, assistants must have strong product knowledge, be well-organized, and detail-oriented. They must demonstrate exceptional communication skills and deliver outstanding customer service at all times. They must have the ability to work in a team in a fast-paced environment. Since this involves working in a retail environment, they must be comfortable with the schedule and the physical demands of the job. Employers prefer shop assistants who have proven retail sales experience. Although a degree is not mandatory, candidates with a high school diploma or a GED are usually preferred.
