At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in sourcing and merchandising giftware while providing top-notch customer service.
- Company: A popular, independent garden centre with a vibrant atmosphere.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, flexible schedule, and opportunities for creative input.
- Other info: Permanent position with potential for growth and exciting buying trips.
- Why this job: Join a fun team and make the giftware department shine this festive season!
- Qualifications: Retail experience is a plus, but enthusiasm and creativity are key.
The predicted salary is between 10 - 12 £ per hour.
A rare opportunity has become available for an enthusiastic assistant buyer/sales assistant for the giftware department in our popular, independent garden centre. This exciting role will involve working closely with the Giftware manager to source, select, order, and merchandise stock in the giftware and Christmas departments. You will help to choose new products and suppliers, display items creatively and drive sales. The rest of your time will be spent on the shop floor assisting customers and serving at the tills. Retail experience is preferred but not essential. This is a permanent, part-time position, to start asap. Working days are Monday‑Wednesday 9am‑4pm. You will also be required to work additional hours in January and September and be available for buying trips.
Responsibilities
- Assisting the giftware manager with buying and planning of stock and layout, including off‑site buying trips to trade shows and supplier warehouses, for the giftware and Christmas departments.
- Providing excellent customer service on the shop floor, giving guidance on products and serving customers at the tills.
- Processing deliveries accurately – from creating order spreadsheets in Excel, to checking off stock on delivery and creating accurate goods received information using our in‑house EPOS system.
- Liaising with suppliers.
- Working with other giftware team staff to merchandise stock in innovative displays and replenish shelves, keeping the giftware department tidy, clean, full and attractive at all times.
- Ensuring all stock is clearly priced.
- Stock taking.
- Working with the wider garden centre team to provide the best possible customer experience.
- Other duties as required.
Skills
- Creative ideas with a focus on revenue.
- Computer skills, ideally including experience of Excel, but training can be given.
Assistant Giftware Buyer/Sales – part-time in Surrey employer: Ashteadpark
Contact Detail:
Ashteadpark Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Giftware Buyer/Sales – part-time in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the garden centre and its giftware department. Understanding their products and values will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Since this role involves merchandising and product selection, think of some innovative display ideas or product suggestions you could bring to the table. Share these during your interview to demonstrate your passion for the giftware sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your customer service skills! Since you'll be assisting customers on the shop floor, think about how you can provide excellent service. Maybe role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable with common customer queries.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from our site. It shows initiative and makes it easier for us to keep track of your application. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role right there!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Giftware Buyer/Sales – part-time in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: Let your passion for giftware shine through in your application. We want to see that you're excited about the role and ready to contribute to our vibrant garden centre!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience, even if it’s not directly in retail. We love creativity, so don’t hesitate to showcase any unique skills or experiences that could benefit our team.
Craft a Personal Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated customer service or creativity in past roles – we want to get to know you!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashteadpark
✨Know Your Giftware
Before the interview, do some research on current trends in giftware. Familiarise yourself with popular products and suppliers. This will show your enthusiasm for the role and help you engage in meaningful conversations with the interviewer.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Since the role involves merchandising and product selection, think of a few creative display ideas or product combinations you could suggest during the interview. This will demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and contribute to driving sales.
✨Brush Up on Excel Skills
Even if you’re not an Excel whiz, it’s worth brushing up on the basics. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle tasks like creating order spreadsheets or processing deliveries. If you have any experience, share specific examples to highlight your skills.
✨Customer Service Mindset
Prepare to discuss your approach to customer service. Think of examples where you’ve gone above and beyond for customers, as this role requires excellent service on the shop floor. Showing that you understand the importance of customer satisfaction will set you apart.