Outdoor Living and Retail Assistant - Full Time

Outdoor Living and Retail Assistant - Full Time

Title

Retail: Outdoor Living and Retail Assistant

Purpose of the Role

To support both the Outdoor Living department and wider retail shop, delivering excellent customer service, proactively engaging with customers and helping to drive sales.

The role involves providing knowledgeable and friendly assistance, maintaining high retail and merchandising standards, and supporting the day-to-day operation of the shop. Within Outdoor Living, there will be a particular focus on consultative selling and converting customer enquiries into sales.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively approach and acknowledge customers in a friendly and professional manner.
• Understand customer needs and provide appropriate advice, solutions and product recommendations.
• Confidently sell products across Outdoor Living and other retail areas as required.
• Develop strong product knowledge, particularly across furniture, BBQs, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, accessories and seasonal ranges.
• Follow up customer enquiries and quotations to help maximise sales opportunities.
• Upsell, cross-sell and recommend complementary products where appropriate.
• Support the team in achieving department and wider retail sales targets.
• Promote relevant offers and promotions to customers.

Customer Experience

• Deliver friendly, knowledgeable and helpful service to every customer.
• Support customers throughout their buying journey, from product selection and quotations through to delivery and aftersales queries.
• Build rapport with customers and create a positive shopping experience.
• Handle customer questions and concerns professionally, escalating issues where appropriate.
• Ensure customers leave with a positive impression of the Garden Centre.
• Maintain clean, tidy and well-presented Outdoor Living and wider retail areas.
• Complete relevant daily checks and help maintain high retail standards.
• Ensure products, furniture and displays are maintained and presented to a high standard.
• Follow merchandising guidelines to keep displays commercial, inspiring and seasonally relevant.
• Ensure pricing, POS and signage are accurate and up to date.
• Assist with merchandising, layout changes and promotional displays as required.

Stock & Operations

• Assist with stock replenishment, rotation and availability across retail areas.
• Handle stock carefully to minimise damage and loss.
• Report low stock levels, damages and maintenance issues promptly.
• Follow all health & safety, fire safety and security procedures.
• Complete all tasks as required.

Teamwork & Communication

• Work with line manager and colleagues to support department goals.
• Work with colleagues to ensure customers are greeted promptly, even during busy periods.
• Communicate effectively with the supervisor and retail manager regarding sales opportunities, customer feedback or issues.
• Support other departments when required to ensure smooth store operations.

Skills & Attributes

Skills & Attributes

• Confident and comfortable proactively approaching and assisting customers.
• Enthusiastic about sales and delivering excellent customer service.
• Friendly, approachable and professional.
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Proactive and willing to develop product knowledge across a variety of retail areas.
• Reliable, flexible and willing to undertake a varied range of duties.
• Comfortable working both indoors and outdoors when required.
• A strong team player with a good sense of personal responsibility.
• Previous retail or customer service experience is preferred.

Outdoor Living and Retail Assistant - Full Time