At a Glance
- Tasks: Help customers choose from a wide range of garden plants and products.
- Company: Join Joyners Plants Ltd, a leading garden centre retailer since 1959.
- Benefits: Earn from £12.21 per hour, with potential increases and flexible hours.
- Other info: Full training provided and great career growth opportunities await!
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team and gain valuable retail experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail or gardening is a plus; must be physically fit.
The predicted salary is between 25400 - 26500 € per year.
Four new employees needed February / March 2026 – immediate start available – apply today.
£12.21 increasing to £12.71 per hour in April (£25,400 to £26,500 per annum based on a 40-hour week). Option to work 28 to 35 hours per week if more suitable.
Business premises are located 5 minutes away from Newton Abbot Town Centre. Join our friendly and experienced retail team running one of the largest Garden Plant Supermarkets in the UK. Weekend working needed on a rota basis.
What does the role generally require and include:
- Working within one of our large, busy garden centre stores, helping customers choose from our extensive range of garden plants, horticultural products, and outdoor living ranges.
- Supporting the day-to-day running of the retail shop floor, including merchandising, restocking, pricing, and maintaining high presentation standards across plant areas and product departments.
- Providing friendly, knowledgeable customer service, helping customers with plant care advice, product recommendations, and general enquiries.
- Assisting with receiving, unloading, and processing deliveries of plants and goods arriving daily from our nurseries and European suppliers.
- Ensuring plant stock is well-maintained through watering, rotation, and basic plant husbandry to keep displays fresh and sale-ready.
Applicants need to be physically fit, able to lift and carry, and comfortable working on their feet in a fast-paced retail environment. Experience in retail, horticulture, gardening, farming, labouring, or similar practical roles is highly desirable. Practical, mechanical, or DIY skills are an advantage for supporting store maintenance and seasonal shop-floor tasks. Weekend and occasional late-evening work will be required during peak trading periods.
Our company, Joyners Plants Ltd, is a leading regional retailer and grower of garden plants and horticultural products at four large garden centre stores located at Plymouth, Newton Abbot, Exeter, and Yeovil. We employ between 85 to 125 employees when at peak trading. Established since 1959, our company operates profit share schemes and bonus schemes by invitation for employees. The company plans to continue to expand and so we are recruiting for new full-time positions.
Specific Skills:
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Strong organisational skills.
- Friendly, approachable, and customer-focused.
- Ability to work effectively within a team.
- Good time-management and ability to prioritise tasks.
Responsible For Role specifics – Full in-house training provided:
- Assisting with the merchandising, pricing, and presentation of plant stock and retail products.
- Supporting the processing and display of over £4 million of European garden plants arriving weekly.
- Maintaining plant health through watering, spacing, dead-heading, and general care.
- Providing excellent customer service and product knowledge on the shop floor.
- General retail duties including stock rotation, housekeeping, and assisting with seasonal displays.
- Supporting the nursery team during peak periods or holiday cover when required.
Additional Requirements:
- The role would require applicants to work Monday to Sunday on a rota basis.
- We can offer flexibility to work 28 hours to 45 hours per week – exact working hours to be agreed at interview.
- Holiday is pro rata based on hours worked – approx. 28 days.
- The role will be supported by full on-site training by our experienced retail management team.
- We can offer excellent career opportunities for applicants looking for a long-term career path with secure permanent employment.
Job Nature: Full Time
Job Location: Newton Abbot
Other Benefits: Company Events, Free On-Site Parking
Retail Assistant – from £12.21 per hour – Newton Abbot employer: Growndirect
Joyners Plants Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment in the heart of Newton Abbot. With competitive pay starting at £12.21 per hour, increasing to £12.71 in April, and opportunities for career growth through comprehensive training and profit share schemes, employees can thrive both personally and professionally. The company values teamwork and customer service, making it an ideal place for those passionate about horticulture and retail.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Assistant – from £12.21 per hour – Newton Abbot
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Joyners Plants Ltd. Understand their values, products, and what makes them tick. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since this role is all about helping customers, think of examples from your past experiences where you provided excellent service. Be ready to share these stories during your interview to demonstrate your friendly and approachable nature.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! Retail is all about working together, so be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous jobs. Highlight any experience you have in fast-paced environments, especially if it involved lifting or moving stock.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and keen to join our team at the garden centre. Don’t wait too long – those positions are filling up fast!
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Assistant – from £12.21 per hour – Newton Abbot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Plants:When you're writing your application, let us know why you love gardening and plants! Share any personal experiences or hobbies related to horticulture. It’ll help us see your enthusiasm for the role.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in retail or gardening. We want to see how your skills match what we’re looking for, so don’t be shy about showcasing your strengths!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points if it helps, and make sure to proofread for any typos. We appreciate clarity and attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Growndirect
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with common garden plants and their care requirements. This will not only impress the interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. Think about times when you helped a customer solve a problem or made their experience better. This is crucial for a retail assistant role!
✨Dress for Success
While it’s a garden centre, make sure to dress smartly and appropriately for the interview. Comfortable yet professional attire shows that you take the opportunity seriously and are ready to represent the company well.
✨Ask Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or what a typical day looks like. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role is right for you.