At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers, promote products, and maintain stock in a vibrant garden centre.
- Company: Join Haskins, an award-winning family business with five stunning garden centres in the South.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 38 days holiday, retail discounts, a cycle scheme, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team, enhance customer experiences, and learn about gardening products.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications needed, but previous retail experience is a plus.
- Other info: This role involves some heavy lifting and is perfect for enthusiastic individuals.
Retail Assistant 19.5 Hours (Seasonal & Sundries) β West End
Gaters Mill, Mansbridge Rd, West End, Southampton SO18 3HW, UK
Job Description
Posted Monday 30 June 2025 at 00:00
Retail Assistant (Seasonal & Sundries)
Pay rate up to Β£12.21 per hour.
We are recruiting a Retail Assistant on a part-time, permanent basis, working 19.5 hours a week.
Working pattern will be
Week 1 β Monday 9am to 6pm, Thursday 2pm to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 6pm
Week 2 β Monday 2pm to 6pm. Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 6pm
Haskins is a family owned, award winning business with 5 destination garden centres across the South of England, each with a large restaurant.
We constantly strive to improve the service and experience we offer our customers, thatβs why the recruitment of our people is so important to us. If you are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, have a sense of humour and an eagerness to learn, we want you to join our friendly, happy team.
The role of Retail Assistant
Our Retail Assistants welcome customers to the centre and help with questions across a wide variety of Indoor product ranges. They play a crucial role in assisting customers, promoting products, and ensuring a smooth sales process.
Based in the Seasonal and Sundries Department the focus will be on providing excellent service and assisting our customers with their Garden Furniture, BBQs and Outdoor Living products during the Spring and Summer months. In the Autumn & Winter you will be focused on our Christmas department.
Maintaining product presentation, and stock levels within inventory control procedures. Involving some heavy lifting of products such as compost and aggregates, this role can be physically demanding.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Greet customers and assist them in finding products that meet their needs.
- Provide detailed information about products, including features and benefits.
- Engage in upselling techniques to maximise sales opportunities.
- Maintain an organised sales floor, ensuring products are well-displayed and stocked.
- Process customer orders and transactions using computer and till systems
About You
This role is well suited to a self-motivated, enthusiastic and hardworking individual with excellent customer service skills and a desire to learn. Ability to engage with customers and talk passionately about our wide range of products will be key to driving sales and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Previous retail or sales experience is desirable.
- Up to 38 days of Holiday (pro-rata)
- Retail discounts, save money on day-to-day spending, days out, and gifts.
- Cycle Scheme, helping spread the cost of a bike and saving on tax.
- Health Cash Plan, for a small monthly contribution access a 24-hour online GP service recover costs for dental and optical appointments and more.
- Time off to support local charities, with an annual paid Charity Day
- Wellbeing support with Mental Health First Aiders and external Assistance Program providing free counselling and advice for you and your family.
- Company pension scheme for eligible employees
Gaters Mill, Mansbridge Rd, West End, Southampton SO18 3HW, UK #J-18808-Ljbffr
Retail Assistant 19.5 Hours (Seasonal & Sundries) - West End employer: Haskins Garden Centres Ltd
Contact Detail:
Haskins Garden Centres Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Retail Assistant 19.5 Hours (Seasonal & Sundries) - West End
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the products in the Seasonal and Sundries Department. Knowing about garden furniture, BBQs, and outdoor living products will help you engage customers effectively and demonstrate your passion for the role.
β¨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills by engaging with friends or family as if they were customers. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident when greeting and assisting real customers in the store.
β¨Tip Number 3
Research Haskins and their values. Understanding the company culture and what they prioritise in customer service will allow you to align your approach with their expectations during the interview process.
β¨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your previous retail experience and how it relates to this role. Think of specific examples where you successfully assisted customers or handled challenging situations to showcase your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Assistant 19.5 Hours (Seasonal & Sundries) - West End
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Retail Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what they are looking for.
Craft a Strong CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience, particularly in retail or customer service. Use bullet points for clarity and include specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to engage with customers and drive sales.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention your passion for customer service and any relevant experience you have with garden products or seasonal sales. Make it personal and show why you would be a great fit for their team.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are important in a customer-facing role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Haskins Garden Centres Ltd
β¨Show Your Passion for Customer Service
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for delivering excellent customer service during the interview. Share examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers in previous roles, as this aligns perfectly with what the company values.
β¨Know the Products
Familiarise yourself with the types of products the company sells, especially those in the Seasonal and Sundries Department. Being able to discuss garden furniture, BBQs, and outdoor living products will demonstrate your interest and preparedness.
β¨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since the company emphasises a friendly and happy team environment, be sure to highlight your ability to work well with others. Share experiences where you contributed positively to a team dynamic or helped colleagues achieve a common goal.
β¨Prepare for Physical Demands
As the role involves some heavy lifting, itβs wise to mention your physical readiness for the job. You could discuss any relevant experience that showcases your ability to handle physically demanding tasks while maintaining a positive attitude.