At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome customers, assist with product queries, and ensure a smooth sales process.
- Company: Join Haskins, a family-owned garden centre with a friendly atmosphere.
- Benefits: Earn up to £12.71 per hour, enjoy discounts, and access health support.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team and enhance customer experiences in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Enthusiastic individuals with great customer service skills; retail experience is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible hours, generous holiday, and opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 12 £ per hour.
We are recruiting a Retail Assistant on a temporary basis between March 2026 and 30th June 2026, working 20 hours a week including weekends.
Pay rate up to £12.71 per hour.
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, that’s 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 involves welcoming customers to the centre and helping 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. This role can be physically demanding, involving some heavy lifting of products such as compost and aggregates.
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. The 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.
In return we provide:
- Generous Haskins Discount scheme.
- 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.
- Free on-site parking.
Retail Assistant (Seasonal & Sundries, Temporary, Part Time) - Forest Lodge in Farnham employer: Haskins Garden Centres
Contact Detail:
Haskins Garden Centres Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Assistant (Seasonal & Sundries, Temporary, Part Time) - Forest Lodge in Farnham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Haskins Garden Centres. Understand their values and what makes them tick. This way, you can show off your enthusiasm and how you fit into their family vibe.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Think about scenarios you might face as a Retail Assistant. How would you handle a tricky customer or upsell a product? Being prepared will help you shine during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! When you show up for your interview, make sure you look smart and presentable. It shows that you care about the role and are ready to represent Haskins in style.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Assistant (Seasonal & Sundries, Temporary, Part Time) - Forest Lodge in Farnham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for customer service shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about helping customers and promoting our products!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV to highlight any relevant retail or sales experience. We love seeing how your skills match what we’re looking for in a Retail Assistant.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key skills and experiences are easy to spot!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into our friendly team as soon as possible.
How to prepare for a job interview at Haskins Garden Centres
✨Know Your Products
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the types of products Haskins offers, especially in the Seasonal and Sundries Department. Being able to discuss garden furniture, BBQs, and outdoor living products will show your enthusiasm and readiness to engage with customers.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you provided excellent customer service. Think about times when you went above and beyond for a customer or resolved a difficult situation. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with customers and enhance their shopping experience.
✨Practice Upselling Techniques
Since upselling is a key responsibility, think of ways you can suggest additional products that complement what a customer is already interested in. Practising these techniques beforehand will help you feel more confident during the interview and show that you understand the sales process.
✨Be Ready for Physical Demands
This role involves some heavy lifting, so be prepared to discuss your physical capabilities. You might want to mention any relevant experience you have with physically demanding tasks, as this will reassure the interviewer that you're up for the challenge.