At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers with outdoor plants and ensure a great shopping experience.
- Company: Join Haskins, a family-owned garden centre with a passion for service.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, health plans, charity days, and up to 38 days holiday.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team and learn about plants while helping customers.
- Qualifications: Customer service skills and a willingness to learn; retail experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 10 - 12 £ per hour.
We are recruiting a Retail Assistant in our Outdoor Plants department on a Part-Time, Permanent basis, working 22.5 hours per week.
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 an eagerness to learn, and want to be part of a leading business, we want you to join our team.
The role of Retail Assistant involves welcoming customers to the centre and helping with questions or queries across a wide variety of Indoor and Outdoor product ranges. They “Go the extra mile” to drive sales and achieve department goals whilst maintaining product condition, presentation, and stock levels within inventory control procedures. Involving some heavy lifting, this role can be physically demanding.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Process POS (Point of Sale)
- Pricing stock
- Sales ordering and till operation
- Replenishing stock
- Display and merchandising
- General housekeeping duties
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. Based in the Seasonal and Sundries Department, you will offer excellent service and provide information on the wide range of products. Previous retail experience is desirable.
In return we provide:
- Generous Company Discount scheme
- Retail discounts, saving 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
- Up to 38 days of Holiday (pro-rata)
- Uniform provided
Outdoor Plants - Retail Assistant - Part Time - Forest Lodge in Farnham employer: Haskins
Haskins Garden Centres is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment where teamwork and customer service are at the heart of our operations. With sociable hours, generous holiday allowances, and a comprehensive benefits package including an Employee Assistance Program and staff discounts, we prioritise the well-being and growth of our employees. Join us in Ferndown and be part of a family-owned business that values your contributions and fosters a culture of learning and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Outdoor Plants - Retail Assistant - Part Time - Forest Lodge in Farnham
✨Get to Know Your Local Scene
Retail is all about community, so don't underestimate the power of local connections. Pop into shops you're interested in, chat with staff, and ask if they have any openings. This personal touch could land you a part-time gig with ease!
✨Show Off Your Personality
Retail is a people business, and employers love genuine, enthusiastic candidates. When you're applying for part-time roles, showcase your customer service skills and personality during interviews. Be yourself, and don't be afraid to share your love for the products!
✨Utilise College or University Resources
If you're a student, check out your university’s career services. They often have links with local retailers looking for part-time staff. It's a great way to find positions that work around your studies while also building your CV!
✨Check Out Seasonal Opportunities
Retail often sees a surge during peak seasons like Christmas or summer sales. Keep your eyes peeled for temporary part-time roles during these times. Many companies, including Haskins, may even transition seasonal workers into permanent positions if you impress them!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, we know that customer service is king! Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've got with face-to-face interactions. Include specific examples where you went above and beyond for a customer—this shows potential employers like Haskins that you're all about creating great shopping experiences.
Flexibility is Key!:For a part-time role, showcasing your availability is crucial. Make it clear in your application when you can work, especially if you have weekday and weekend flexibility. Retail can demand odd hours, so we want to see that you're ready to jump in when needed!
Forget the Fancy Formatting:While you want your CV to look good, in retail, clarity is more important than flashiness. Use simple formatting and bullet points to make your experiences stand out. Retail managers at Haskins will appreciate a straightforward CV that’s easy to skim through.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:When applying for a part-time retail position, your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you’re excited about Haskins and what you can bring to their team. Maybe you love their products or admire their customer service philosophy—let that passion come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Haskins
✨Mastering Brand Knowledge
As we're heading into a part-time retail role at Haskins, it’s super crucial to know their brand inside out. Familiarise yourself with their products, customer service approach, and any current promotions. This way, you can engage genuinely in conversations and show that you’re already invested in their vibe.
✨Excellent Customer Scenarios
Prepare for customer service scenarios! Retail interviews often include role-play or situational questions. Think about how you'd handle different customer situations, from dealing with complaints to upselling products. We want to hear how you can keep your cool and keep the customer happy!
✨Tailoring Your Availability
Being part-time means flexibility is key! Be ready to discuss your availability honestly. Employers in retail love candidates who can adapt their schedules to peak hours. Show that you're keen to work evenings or weekends if it helps them out.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Teamwork is essential in retail. Bring up experiences where you worked effectively in a team, whether it’s in previous jobs, school projects, or volunteering. We want to know how you can contribute to a positive team environment at Haskins!
