At a Glance
- Tasks: Support daily retail operations and create a magical shopping experience for customers.
- Company: Join the enchanting world of LaplandUK, where childhood memories come to life.
- Benefits: Earn £12.75/hour, enjoy free meals, discounts, and flexible shifts.
- Other info: Embrace your inner elf and enjoy a fun, dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique immersive experience and make lasting memories for families.
- Qualifications: Previous retail experience and a passion for customer service are essential.
The predicted salary is between 12.75 - 12.75 £ per hour.
RETAIL ASSISTANT - £12.75/h - ASCOT
PLEASE ONLY APPLY TO THIS ROLE IF YOU WORKED IN THIS ROLE IN 2025.
About Lapland: Based on the original stories of Mike and Alison Battle ‘Lapland’, the show is a ground-breaking immersive theatrical production that brings to life the mythical elven world of Father Christmas. Lapland celebrates the wonderment of childhood through our magical world, rich storytelling & memory-making experiences.
Role Overview: Retail Assistants support the day-to-day operations of a retail store, helping to create a positive shopping experience for customers. This role involves a combination of customer service, product knowledge, merchandising, and general store maintenance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Customer Service & Support: Greet customers as they enter the store and offer assistance in a friendly and professional manner. Provide detailed information about products, services, and promotions to help customers make informed decisions. Respond promptly and politely to customer inquiries, complaints, or returns, ensuring satisfaction is maintained. Upsell and cross-sell products where appropriate to meet sales targets.
- Sales Transactions: Operate point-of-sale (POS) systems to process sales quickly and accurately. Handle Jingles (cash) and credit/debit card payments with attention to detail and security. Issue receipts, refunds, and exchanges in accordance with store policies. Balance cash register drawers at the beginning and end of shifts.
- Stock Management & Merchandising: Replenish stock on shelves and racks, ensuring products are neatly arranged and easy to find. Assist with stock rotation and ensure expired or damaged goods are removed from display. Support stocktakes/inventory audits by counting items and recording quantities accurately.
- Store Presentation & Maintenance: Keep the sales floor clean, organized, and visually appealing at all times. Set up promotional displays and signage in line with store marketing guidelines. Ensure tills and counter areas and common areas are tidy and well-maintained. Follow store opening and closing checklists/procedures.
- Health & Safety Compliance: Follow all company policies related to health, safety, and hygiene. Be vigilant about potential hazards and report safety concerns to management. Maintain awareness of loss prevention procedures to help reduce theft and damage.
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues and supervisors to ensure smooth store operations. Participate in team meetings and training sessions to stay updated on new procedures, products, and promotions.
Required Experience:
- Excellent Communication Skills: Ability to clearly explain product details, answer questions, and engage in positive conversation. Active listening skills to understand guests' needs and offer suitable solutions. Comfortable interacting with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong Interpersonal Skills: Friendly, approachable, and helpful demeanour that makes guests feel welcome. Team-oriented attitude with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and management. Patience and tact when dealing with difficult guests or situations.
- Customer-Focused Mindset: Committed to providing a high level of service and enhancing the overall shopping experience. Immerse yourself in the Elven World with your actions and use of terminology, fully embracing your Elf Name. Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure, especially during busy periods or when resolving complaints. Proactive in identifying guests' needs and going the extra mile to meet them.
- Attention to Detail: Accurate when handling cash, pricing items, and completing transactions. Diligent in checking stock levels, expiry dates, and store presentation standards.
- Sales Awareness: Basic understanding of sales techniques, such as upselling and cross-selling. Ability to promote current deals. Driven to meet team sales forecasts where applicable and under the direction of the Duty Retail Manager.
- Adaptability and Flexibility: Willingness to perform a variety of tasks and shift focus quickly as needed. Comfortable with changing schedules, including evenings and weekends. Ability to learn new systems, products, or procedures quickly.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Capable of handling unexpected issues, such as stock shortages or guest concerns. Resourceful in finding solutions without always needing direct supervision. Able to remain composed when multitasking or working in high-pressure situations.
- Basic Numeracy and Technology Skills: Confident in handling Jingles (Lapland currency) and calculating change. Familiar with using point-of-sale systems, barcode scanners, and basic retail software.
- Good Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for extended periods, carry light to moderate loads, and move around the store frequently. Resilience and energy to handle busy shifts, particularly during peak times.
- Reliability and Professionalism: Punctual, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling assigned shifts and tasks. Maintains a tidy appearance in costume and represents the store brand positively. Follows both Retail and Wardrobe instructions and always adheres to company policies.
Where is Lapland? Lapland is based in Whitmoor Forest, in Crown Estate on Swinley Road, Winkfield Row near Ascot SL5 8BD.
Key Dates:
- PAID TRAINING: Your training plan will vary depending on your role. Training will take place on select dates between the end of October 2026 and the beginning of November 2026, training is mandatory.
- LIVE EVENT: Thursday 5th November - Thursday 24th December 2026.
Benefits:
- Hourly pay of £12.75 per hour, plus holiday pay which is paid at the end of your contract.
- Free hot meal per day.
- Free coffee, tea and soft drinks.
- 20% discount in LaplandUK retail shops on selected dates.
- Free Parking Off-Site at Ascot Racecourse (shuttle bus direct to event site).
- Shuttle bus from Ascot Train Station to event site.
Working for LaplandUK is unlike any other role. By ‘Honouring Childhood Together’, we create memorable moments that families cherish forever. We can’t wait to welcome you to our secret, magical world this year!
Customer Facing Role Requirements:
Where the Worker is in costume, will be expected to:
- Remove all jewellery and piercings (no clear replacements) - this includes tooth gems/grills.
- Have neatly groomed, natural coloured hair, and as an elf, have all long hair in plaits.
- If worn, religious head coverings must be a neutral colour of brown, beige, or navy.
- Arrive on shift with none or natural make-up (foundation if worn must look like your natural skin tone); minimal mascara, no false eye lashes and no false or painted nails.
- No tattoos are permitted from the collar bone up for all customer facing roles. In addition, no tattoos are permitted below elbow for Food & Beverage, and 2 inches below elbow for all other customer facing roles on site.
- Leave all watches, including smart watches and phones securely in your locker.
Please note we require a minimum commitment of 3 shifts per week.
(RETURNERS) Retail Assistant - Ascot 2026 employer: LaplandUK
At LaplandUK, we are dedicated to creating magical experiences that leave a lasting impression on families. As a Workshop Stage Manager, you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative environment, where your organisational skills will be valued and your contributions will directly impact the success of our immersive productions. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to maintaining a positive workplace culture, LaplandUK is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the world of theatre and entertainment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land (RETURNERS) Retail Assistant - Ascot 2026
✨Get Your Foot in the Door Early
In retail, many temporary roles pop up during peak seasons, like Christmas or summer sales. Keep an eye on the calendars for these spikes and start scouting for opportunities a bit in advance. We can even help you stay sharp on your search!
✨Utilise Local Connections
Visit local shops in person and chat with managers about potential temporary openings. Many retail positions are filled by word-of-mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation while you grab a coffee or do your weekly shopping!
✨Show Off Your Availability
Retail managers love flexibility! Make sure to highlight your availability in a casual chat or when you apply through our website. The more open you are to work varied shifts, the more likely they are to bring you on board—especially for temporary gigs!
✨Be Ready for On-the-Spot Interviews
When you walk into a shop, be prepared for the possibility of an on-the-spot interview. Dress comfortably but smartly, have a few key points about your experience ready, and be enthusiastic. Remember, it’s all about making that positive first impression!
We think you need these skills to ace (RETURNERS) Retail Assistant - Ascot 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you've got, whether it’s casual jobs or volunteer work. Employers want to see that you can interact well with customers, so think about any instances where you've gone the extra mile to help someone out.
Flexibility Is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary position, you should emphasise your flexibility in your application. Mention your availability clearly in your cover letter and CV—employers love knowing they can rely on you to work varied hours, especially during busy periods!
Keep It Short and Sweet:For temporary roles, we don’t need an essay! Keep your CV and cover letter concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight any specific retail achievements, like sales targets met or product knowledge that demonstrates your eagerness to dive straight in.
Tailor Your Application to LaplandUK:Don’t forget to personalise your application for LaplandUK! Take a look at their values and product range, and if you’ve had previous experience with similar brands, mention that. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and have a good understanding of what they do.
How to prepare for a job interview at LaplandUK
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In retail, it's all about customer interaction, so be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough customer situations. We recommend thinking through a couple of scenarios before the interview where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as these can really make you stand out.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Temporary roles often have a steep learning curve because you'll need to pick up product knowledge fast. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the main products or services that LaplandUK offers, and if possible, try to understand their current promotions. It’ll give you the edge to engage customers effectively.
✨Flexibility is Key
Being in a temporary retail role means you may need to adapt quickly to different tasks or shifts. Be prepared to highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on varied responsibilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've had to juggle multiple tasks at once – that’ll show you're a great fit for the dynamic retail environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since retail roles often require collaboration, be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you worked well with colleagues, especially in fast-paced situations. This will underline your ability to slot into the team at LaplandUK and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
