At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with customers and drive trade sales while building strong relationships.
- Company: Dynamic retail brand with a focus on exceptional customer service.
- Benefits: Full-time hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with exciting design events and trade shows.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and make an impact in the retail world.
- Qualifications: Retail sales experience and a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Position: Trade Specialist
Brand/Location: Tottenham Court Road Stores – All Brands
Reports To: Store Manager
Type: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week.
Role Overview: The Trade Specialist is a retail-based, customer-facing role, working directly from the shop floor and trade area within the store. The role utilises strategic selling and problem-solving skills to effectively establish and manage relationships with existing trade members, while proactively building new accounts and business opportunities. Working across all four brands — West Elm, Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids — you will combine a solution-focused mindset with a “get to yes” mentality, delivering exceptional in-store service standards while driving trade sales performance and commercial excellence.
Responsibilities:
- Utilise effective selling techniques to achieve sales goals
- Provide sincere, personalised, and energetic customer service that exemplifies World-Class service standards
- Efficiently and accurately process sales transactions to ensure a seamless customer experience
- Perform other duties as assigned by management, including store maintenance, visual standards, and customer service support
- Work with trade members, guiding them through the shopping, order placement, and fulfilment process
- Effectively and consistently manage leads, from recording contact information at initial enquiry through ongoing relationship follow-up
- Cultivate new member business through effective outreach and follow-up
- Maintain strong brand and product knowledge, including seasonal launches and current offers
- Work closely with the B2B Account Manager, attend training and weekly touchpoints with the B2B team, and report on and maintain accountability for location trade KPIs
- Stay informed on industry news, trends, and projects, and remain alert to market opportunities
- Actively contribute to achieving the home retail location’s monthly, quarterly, and annual sales goals
- Attend and represent the company at design events and trade shows as required
- Comply with all company policies and procedures.
Qualifications, Experience and Key Skills:
- High school diploma (or equivalent)
- Interior design certification or qualification
- 1–2 years’ experience in retail sales (speciality retail preferred)
- 1–2 years’ experience in customer service
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent verbal/written communication skills and the ability to influence business partners at all levels
- Proficient computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheet software programs
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to be mobile on the sales floor for extended periods of time
- Ability to lift and mobilise medium to large items, up to 30kg, while utilising appropriate lifting equipment and safety techniques
- Ability to operate POS system
This position description is not inclusive of all duties and responsibilities and does not include duties that may be reasonably required to be completed as part of the role. This position description can be changed without notice.
Trade Sales Associate in London employer: WILLIAMS SONOMA
As a Trade Sales Associate at our Tottenham Court Road location, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. We offer comprehensive training, a collaborative culture, and the opportunity to engage with diverse brands like West Elm and Pottery Barn, all while enjoying a competitive salary and benefits package. Join us to be part of a team that values exceptional service and fosters meaningful relationships with trade members, ensuring a rewarding career path in retail.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trade Sales Associate in London
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like WILLIAMS SONOMA, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like WILLIAMS SONOMA!
We think you need these skills to ace Trade Sales Associate in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at WILLIAMS SONOMA, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at WILLIAMS SONOMA and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show WILLIAMS SONOMA that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at WILLIAMS SONOMA
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
