Retail Assistant

Also known as:

Sales Assistant
Shop Assistant

Introduction

Retail assistants work in shops or supermarkets serving and advising customers on the purchase of goods. They may operate tills; order, price and display goods; and may have some responsibility for stock control.

Back to Top

Work Activities

Retail assistants are also called shop assistants or sales assistants and they serve customers in shops. They operate cash tills, and take payments from customers for goods purchased. They may have to deal with cash, cheques, credit or debit cards. Goods may have to be weighed and packed, and sometimes gift-wrapped.

Retail assistants maintain displays of goods on shelves and check that goods are correctly priced. They also advise or persuade customers on purchases, answer customer queries, or direct customers to the location of a product. They may be responsible for stock control and keeping financial and stock records.

Back to Top

Personal Qualities and Skills

For this job, you need to be able to work quickly and accurately. You need to be able to cope with working under pressure during busy, demanding periods. You will need in-depth knowledge of the product(s) you sell and basic number skills to work out payments and change.

You need to be approachable, helpful, friendly and co-operative when dealing with customers.

Back to Top

Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Retail assistants earn in the range of £210 - £250 a week, rising to £270 - £350. Higher earners can make around £440 a week.

They usually work a basic 35-39 hours per week. However, they may be required to work evenings or at weekends and receive overtime pay or time off in lieu. Many retail assistants are employed on a part-time basis.

There are opportunities for casual work during busy periods such as at Christmas.

Retail assistants work in a range of outlets - from small specialist shops and charity stores, to supermarkets and large department stores. Promotion opportunities, depending on experience, are available with most of the larger employers.

Back to Top

Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

• 66% of people who work in occupations such as retail assistant work part-time.
• 2% have flexible hours.
• 4% of employees work on a temporary basis.

Back to Top