Shelf Filler

Also known as:

Shop Shelf Filler
Supermarket Shelf Filler

Introduction

Shelf fillers stock shelves with goods in a supermarket or shop. They display and price goods, record stock levels and keep the shop neat and tidy. They may be expected to work on a till when required.

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Work Activities

A shelf filler stocks shelves with fresh supplies. They collect goods from the warehouse and arrange them neatly on a shelf or display counter. Shelf fillers have to rotate stock on the shelves depending on the 'sell-by' and 'best before' dates on goods; the newer stock is placed at the back of the shelf to allow the older goods to be sold more quickly.

Shelf fillers may have to price the goods, but bar-coding is often used instead (a code is printed on the item and a machine at the till reads the price from it). If price tickets are used, shelf fillers must remove the old ticket before a new price is put on to avoid mistakes. A record of all goods displayed must be kept on stock sheets. A shelf filler also has to make sure that the goods and the shelves are clean.

The job can involve advising customers about the goods, and directing customers to the right area of the store. Shelf fillers may sometimes be asked to do checkout work.

Shelf fillers usually work in clean, well-lit shops or supermarkets.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a shelf filler, you need to be physically fit because the work involves standing for long periods, as well as some heavy lifting and bending. A neat appearance and pleasant manner are a must, as the work involves dealing with the public. An eye for visual effect, and the ability to work alone are also important.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Shelf fillers earn £210 - £230 a week, rising to £260. Higher earners can make around £280 a week.

Shelf-fillers usually work a basic 40-hour week, and may be required to work evenings and weekends. They might be paid a higher rate for night shifts, but not necessarily. Many work on a part-time basis.

Employers include small shops, supermarkets, stores and warehouses.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now 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.

Relevant skills, developed through warehouse or stores work, are an advantage.

• 61% of shelf fillers work part-time.
• 2% have flexible hours.
• 4% work on a temporary basis.

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