Store Assistant Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Store Assistant, or Sales Assistant sells products and assists customers in a store or retail outlet. Their primary duties include processing sales transactions, resolving customer issues and keeping the shop orderly.

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Store Assistant duties and responsibilities

Store Assistants ensure that retail operations are carried out effectively and efficiently for maximum customer satisfaction. Their day-to-day duties include:

Keeping the store fully stocked
Maintaining the highest level of visual merchandising and store conditions
Delivering exceptional sales services for improved customer satisfaction
Interacting with customers and identifying their needs and preferences
Operating cash registers and point-of-sale machines
Receiving and verifying the quality and quantity of new shipments
Enforcing in-store security and health and safety procedures and regulations

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What does a Store Assistant do?

Store Assistants help customers make purchases by demonstrating, describing and recommending products. They also use cash registers to record transactions, which may involve using credit card machines, calculators and barcode scanners. When they are not assisting customers, Store Assistants may tidy the store, take product inventory, stock shelves and arrange product displays.

Store Assistant skills and qualifications

A successful Store Assistant candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:

Exceptional customer service skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Organisational skills and attention to detail
Ability to stand for long periods
Knowledge of point of sale software
Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills
In-depth knowledge of stocked merchandise

Store Assistant experience requirements

Store Assistant is an entry role with no specific experience requirements. However, many employers prefer candidates who have worked in the retail industry in a sales or customer-facing role. Stores that sell specific industry products such as mobile phones, crafts materials or auto spare parts may require candidates to have a deep understanding of the industry. Experience in inventory management, bookkeeping and conflict resolution is also helpful for this role. Candidates who have completed a retail or sales internship often have valuable on-the-job experience which is beneficial for this role.

Store Assistant education and training requirements

There are no specific education requirements for a Store Assistant position. Store Assistants can find employment with a university course such as a Level 2 Certificate or a Diploma in Retail Skills or a Level 3 Diploma in Retail Skills Sales Professional. Some employers consider candidates with a Retailer Intermediate apprenticeship or its equivalent. Candidates with retail or customer service experience can also apply directly as long as they have GSCEs at grades 9 to 4, including English and maths. Some organisations will employ candidates who have sales experience and a positive attitude and will provide them with in-house training on their retail processes and procedures.

Store Assistant salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary of a Store Assistant in the UK is £8.82 per hour. Actual pay varies depending on the employer, location, experience, industry, qualifications and specific job duties and responsibilities.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Store Assistant is not quite what you’re looking for, here are other job description samples that may fit your needs:

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Store Assistant job description FAQs

What qualities make a good Store Assistant?

A good Store Assistant is a good team player, as the role requires collaboration for optimal customer satisfaction. Store Assistants are also flexible and willing to perform a wide range of tasks as determined by Retail Supervisors. They need self-confidence and the ability to advise customers and recommend products. They are also patient and have a passion for helping shoppers find what they need. Store Assistants have the ability to follow procedures correctly and are friendly and polite. They are also comfortable interacting with a wide range of people and personalities.

How can you make your Store Assistant job description stand out?

To make your Store Assistant job description stand out, only include the most important information that candidates will need to apply for the role. If you sell specialised items, mention the industry-specific knowledge or experience candidates must have to qualify for the role. Highlight the role’s duties and responsibilities clearly, such as opening and closing the store and maintaining inventory. You can describe the work environment and people Store Assistants will work with when employed. Include information about salary and employment benefits.

Who does a Store Assistant report to?

A Store Assistant reports to the Store Manager, Retail Manager, Retail Supervisor or Departmental Manager.

What makes a good Store Assistant job description?

A good Store Assistant job description is brief, straight to the point and free from grammatical and spelling errors. It has a captivating headline with the exact job title so candidates know they are applying for the right job. It also includes a deadline for submission of application to create urgency.