What does a Store Associate do?
A Store Associate helps customers find what they are looking for in a store. They handle customer complaints and guide customers towards the best possible product for their needs. Under the direction of the Store Manager, a Store Associate will work in shifts and make sure someone is always on hand to help a customer.
Store Associate skills and qualifications
A Store Associate must have a wide range of practical and creative skills, including:
- Excellent customer service
- The ability to work well with others
- The ability to sell products and services
- Empathy for customers and what they are looking for
- Excellent verbal communication
- Thorough attention to details
- The ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- The ability to use the technology associated with the store
Store Associate experience requirements
Prospective Store Associates will usually have previous experience working in a retail shop. Some may only have part-time experience from working temporary jobs during the holidays or at the weekend. For those that don’t have previous work experience, they may have gained experience from performing tasks similar to a Store Associate by volunteering in a charity shop. If this is an entry-level position and candidates are applying with no previous experience, look for candidates that possess the ability to perform simple calculations, have a professional image and enjoy the retail industry.
Store Associate education and training requirements
Some companies prefer candidates who have taken college courses directly related to the position, such as Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Retail Skills or Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Retail Skills. Candidates who have taken these courses will have 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4.
Some candidates will have taken a route that relies less on formal education and more on practical experience by completing an apprenticeship. This requires them to have some GCSEs, usually including English and maths. Candidates who apply with no formal education or an apprenticeship must be prepared to do in-store training in order to be fully suited to the position.
Store Associate salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary of a Store Associate is £8.84 per hour in the United Kingdom. The salary amount is dependent on experience, location and the company.
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