Retail work

[MrMister]

Does it sound reasonable for someone who has never worked in retail to work voluntarily for a period of time in charity stores to gain experience working in stores, then later apply for retail vacancies ?

Would working in charity stores help for someone who has never had retail or shop assistance experience ?

[dotty.]

Well from a customer service point of view possibly. I would imagine they have to use some form of stock control system. they all have tills, which means EPOS training and you will be given some training on merchandising maybe, but they are likely to be very basic. It will help you get used to being on your feet up to 10 hours a day and also give you an understanding of customer expectations, you'll have improved listening skills and realise that retail at any level is tiring. You would probably be able to show you are puntual, flexible able to work in a mixed team and offer support to your colleagues through your dedication and loyalty to the charity.

So yes, go for it,

[boxtops]

Yes absolutely, voluntary work counts well on people's c.vs these days when paid work is hard to find. Working in a shop will give you experience of dealing with customers, perhaps managing displays, taking money/change - some charity shops are very much more business-like that others but all will give you experience of working in a shop, and you may find volunteer training available too while you are there. I think it's a good idea, and when you want to apply for paid work, you will be well placed to ask the charity shop for a reference. It all helps!

[bednobs]

i suppose so but tbh serving in a shop isn't a highly skilled ocupation (i'm not saying that people who do it don't HAVE skills what i am saying is you don't exactly need experience to be able to do it)
You could probably leARn all you need to in the first 1/2 hour of the job

[MrMister]

Its something on the side, like a weekend work. But I have never had any retail experience what so ever.

[TonyV]

depending on store / Organsition you work with / for - will give you some retail experenence

[saxy_jag]

There are charity shops and charity shops. Many of them are beginning to up their game these days, with up-to-date marketing and systems and professional management, but you do occasionally get the manky little shops with ten year old crocheted cardis on the rack because the little old ladies who run them think they're running a glorified church-hall jumble sale. Such places will get you no useful experience at all.

[MrMister]

Well I suppose there is always a negative answer on these threads