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Job description

THE EMPLOYER IS: HARE & HAWTHORN We are looking for a friendly, reliable, and enthusiastic Shop Assistant to join our independent gift shop in the heart of Coleraine. Our shop offers a curated selection of unique gifts, home décor, and locally crafted products, and we pride ourselves on providing a warm, personal shopping experience. The ideal candidate will enjoy engaging with customers, have a keen eye for presentation, and take pride in maintaining a beautiful and welcoming retail space. This is a hands-on role involving customer service, cash handling, stock management, and creative input in displays and social media promotions.

Responsibilities

• Customer Service: Greet customers warmly, assist with product selection, and provide advice or information about items.
• Cash Register Operations: Process transactions accurately using the till and POS system, handling both cash and card payments.
• Stock Management: Receive and unpack deliveries, price and restock goods, carry out inventory counts, and ensure stock rotation.
• Store Maintenance: Keep the shop clean and organised, maintaining attractive displays and ensuring shelves are tidy.
• Security and Safety: Follow health, safety, and security procedures to maintain a safe environment for customers and staff.
• Complaint Resolution: Handle returns, exchanges, and customer complaints professionally and efficiently.
• Teamwork: Work collaboratively with colleagues, demonstrating flexibility and a positive attitude.
• Phone Handling: Answer incoming calls, assist with enquiries, and take accurate messages when required.
• Merchandising Support: Help with visual merchandising, window displays, and seasonal promotions.
• Social Media Engagement: Contribute creative ideas for social media content, assist in filming and editing short videos or posts to promote new arrivals and events.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Customer service skills.
• Neat, well-groomed appearance suitable for a retail environment.
• Accuracy when handling cash and processing payments.
• Good attention to detail for pricing, stock checks, and displays.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
• Timekeeping skills.
• Basic computer literacy and confidence using till systems.
• Demonstrates responsible use of social media platforms personally and practices discretion and professionalism in personal social media activity.

Desirable Skills

• Experience working in retail, especially in an independent or gift shop setting.
• Knowledge of visual merchandising and product presentation.
• Familiarity with social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook) and content creation.
• Creative flair for display and promotional ideas.
• Understanding of local crafts or artisan products.
• Awareness of sustainability and eco-friendly retail practices.
• Enthusiasm for the products and interest in retail.

Further Information

The Employer is: HARE & HAWTHORN JobStart Opportunity - Working Hours Information - Standard Hours: up to 25 hours per week. - Flexible/Reduced Hours: May be available upon approval by a Work Coach. - Additional Hours: The employer may offer extra hours depending on availability. This should be discussed directly with the employer before starting employment. The job advert may end before the closing date if requested by the employer.

Application Information

JOBSTART IS OPEN TO WORKING AGE BENEFIT CLAIMANTS WHO ARE DEEMED ELIGIBLE BY A WORK COACH. If you are on Universal Credit, please contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of any other working age benefit, please contact your local Jobs & Benefits Office on 0800 001 5782.