All About Retail: Sales Associates, Management, etc.

[BetteT]

I'm not in the UK ... but I assume that neither of these are considered even close to "high end" ... at least they would not be in the US. Urban OUtfitters are really just a low end chain specializing in the youth/juniors market and I beleive that Top Shop is similar, from what I've been told.

I would think that high end would refer to designers like Chanel, Prada, Dolce & Gabana or at least Burberry or shops that carried these types of lines. I'm talking really expensive stuff here, that the average working girl could not afford, unless she saved up for a long time. The typical clientelle would be well heeled professionals (like doctors and lawyers), film actors/celebrities and wealthy socialites.

 

[mazzystar]

yeah, sure, but as a foot on the ladder i mean? comptoir des cotonniers is kind of mid range (around the same level as day birger et mikklesen i think), so i guess i was wondering if they accept work experience at UO (which, from what i've heard, is considered slightly classier in the uk - more emphasis on the boutique stuff like erotokritos and vanessa bruno on the top floor) which is easier for me to get a job at without retail experience.

 

[ekay854]

Hey guys, Very interesting thread i m thinking of going into high-end retail. I only worked at Galleries Lafayette in Paris, France and wanted to know with no experience in the U.S, would it still be possible to be hired in a department store like Saks or Bloomie in nyc or boutiques? i guess i m a little intimidated and also wanted to know if it s best to apply online or walk in the store boldly directly and hand my resume. i also speak 5 languages (bilingual in french/english, italian, spanish and my native language) but i guess coming from France i m little scared and would love to know which companies would you recommend me to approach (as i m not really familiar with a lot of stores in nyc) and if online or in person would be the best strategy! thank you so much for the feedback in advance! it s really appreciated

 

[Diorling]

They know what Galleries Lafayette is in NYC.

You speak 5 languages? One word...Chanel.

 

[vintageamour]

ekay, it seems if they would not hire you for high-end retail then there is no hope for any of us! good luck my dear!

<3 lauren

 

[Diorling]

Oh, and go in-person.

I would hire you without thinking about it if you're coming from Galleries Lafayette...That is unless you're an axe murderer.

 

[pinkpalm]

When I said petty I meant it is petty for Ralph Lauren to want them back.

ah misunderstood.

 

[thesiren]

surely topshop and urban outfitters aren't counted as 'high end' stores on either side of the pond. or beyond, for that matter.

 

[mazzystar]

okay, i phrased my original post badly - i'm well aware what's a high end store/label and what isn't. but you have to get experience somewhere, and surely topshop, which has its own range (topshop unique) that shows at london fashion week, and urban outfitters, which sells sonia rykiel, erotokritos and so on are better than new look/ dorothy perkins etc as far as the "high end" stores are concerned?

 

[pinkpalm]

I would apply anyways, I had zero high end retail experience ( I had worked for a friend that owned a boutique specializing in contemporary lines) and I was hired at RL on the spot.

 

[mazzystar]

yeah, i decided to apply anyway - i do have two years customer service experience and i've got the comptoir 'look' - just waiting to hear back from them now!

 

[styleoverfashion]

^ good luck!

 

[Blondes]

okay, i phrased my original post badly - i'm well aware what's a high end store/label and what isn't. but you have to get experience somewhere, and surely topshop, which has its own range (topshop unique) that shows at london fashion week, and urban outfitters, which sells sonia rykiel, erotokritos and so on are better than new look/ dorothy perkins etc as far as the "high end" stores are concerned?

Like you said earlier - any shop is a step on the ladder. I think if they feel you have the right look and attitude for their store, your experience might as well be from H&M. Trying to rank high street shops is diffcult and probably unnecessary. Every manager can have their own view on the subject, and you never know where they started out.

 

[Laska]

I used to work as a sales associate for a little bit after i left school. It was my first EVER job and i had zero work experience overall, nevermind retail experience! In spite of this, i was still hired straightaway to work at Harrods as soon as I applied!

 

[GasolineRainbow]

So if you want to find work at a high end store, how do you go about it? Do you approach a sales assistant and tell her you're interested in applying for a job? Or are there websites that list job openings?

 

[AniexDaffodil]

a good resume, smile, and ask to speak with the manager

 

[Laska]

So if you want to find work at a high end store, how do you go about it? Do you approach a sales assistant and tell her you're interested in applying for a job? Or are there websites that list job openings?

I think first decide which store you wish to approach and then I suggest you should go to their website (most well known stores have their own website) and then they usually have some kind of a recruitment or a "working for us" section which lists the available job openings, or how you should go about applying for a position. Aside from that I think approaching a sales assistant is also a good idea, since they will direct you to the person in charge of hiring new staff.

 

[mazzystar]

^ good luck!

i got an interview
however
what on EARTH am i going to wear!

 

[totallie_fab]

wow thanks guys, this thread has been so helpful!!

 

[kisa]

I have an interview to become a sales associate at a jeans store today. It's pretty high end for around these parts. I'm really nervous about the interview though, I've bombed my last few interviews. Does anyone have any interview tips? Also this is like a trendy store, I checked out what the people working there were wearing and I know for interviews you should wear what you would wear if you worked there, since it's a jeans store I would assume jeans? The website for the store is saying skinny jeans are the next big thing, and I was wearing them yesterday dressed pretty casual and they gave me an interview straight away. I'm thinking maybe I should wear skinny jeans again to show that I fit with what the store says is cool? This is just like an expensive mall teen store, so I don't think I need to wear trousers and suits or whatever. Any opinions would be much appreciated!