All About Retail: Sales Associates, Management, etc.

[fashionhouse]

^^ it's very trying, definitely. People treat you terribly just because you're "only a salesgirl". I actually enjoy retail, mostly. I love getting dressed up and being surrounded by clothes all day. Plus, the majority of the customers I help are nice people, and I have a thick enough skin to handle the ones who aren't so nice.

I had a woman come in to the store where I work with a complicated exchange/return. I was just explaining what I'd have to do, and she says to me, "You know, I'm kind of in a hurry, so if you could just stop talking, and do your job, that'd be great." Outrageous.

Really? Usually it's the other way around. People come in acting like you will be "snooty" to them and then are shocked when you're nice. SA's get a bad rep. sometimes .

 

[fashionhouse]

Pretty much anyone can get a job at those stores, experience or not. I work at J.Crew, and I had prior retail experience, but some associates were hired without experience. The only difference is that I make a tiny bit more than they do (like $1 an hour). Of course, as said in the previous post, experience can only work in your favor.

Some places say they want atleast a year experience in high end, but I know from experience that you can have no experience at all and they will still hire you if they like you. I gave an ok interview at BCBG and they still liked me. Just show an interest in fashion/clothing and dress well/look nice, and be professional. I'm in college and I think it's a great job for students and especially if you're majoring in business (you can then try to get a management job.)

 

[fashionhouse]

I went to the interview at Nordstrom Rack two days ago. I don't think I'm getting the job. I tend to get nervous and talk too much or not enough at interviews, which kills me, because I know I could have done a good job if I were hired. I don't think I emphasized my love of fashion enough. When she told me of the advancements and oppurtunities for working at the main store etc. I don't think I came across as interested enough. She had asked me what I'm taking for college and what my plans are, and I said English and lit, and forgot all about fashion.

If you know you get nervous, next time try to go over the interview process in your head before hand. Make sure you mention your key pros and when they ask about cons switch it to a positive. If you got the job, you will usually know at the end of the interview. If they tell you that they will call you or are interviewing others, it means you did not get it. Just try to smile a lot and be friendly, it will help to losen your nerves up .

 

[fashionhouse]

how important do you think it is to wear designer labels to a job interview at a high end department store? i have an interview for Harrods on wednesday, and most of my 'work' wear is just gap, topshop etc. any other recommendations for making a good impression?

Go to style.com and pair up pieces from the shows with pieces from top shop. Most places require you to either wear the designer or wear clothing that is similar to the style of the designer. Like some designers like layering, etc. Just try to match it up pretty good until you get the discounts and then try to wear a couple of pieces from the designer.

 

[BetteT]

Welcome to tFS, fahionhouse! And thank you for your advice ... we look forward to your continued participation!

 

[L.A.Trash]

Hello all,

My apologies for posting this once again but I am trying to gather as much information as possible. I really really want to work as an SA at Dior Homme on Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles and wondered if anyone had any info about working at Dior Homme or applying? What they expect from a prospective SA? How much they pay? Discounts? The best way to aproach them etc?

I have lots of retail experience but only in spurts of 3-4 months max each time as I balanced them around University and travelling a lot.

I am thinking of just walking in one day, looking my best of course, and leaving my resume and a cover letter. Then I'll probably apply to lots of stores on Rodeo.

ANY advice anyone has would be a massive help.

As well as any general advice of good stores to work at in L.A.

Thanks,

L.A. Trash

 

[fashionhouse]

Welcome to tFS, fahionhouse! And thank you for your advice ... we look forward to your continued participation!

Thank you =) and I will.

 

[kfan]

worked ( actually,still do part time) retail for almost 6 years a little before and during college and I can honestly say its hard work---from cleaning up to dealing with horrible customers, its tough. I've also worked in a office setting--while i never brought so much stress and worry home working retail, I was sooo much tired and drained. odd---i don't think people ever think that about a retail job

On the plus side i enjoyed the flexibility and the cool people you meet daily

 

[DevonDevore]

does anyone know how much the average pay rate is for jobs on 5th ave in NY?
im applying to LV, versace, cavali, etc etc and i wanna have a ballpark figure.
do they at least get commission?

 

[Ianastar]

I'm not sure...but I would try salary.com

It would at least give you an idea. I recently had a interview for a store manager position and used salary.com and took the middle of the span and told them that was what I wanted and they said that was about what they paid.

I later found out that they actually pay a bit more than I asked...so I lowballed myself. But at least its a start for negotiations

good luck!!!

 

[before]

How is H&M for a SA?

 

[heyitsme]

How do you apply to high end boutiques (in the mall)?

There's a new Christian Louboutin boutique at my local mall and I would love to get a start in a fashion career working there. What's the best way to apply to these high end kind of boutiques? Do you just walk in like normal and ask if they are hiring? For some reason that just seems weird to do in that calibur of a store.

 

[Juliet.J]

Go in Monday Thru Thursday 9-5 pm (which are normal hours for managers) dressed in business attire or something similar to what you see the other sales reps wearing for example if they have on all black go in all black if they wear 3 piece suits go wearing a 3 piece suit and also bring your resume. When you go just ask to speak to the hiring manager tell him/her what your interests are with the company and why you would be a good asset to their team.

 

[reese06]

My friend that works in Burberry taught me that your first trip into the store is their first impression of you and initially when they know somewhat if they want to hire you or not. Be fierce and be ready to possibly interview on the spot. Also have a resume ready and be very enthusiastic about working for the company. Good luck!!! And let us know how it goes...

 

[rainglow]

Does anybody know what an assistant manager in retail should be earning? I'm applying for a job as the AM of a luxury accessories concessions (think Manolo), but since I haven't worked in retail before I'm afraid that the offer I got is a total lowball.

Any guidance at all would be *really* appreciated

 

[Juliet.J]

I know Gucci sales reps get around 12/hr-15/hr plus commission so Management probably gets a little more but LV sales reps get paid 11/hr-14/hr(maybe more) plus bonus so again mgmt has to get paid a little more.


I would assume anywhere from 13/hr-16/hr is cool.

 

[pinkpalm]

Assistant Managers typically earn from 25-80k depending on where you are located, what brand, etc. Ralph Lauren AM's make 40-60.

 

[mccanner]

Average Wage In Mid-High End Retail (And Compensation?)

Hey Guys,

So I got a Job at Marc by Marc Jacobs

And they emailed me yesterday asking me...

"3) Current Compensation with Employer or Previous Employer (or compensation
requirements/expectation)?"

What exactly does that mean?

If it means how much i expect to get paid, what is a good amount for me to say?

How much would a sales assistant make at a place like Marc by Marc?

Anyone here work there?

Thanks so much!

 

[BetteT]

If you already have the job(?) and have a salary/commision set out by your new boss ... is this just filling out their application, after the fact? They probably just need an application on file. So put down what you got paid on your last job or what you are getting now ... I would say.


If you are still applying for the job ... and have another job now, they want you to put down what you are being paid now. If you are not working ... then they want you to put something down to see if what they pay is within your range.

I can't offer a number ... it would depend on what their competitors are paying too the city you are in.

Maybe someone here who is a sales associate in a simliar shop can offer a range. See above for some information. Of course you'd need to know if the job you are applying for is salary ... or salary plus commission, which would be a lot different in hourly wages, I would think.

 

[chel4mdavali]

ugh, i'm so frustrated with this job hunt. I left my job at Hollister last november and now im looking for a new job but sooo few places are hiring and the ones that are...i don't get calls back. SOMEONE HIRING ME PLEASE hahaha uggghhhh