All About Retail: Sales Associates, Management, etc.

[Trista]

I almost interviewed with them but then got my current job (and realized that taking 3 busses was NOT worth it) and pretty much remember the interview tips that everyone should use. And don't wear perfume.

 

[virginia]

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.

 

[BetteT]

^ I don't think that they are really looking for an employee with a knowledge of fashion at the Rack. In fact, I don't even think that they expect you to be good at selling. Unless they told you that or it was in the want ad.

It usually comes down to if they think that you are reliable and hard working. The want to know that you can follow directions, are flexible, have a pleasant attitude so you will get along with customers and coworkers, that you will show up on time and when scheduled, and that you learn new things quickly.

If you don't get the job ... it might be because you were not focusing on what the interviewer was saying. Listening to what they say ... will go a long way. People sense when you are not paying attention because you are thinking about what you want to say next or are thinking about how nervous you are. So learn to practice active listening to get information thay you can use.

They will actually give you clues about what they are looking for and active listening will help you when it's your time to talk. If they say something like they expect you to be on time or that they want someone who can stock shelves, pay attention. They just told you what they are looking for.

When you have the opportunity to talk about yourself, you are now armed with the information you need. So now, you should tell them how you are always on time or early and that you are strong and don't mind hard physical work. Bingo! You just told them what they wanted to hear.

So, if you don't get the job use this experience to learn how to give a better interview ... and try it again.

 

[Alejandro]

those are great pointers for job interviews.

 

[Alejandro]

I personally have worked retail in cosmetics for almost five years. This year I had a promotion to Resident MUA for Dior, after all the hard work and proving that I can put customers in the chair at all times, and get them out of there with at least $150 in cosmetics and skincare... every damn day.

There's ladies that work with me that have been there for over 25 years, still selling, and its their passion, but they are afraid of moving up, when probably they have the same chance or even better chance than the cosmetic dept. managers to do an amazing job and move up within the company.

That is something I always look for when I look for a job, let them know that im here to stay and GROW within the company. They like to know that you can prove to be loyal and you have goals, and you're not just looking for a paycheck; regardless if you do.

But personally I love being around people and go to work, I love my job and always have. My feet don't feel the same but hey, its not like I wear heels to work.

 

[gracey]

I would also suggest to anyone looking to get into retail, try to get a seasonal job during the holidays. Early Oct. is a good time to try getting in. I worked in a local dept. store (not high end, more medium-end I'd say) in the fragrance dept. this past Christmas....just something I'd wanted to try. It turned out to be ok but nothing I'd want to do permanently (retail in general) but I could have been hired on; they liked me. So if you lack experience it's a good way to go. I know that Tiffany hires people during the holiday for all sorts of positions, not sure about the boutique-type clothing stores.

 

[lucy92]

thats very interesting alejandro...i would like to see some of your before and afters...

 

[Alejandro]

Im working on building my portfolio, once i get something decent together, I'll post up

 

[just_me]

Any tips on what to wear for a high end retail job? Should you wear designers? Or is that giving a sign that you don't realy 'need' the job..?

 

[Couture_Whore]

One of my girlfriends just got a job as an assisant merchandiser at Holt Renfrew and she get's 50% off on all bags except Gucci and 35% off on makeup. She's so lucky!

 

[Couture_Whore]

Abercrombie is a horrible place to work for. I would love to work for Versace one day, as a designer or an associate. But I'm about to try to work at Bebe or Betsey Johnson for the time being. Does anyone know if these stores hire males?

Yes they do! Both BeBe and BJ have male sales associates working...i know cuz I've been helped by only males whenever I go to either of those stores! And the funny thing is, my friend who works at BeBe (who's a girl), said that the male SA that works with her always has top sales! He always beats out all the girls that work there! Weird eh?!

 

[MarlaLP]

Saks handbags

Hi,

I was solicited for a job today, by a lady I know who is manager of handbags at saks... I'm just wondering before I go in for an interview, what does saks pay for base and commission? Is it a draw vs commission type thing? I know she really wants me and I'm working at a high-end boutique at the moment...so I'll think I'll get a decent offer. But, I'm also nervous about working for a department store. Any words of warning or advice?

thanks!

 

[Diorling]

Where do you work now? I mean, I personally wouldnt go to a department store from a boutique unless they're giving me significantly more money. The commission scale at Saks is kind of sh*tty, I dont remember it off the top of my head, but that's why I turned them down.

 

[ETROsexualJ]

Where do you work now? I mean, I personally wouldnt go to a department store from a boutique unless they're giving me significantly more money. The commission scale at Saks is kind of sh*tty, I dont remember it off the top of my head, but that's why I turned them down.

Right now only 5 Saks are on straight comission. NY just recently became such. Within the next year there wil be 18 more on comission as they realized they needed to become competitive in certain markets where they lacked the $1 million books.

 

[Ianastar]

Right now only 5 Saks are on straight comission. NY just recently became such. Within the next year there wil be 18 more on comission as they realized they needed to become competitive in certain markets where they lacked the $1 million books.

Where did you hear this? Apparently, this has been a rumor that has been flying around for years now, and it's not happened.

The SAKS here has been open for over ten years, and they went to all commision once, and the majority of the associates quit. So they went back to some people being salary. Although, in cosmetics there is a mixture of commision and salary right now.




One of the great things about being in cosmetics is the schools/training. I love the gratis and you feel more inspired after the classes to go back and show all the new stuff to the customers.

 

[iLoveCouture]

Ianastar...what counter do you work at? I was at your Saks last week!

 

[MarlaLP]

Right now only 5 Saks are on straight comission. NY just recently became such. Within the next year there wil be 18 more on comission as they realized they needed to become competitive in certain markets where they lacked the $1 million books.

Sorry for being clueless, but what do you mean 'straight commission'? As in no hourly wage? How does it work in most Saks stores, is is hourly + commission or hourly vs. commission? What is the commission percentage?

I'm really just wondering if the handbags dept at Saks is good $$.
Thanks for your help.

 

[Ianastar]

I get an hourly, which is considered a draw really. I have to make so much in sales in order to "earn" my hourly. Anything over that, is what I earn commission on.

So its not like I get a salary AND commission. I get commission only on what I sell OVER my salary goal.

It would be the same in handbags Im pretty sure.

 

[L.A.Trash]

Employment at Dior Homme Los Angeles

Hello everyone,

This may seem like a naive question but any help is greatly appreciated. I live between London and Los Angeles but will be spending a much larger portion of my time in Los Angeles in the next few years. On my last visit to L.A. I visited the Dior Homme store on Rodeo Drive and was blown away, i would kill to work there.

My question is, how difficult is it to get a job as a sales assistant in a store such as Dior Homme? How should I go about it? Take my resume into the store? Call them? Email?

Also, what kind of experience is normally needed? I have a lot of experience dealing with the public and working in sales but not in a fashion environment, however I am passionate about fashion, Dior Homme in particular and would love to work in that particular store.

To be honest and perhaps pretty cruel, the guy who was working in the store at the time was not very helpful, did not appear to know much about fashion and did not have the Dior Homme look at all.

Any advice people could give me would be amazing.

Also, I have a British accent so I think that might be a selling point for me to work there After all Slimane stated that London is one of his major inspirations!

Thank you very much,

L.A. Trash

 

[BetteT]

Hey ... I say you just call ahead, with your British accent ... and enquire if they are hiring and ask how you should go about placing and application. Ask to speak with the manager ... and if he's not in, find out what his name is and when they expect him. Only speak with him, if you can do it ... he's probably the one who interviews and hires.

I don't know about experience needed , but I do know that on Rodeo ... they want you to have the look and I'd be willing to be that your accent will impress. And if the job is sales ... good salepeople can sell anything. You just need to convince them of that.