A day in the life of a fashion retail staff

The lunch hour crowd at a fashion retail store 

For those with a passion for fashion, working in an apparel store can be the ideal job.

Being in the know about fashion is all part of the job. You also get the chance to plan new collection launches, meet new people and get first dibs on new clothes at staff-discounted prices.

Fashion retail sure has its perks, but it also requires an adaptable workforce that can keep up with its fast­-paced environment. FastJobs talks to the dynamic team of a sports apparel store to find out more.

Making a career out of her passion 

Sales Associate Zoe Lin is constantly learning on the job 

Sales Associate Zoe Lin has always had an interest in business and fashion.

The 27 ­year-­old finds her role to be the perfect stepping­ stone to advance her career in the fashion retail industry.

"I have always been interested in fashion and this job has taught me so much about the business - such as fashion buying and how to persuade customers to make a purchase," she says.

Zoe learned the tricks of the trade from her attachment with the store manager and by observing fellow colleagues on duty. Her job requires her to attend to customers, account for the store's inventory and to ensure the tidiness of the store.

“My job trains me to be alert at all times and to actively seek out our customers’ needs,” she says.

Going the extra mile

Sales Supervisor Johnny Xu recommends the right sports shoes for his customers

Sales Supervisor Johnny Xu has to be up-to-date on product knowledge in order to advise his customers.

“Sales requires you to be well­-informed so that when customers seek assistance, you are able to confidently suggest the right merchandise for their needs,” the 26 year-old explains.

Having product knowledge alone is not enough. To do well in his job, Johnny must also provide exemplary service to his clients.

“I enjoy the interaction with customers and I feel appreciated when the regulars compliment me on my service,” Johnny says with a broad smile.

Johnny's customer service extends beyond the brick-and-mortar store. He also updates the brand's social media channels with product information and pictures for the benefit of his customers.

An eye for fashion 

Senior Visual Merchandiser Grace Tan is responsible for the eye-catching store display 

A typical workday for Senior Visual Merchandiser Grace Tan is packed with meetings and store visits.

Her extensive checklist includes conducting research on current trends, the movement status of current goods and coming up with eye-catching window displays.

“Studying fashion design provides me with basic knowledge of the business, but on the job training is a far superior way to learn the ropes,” says the Raffles Design Institute graduate, who has been a visual merchandiser for over six years.

The 28 ­year-old enjoys her work immensely as she gets to play to her artistic strengths and she's always on the go.

During store visits, Grace scrutinizes display shelves and racks to ensure that the sample merchandise are in a presentable state. She also interacts with customers to offer styling tips.

“To achieve the best in-store environment, you have to be open to suggestions from customers and co-­workers,” Grace advises.

Her advice for fashion enthusiasts who are keen to pursue a career in visual merchandising is to get a job as a store assistant. Senior colleagues will teach new assistants how to style mannequins, install window displays and conduct promotional set-­ups before they get promoted to becoming a visual merchandiser.

Leading the charge

Store Manager Nurelyn Yncierto cites passion and commitment as key factors to career longevity.

An hour before store opening, Store Manager Nurelyn Yncierto had already briefed her team on their respective duties, gone over their sales targets and appraised them on their performance.

“My job is to make sure that my team knows their work responsibilities and to give them guidance when they need it,” says the mother of two, who has 15 years of fashion retail experience under her belt.

Nurelyn's also trains her associates on being quick problem-solvers.

“There was once a customer who bought a pair of shoes at my store but requested it to be delivered to another outlet. Fortunately, it was not a busy period so I entrusted my associates to man the store while I personally delivered the item,” she recalls.

While Nurelyn admits that her job can be demanding, she cannot imagine working elsewhere.

If you love a challenge and have an interest in fashion, apply for a job in fashion retail.

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