Personal Shopper
Job Description:Personal shoppers give advice to customers and suggest products that may suit their needs.
Job Category:What you will do:
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- meeting customers who’ve booked an appointment
- getting to know customers’ likes, dislikes and budget
- selecting goods or services to meet customers’ demands
- meeting individual and team sales targets
- making sure unsold goods are returned to the right departments
- following store security procedures on payment, packing and collection
- using computer systems and filling in paperwork
Skills:
You’ll need:
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to sell products and services
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to use your initiative (drive)
- excellent verbal communication skills
- organisational skills
Entry Requirements:
To become a Personal Shopper, there are no specific subjects that are mandatory. However, certain subjects and skills can be beneficial in preparing you for this role. Personal Shoppers help clients select clothing, accessories, and other items that suit their style and needs, so having a strong sense of fashion, customer service skills, and business acumen is important.
- English Language: Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for interacting with clients and providing excellent customer service.
- Mathematics: Basic numeracy skills are important for tasks involving pricing, discounts, and budgeting.
- Additional GCSEs: While not mandatory, consider taking courses in fashion, textiles, or design if they are available at your school. These subjects can provide useful insights into the fashion industry.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by private training organisations
College
You can take a college course to help you get into this job. UK examples include:
Level 1 Award in Customer Service
Level 2 Diploma in Retail Skills
Level 3 Diploma in Fashion Retail
Apprenticeship
You may be able to start by doing a retailer intermediate apprenticeship.
Work
You could start as a retail assistant and take bookings for people who want to use a personal shopper.
You’ll be the first point of contact in a store and will learn how to work well with a wide range of customers.
Once you have experience in retail, you can apply for a role as a personal shopper and learn on the job.
Direct Application
You can apply directly to employers if you have the relevant skills and knowledge needed for this role. Employers will look for a good standard of education, with school qualifications in English and maths.
You’ll need experience of working with customers in a face-to-face setting like a shop, supermarket, restaurant or hotel, or online.
Other Routes
There are short courses available with private training providers on subjects like colour styling, image consultancy and personal styling.
Working Hours and Environment:
You’ll usually work 38 to 40 hours a week, including late opening hours, weekends and public holidays.
Part-time work is possible, especially if you’re self-employed.
You may need your own transport.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience you could become a personal shopping manager, in charge of a team.
You could start your own business and work freelance for a number of shops.