Working in shops over the busy Xmas period? - Debenhams info wanted -pay etc

A_little_stressed!!

I want to get a job just over the Christmas period but am unsure of the best place to apply. I need flexible hours so was thinking Debenhams as they open late, any suggestions?
I am also hoping for above minimum wage pay and hopefully discounts!
I went to M&S and they say they have recruited all staff for xmas!:mad: Is this going to be the case everywhere?

Thanx

Does any 1 know what Debenhams pay starts at? Also do they double pay on bank hols?

Quackers

Most stores will have already started recruiting for xmas.

I imagine its pot luck as to who is still recruiting.

Stores which are busier over smas - Argos? Boots? Toys'r'Us? WHSmiths?

All stores usually extend their opening hours over christmas so most will be worth a try.

If you want flexibility with your hours then try retail parks - they are open the longest hours.

Supermarkets? Especially ones that are open 24hrs?

Strapped

I worked for Boots a few Xmas's ago: four nights a week from 6-10pm, stacking shelves. Paid a bit more than minimum wage and you get Boots staff discount. Recruited in Oct I think. BUT - they cut everyone's contracts short with only a couple of days notice. (They expected me to finish on Xmas Eve at 10pm having just knocked weeks off my contract. Guess who never worked THAT shift). It was OK for a bit of extra cash though and it was surprising to find who else was stacking shelves, mainly mums, many of whom were professional people.

trayci

I work in retail and have for many years. You can easily get a job over the christmas period but you will normally be expected to work xmas eve and boxing day so be aware! The hours are long and it's not the easy job people think.. Good luck in you job hunting.

reehsetin

most people have already recruited or have started so look asap
and a lot of places wont give discount to temp staff (but doesnt mean you cant get a friend to buy something with theirs)

A_little_stressed!!

I'm sure nothing could be as hard as my old job! Worked VERY hard for minimum wage outside in the winter! Had a cold/flu for months! I'm willing to do xmas eve and New years etc, as I can't afford 2 go out anyway!
Any1 know how much discount boots give?
Many thanx

MEGANJODELLE

I wouldn't recommend working in Debenhams. I was a sunday sales assistant there for 7 years on the minimum wage. My successive managers got sick of me campaigning to be paid what I was worth. My colleagues were teenagers who didn't pay tax and didn't have the confidence to complain or realise the conditions and pay were so poor.

I also worked in Sainsbury's over xmas 98 and they did pay more, although I worked alot harder! John Lewis probably treat and pay their casual staff well, is there one near to you? Boots sounds a nice idea too.

Unfortunately, casual retail work does tend to be very poorly paid. My advice is to be as hard as nails and work backwards in your motivation. IE, what can a given shop offer to you? Get a job somewhere where the stock you're selling/stacking interests you and the staff discount is going to be of use,

Good luck!

Megan
x

Strapped

The Boots staff discount, from memory, is about 12% on non-Boots brands (no discount on pharmacy-only drugs and baby milk) and about 30% on Boots brands, so you can make quite a saving, especially if you go for the 3-for-2 present deals at Xmas. That was one of the main attractions for me. I also stocked up on makeup etc for birthday presents through the coming year. It's good that you get the staff discount straight away although you obviously don't get the Christmas bonus which the other staff were excited about. BTW, it's quite strenuous work as remember you are fetching cages up from deliveries etc ;-)

Strapped

AND (sorry about the essay) if you apply, you have to go for a ridiculously OTT interview evening, where you have to do an application form, interview, a couple of role plays and finally walk around the shop commenting on what you see. It's quite easy really but seemed OTT for shelf stacking to me!

butterfly72

Strapped wrote: »

The Boots staff discount, from memory, is about 12% on non-Boots brands (no discount on pharmacy-only drugs and baby milk) and about 30% on Boots brands,

I have a boots discount card and I'm sure its 20% on boots brands. However, I'm sure there is a 2 day double discount offer for employees and their 2nd card holders coming soon! I'll be stocking up on stuff to last me the next year!!

A_little_stressed!!

Thanks all for your help, I'm going to put my CV together tonight! OH isn't impressed with the idea, probably thinks he's gna get less cooked dinners! Also babysitting duties etc! I don't care I NEED to get out of the house!!!