JUST as we’re recovering from Black Friday, there’s another monster event on the retail horizon.
Say hello to Panic Saturday, when last-minute Christmas shoppers go out in full force.
This year it fell on December 17, which is also the date many retailers plan to start what were once known as the January Sales.
So there it is, a perfect storm of bargain hunting and panic buying, with mayhem in the aisles and queues at the tills.
If that wasn’t enough, there’s Christmas Eve itself, which this year also falls on a Saturday, and is the date when the truly desperate can be found rummaging through racks and willing to pay almost anything to get gifts for the loved-ones they forgot to shop for earlier.
At any one time you can find more than 200 retail vacancies on s1jobs, spanning every sector from supermarkets to style, and nearly all of them will be caught up in this whirlwind of the seasonal rush.
So, if you’re planning a career in retail, as a sales assistant or a store manger, you’d better be ready.
Here’s our survival guide.
Get Fit
Don’t run out of steam, start working out now. Every muscle you strengthen will help you survive the season and make sure you don’t end up in bed with exhaustion by Christmas Day.
Get Footwear
You may be in high fashion or the perfume counter, but this is no time for frivolous footwear. You need comfort not cool. Your feet will thank you.
Get Gargling
Talking to hundreds of customers every day can put a strain on your vocal chords. Gargle with a salt solution, sip honey and lemon drinks and keep a pack of throat pastels at the ready to maintain your voice.
Get a Flu Jab
Every customer who comes through the door is a potential source of winter bugs. Get yourself a flu jab, wash your hands regularly and keep a bottle of antibacterial hand wash gel under the counter to defend yourself. You don’t want to miss out on lucrative overtime because you’re suffering from a nasty bug, do you?
Get Mentally Ready
Dealing with sales, returns, queries, complaints, overtime and orders from the boss can leave you drained. Hold on to your retail drive by doing a 10 minute mindfulness meditation at the start of each day. Aaaaand breathe!
Get yourself in the zone with the latest Retail vacancies on s1jobs