Yes, supermarkets really are growing super again. New information from Kantar Worldpanel for the 12 weeks ending on April 23 this year shows the overall grocery market has grown by 3.7 per cent.
That’s the fastest rate since September 2013 and worth almost £1billion in additional sales.
In fact, all ten major retailers are showing growth for the first time in three and a half years.
Of course, this is great news for anyone looking to kickstart their career in retail with the prospect of new job opportunities on the horizon.
But what does it feel like to be on the supermarket frontline?
We asked Shelley Patterson, a 20-year-old sales assistant in one of Edinburgh’s biggest supermarkets.
So what’s it like working in this kind of retail arena?
When I first started I was 18 and I found it a bit scary. The shop is massive and on a busy weekend it can feel like there are people everywhere.
I found the trick is to stay calm and focus on what I’m supposed to be doing – stacking the shelves or operating the till at the checkout.
That way I can manage the ‘rush hour madness’ a lot easier.
Do you work regular hours?
Well the rota system means I know well in advance what hours I’ll be working and so, yes, it’s easy to plan ahead.
I have a young son, so it’s important for me know my hours so that me and my partner can arrange childcare.
That said, we’re a 24-hour store and there are different shift patterns, so you have to be willing to be flexible.
What are the best bits of your week?
I really love my shifts when I’m working as a customer assistant. You get the freedom to move around the store and make sure shoppers know where different items are or even help them identify which foods go best together (I really love my cooking!).
It’s also a great way to meet folks and improve my people skills – my self-confidence has grown so much more!
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Oh, definitely in a management position.
The chances for promotion are great in a store like this. We have close contact every day with our managers, as well as the chance to go on courses to learn new skills.
Yes, Store Manager: that’s where I’ll be!
If you’d like to follow Shelley into a Retail career, check out the latest vacancies at s1jobs.com