No, not all convenience stores are as scary as Royston Vasey’s from The League of Gentlemen. Most are a handy place to pick up the weekly groceries . . . and emergency flowers when you’ve forgotten Granny Ina’s birthday (again!).
They can also be a special social hub. A spot where local residents bump into one another and have a blether. The place where Grampa Jack can catch up with pals in the real ale aisle and discuss this year’s allotment plans.
Unfortunately, there has been a steady decline in the number of such community-friendly retail outlets. This was inevitable as we moved into the new age of super-stores and mega-malls.
There are, however, signs that our high street hotspots could be making a fightback.
The Co-op, for example, has just announced plans to open 18 brand new stores in Scotland this year – creating 275 new jobs in the process.
Among the new locations will be Glasgow, Edinburgh, Forres in Moray, Kilmacolm in Inverclyde and Kelty in Fife.
With another 20 Co-op stores also due to be upgraded, the fourth largest retailer in Scotland reckons it will invest a total of £28 million in the project.
Of course, this kind of grand expansion reflects the dynamism of the sector – one that welcomes newstarts should you want to start working in the business of selling.
There are many different retail roles to choose from.
Some, such as sales assistants, are perfect for those looking for fun, part-time work that allows plenty of time, too, for college studies or childcare.
Others, such as the junior store manager or even regional manager, are very much geared to longer term ambitions and these vacancies will attract applicants who are keen to make their mark and enjoy a lucrative career in retail.
Whatever your personal ambitions may be, working in a local store is all about meeting people.
Amid the various daily duties – operating the till, helping people locate their favourite products, restocking the shelves – you’ll have plenty of time to engage with regular customers and fresh faces.
In fact, it will be your warm and welcoming nature that keeps everyone coming back throughout the year.
If this is the first time you’ve considered a retail role, you’ll also be surprised to find many positions don’t require highfalutin qualifications or experience.
So why not take a look at the vacancies on s1jobs?
Land that job and it could be you talking ‘spuds versus sprouts’ with Grampa Jack and his buddies.