Working in retail

[Wicked,.]

Hey,

So i'm 16 and recently got passed my interview stage at Matalan. I have heard that working in retail is not easy and standing for long periods of times can be very hard. Has anyone experienced this and how do you bare with it?

I was also wondering how much do 16 year olds also get paid in retail?

Thanks
:Thumbs-Up:
Wicked,.

[scottish]

go to where the shoes are and you'll get a seat

as for pay, minimum wage is £3.68 (up to £3.72 from 1st Oct) for under 18's, so probably close to that lol

[Firehorse]

Standing for long periods is not a problem at all, it may be uncomfortable for the first few shifts if you're not used to it though.

[Yawn]

yh u will get used to standing

ummm the main problem is that customers r *REMOVED* and horrible horrible annoying ppl that u will H8 unless they r rly nice and make an effort to be friendly to u

Edited by Nick (Forum Super Moderator): Please don't avoid the filter.

[myles]

yes its ok the standign gets fine after a while i just perch over something for a while whilst people r not looking then stand up when someone comes in

but some people are not very nice in a few jobs AND ARE VILE AND BULLY U OUT OF JOBS

[Mark]

My friend works at Matalan and has done for many years. Personally I'd hate it as she sometimes has to work till 9/10pm at night which I'd struggle with. In terms of pay I think (before she was 18) she got around £4/5 an hour. Best of luck!

[ToyTruck]

Standing up during your shift shouldn't be a struggle as i've worked in retail for work experience and well you're 16 and getting paid that's not a bad result as it will help you for future savings, well done.

[Circadia]

For my work experience I worked in BHS and I hated it because of the customers and standing around from 9 to 5 was tedious (well for the first week then I learnt to hide behind one of the displays and sit down). I had to bite my tongue so much from answering back to other staff and rude customers, I struggle with it now working in a cafe. Tbh I'm just not a people person but good luck trying not to answer back to people its tough but you get used to it!

[Josh!]

Depending what you are doing. When I worked at Canadian Tire, when I was 14. I found it easy. A few tips as I did stand for 12 hour shifts. Get good shoes, spend a nice penny. Get good support. Take your breaks as laws allows. For me it was ever 4 hours, I get 15 mins. Get a good sleep the night before. Grab a coffee. Your main issue will be the customers. Yes you will have ****** ones and you will have the ones that make your day. Just always be happy.

[Zak]

If you actually have to do work you'd be surprised it's not as hard as you think. I used to work my arse off in a supermarket for four years - it was constant bending down, getting up etc.. You just get used to it. I don't think you'll be paid well but then again you're only 16 so anything will be better than nothing :)

[AlexJRiley]

Hey,

So i'm 16 and recently got passed my interview stage at Matalan. I have heard that working in retail is not easy and standing for long periods of times can be very hard. Has anyone experienced this and how do you bare with it?

I was also wondering how much do 16 year olds also get paid in retail?

Thanks
:Thumbs-Up:
Wicked,.

Working in retail is the easiest job ever if you're not in a specialised store (Matalan isnt a specialised store). Wear comfortable shoes (maybe invest in some insoles) and you'll be fine for standing all day. Im stood 8 hours a day in my job and doing a lot of heavy lifting and im fine with it

[Wicked,.]

Thanks for the replies, yeah I think i will get a hand of it eventually and thanks for the insight with the customers. I guess I'll be happy for something around £4-£5 margin.

Much appreciated!

[Amberr]

I wouldn't say working in retail is that challenging, its the awkward customers you want to worry about more than the standing for long periods of time. It may be strange at first but you get used to it. Depending on your area the pay might be slightly different, im guessing for matalan it would be around about £5 an hour for your age. Well done on passing your interview though :)

[Josh!]

Thanks for the replies, yeah I think i will get a hand of it eventually and thanks for the insight with the customers. I guess I'll be happy for something around £4-£5 margin.

Much appreciated!

A hour? Holy **** we have to get minimum $10.25

[scottish]

$10.25 is only like ~£6.50

But average minimum wage in US is like $5-8 depending on state, minimum wage being $7.25 afaik.

[Matt]

I hate working in retail and the estate I'm in is really not the best. I'm also 16 and have been in my job for about 1 year and 4 months. At time I hate it and I'd love to quit but money is what I need so I have to stick with it. I work 8 hour shifts each weekend (which only gives me 1 day a week to spend on all my homework which is quite stressful). I get fed up serving people all day but at times I am able to sit down etc. It normally means I get home and don't speak to anyone because that's all I've done all day and then I just end up in moods until I go to sleep haha. And atm i'm dreading work seeing as tomorrow i have to get up at 6:30 and be in work from 7:30 - 3:30. My pay is around $12 an hour (not sure what that is in £ but yeah) It's quite stressful to start with but once you get used to the long periods of time on your feet, it will become natural and you'll just end up doing it. To start off with though, it will kill you haha.
Goodluck with it! :)

[Adam]

You're worried about standing?

Retail is the easiest thing you can do if you're not a moron.

I've been in retail six years.

[JACKTARD]

The shifts really aren't that bad, I worked in Ryman (the stationery store) and I was always busy so my shifts tended to go quite quick. You should ask about your pay next time you go in, it can vary. One of my current jobs is minimum wage (£4.98ph) whilst the other varies between £6.98ph-£10ph. When I used to work in retail I got paid £6.25 although that was after I turned 18, before then I think I was on about £5.70ph.


Just ask.

[RyRy]

I used to work in New Look, starting back there in 2 weeks but the bottom line is IT'S VERY FUN and a great job imo. You'll get used to the standing up, and you'll miss it big time if and when you leave haha.