(RETURNERS) Retail Assistant - Manchester 2026

LaplandUK; Macclesfield; Remote; GBP 17,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free hot meal

Free coffee/soft drinks

20% discount in LaplandUK shops

Free Parking On-Site

Shuttlebus from local Train Station

Job summary

Lapland Manchester is seeking a Retail Assistant to support day-to-day store operations, deliver exceptional customer service, and manage merchandising. The role involves helping guests with product details, processing sales at the POS, handling payments, and maintaining a clean, inviting store environment.

Hourly pay starts at £12.75 with holiday pay. Training is provided, and staff receive discounts during selected dates.

Qualifications

• Ability to clearly explain product details and assist guests
• Active listening and communication with diverse guests
• Friendly, patient and professional guest interactions

Responsibilities

• Greet customers and offer assistance
• Provide product information and promotions to help decisions
• Process sales accurately at POS and handle payments securely
• Maintain stock and store presentation, assist with stocktakes and merchandising

Skills

Customer service

Upselling

POS operation

Tools

POS systems

Job description

(RETURNERS) Retail Assistant - Manchester 2026

Date

Description & Requirements

PLEASE ONLY APPLY TO THIS ROLE IF YOU WORKED IN THIS ROLE IN 2025.

About Lapland

Based on the original stories of Mike and Alison Battle ‘Lapland’, the show, is a ground-breaking immersive theatrical production that brings to life the mythical elven world of Father Christmas. Lapland celebrates the wonderment of childhood through our magical world, rich story telling & memory making experiences.

Role Overview

Retail Assistants support the day-to-day operations of a retail store, helping to create a positive shopping experience for customers. This role involves a combination of customer service, product knowledge, merchandising, and general store maintenance.

Key Responsibilities:

Customer Service & Support

• Greet customers as they enter the store and offer assistance in a friendly and professional manner
• Provide detailed information about products, services, and promotions to help customers make informed decisions
• Respond promptly and politely to customer inquiries, complaints, or returns, ensuring satisfaction is maintained
• Upsell and cross-sell products where appropriate to meet sales targets
• Operate point-of-sale (POS) systems to process sales quickly and accurately
• Handle Jingles (cash) and credit/debit card payments with attention to detail and security
• Issue receipts, refunds, and exchanges in accordance with store policies
• Balance cash register drawers at the beginning and end of shifts
• Replenish stock on shelves and racks, ensuring products are neatly arranged and easy to find
• Assist with stock rotation and ensure expired or damaged goods are removed from display
• Support stocktakes/inventory audits by counting items and recording quantities accurately

Store Presentation & Maintenance

• Keep the sales floor clean, organized, and visually appealing at all times
• Set up promotional displays and signage in line with store marketing guidelines
• Ensure tills and counter areas and common areas are tidy and well-maintained
• Follow store opening and closing checklists/procedures

Health & Safety Compliance

• Follow all company policies related to health, safety, and hygiene
• Be vigilant about potential hazards and report safety concerns to management
• Maintain awareness of loss prevention procedures to help reduce theft and damage
• Work closely with colleagues and supervisors to ensure smooth store operations
• Participate in team meetings and training sessions to stay updated on new procedures, products, and promotions

Required Experience:

• Ability to clearly explain product details, answer questquestions, and engage in positive conversation
• Active listening skills to understand guestsneeds and offer suitable solutions
• Comfortable interacting with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds

Strong Interpersonal Skills

• Friendly, approachable, and helpful demeanour that makes guests feel welcome
• Team-oriented attitude with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and management
• Patience and tact when dealing with difficult guestsor situations

Customer-Focused Mindset

• Committed to providing a high level of service and enhancing the overall shopping experience
• Immerse yourself in the Elven World with your actions and use of terminology, fully embracing your Elf Name
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure, especially during busy periods or when resolving complaints
• Proactive in identifying guestsneeds and going the extra mile to meet them

Attention to Detail

• Accurate when handling cash, pricing items, and completing transactions
• Diligent in checking stock levels, expiry dates, and store presentation standards
• Basic understanding of sales techniques, such as upselling and cross-selling
• Ability to promote current deals
• Driven to meet team sales forecastswhere applicable and under the direction of the Duty Retail Manager

Adaptability and Flexibility

• Willingness to perform a variety of tasks and shift focus quickly as needed
• Comfortable with changing schedules, including evening and weekends
• Ability to learn new systems, products, or procedures quickly

Problem-Solving Skills

• Capable of handling unexpected issues, such as stock shortages or guest concerns
• Resourceful in finding solutions without always needing direct supervision
• Able to remain composed when multitasking or working in high-pressure situations

Basic Numeracy and Technology Skills

• Confident in handling Jingles (Lapland currency) and calculating change
• Familiar with using point-of-sale systems, barcode scanners, and basic retail software

Good Physical Stamina

• Ability to stand for extended periods, carry light to moderate loads, and move around the store frequently
• Resilience and energy to handle busy shifts, particularly during peak times

Reliability and Professionalism

• Punctual, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling assigned shifts and tasks
• Maintains a tidy appearance in costume and represents the store brand positively
• Follows both Retail and Wardrobe instructions and always adheres to company policies

Where is Lapland?

Lapland Manchester is based at Capesthorne Hall, Congleton Rd, Siddington, Macclesfield SK11 9JY

Key Dates

• PAID TRAINING: Your training plan will vary depending on your role. Training will take place on select dates between the end of October 2026 and the beginning of November 2026, training is mandatory.
• LIVE EVENT: Thursday 5th November - Thursday 24th December 2026
• Hourly pay of £12.75 per hour, plus holiday pay which is paid at the end of your contract
• Free hot meal per day
• Free coffee, tea and soft drinks
• 20% discount in LaplandUK retail shops on selected dates
• Free Parking On-Site
• Shuttlebus from local Train Station to event site.

Working for LaplandUK is unlike any other role. By ‘Honouring Childhood Together’, we create memorable moments that families cherish forever. We can’t wait to welcome you to our secret, magical world this year!

Customer Facing Role Requirements Where the Worker is in costume, will be expected to:

• Remove all jewellery and piercings (no clear replacements) - this includes tooth gems/grills.
• Have neatly groomed, natural coloured hair, and as an elf, have all long hair in plaits.
• If worn, religious head coverings must be a neutral colour of brown, beige, or navy.
• Arrive on shift with none or natural make-up (foundation if worn must look like your natural skin tone); minimal mascara, no false eye lashes and no false or painted nails.
• No tattoos are permitted from the collar bone up for all customer facing roles. In addition, no tattoos are permitted below elbow for Food & Beverage, and 2 inches below elbow for all other customer facing roles on site
• Leave all watches, including smart watches and phones securely in your locker.

Please note we require a minimum commitment of 3 shifts per week.