We use cookies to improve and customise your experience, for analytics and metrics, and to track any purchases you make both on this website and on others. To find out more about the cookies we use see our cookie policy
More info
- Work with clients to find the right products to meet their needs
- You'll need excellent communication skills, a strong sense of style and awareness of fashion and trends
- You could work for yourself or as part of an in-store team
As a personal shopper, you'll suggest products to customers, advising them on how to spend their money.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Meeting customers who've booked an appointment
- Getting to know customers' likes, dislikes and budget
- Selecting goods or services to meet customers' demands
- Meeting individual and team sales targets
- Making sure unsold goods are returned to the right departments
- Following store security procedures on payment, packing and collection, and using computer systems
- Filling in paperwork
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You'll work in a shop.
You'll need
To be a personal shopper, you'll need customer service skills, the ability to work well with others, patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations, thoroughness and attention to detail, sensitivity and understanding, the ability to use your initiative, excellent verbal communication skills, and the ability to sell products and services.
You could take a college course, such as a Level 1 Award in Customer Service, Level 1 Extended Certificate in Making it in Fashion, Level 2 Award in Understanding Customer Service in the Retail Sector, or Level 3 Diploma in Fashion Retail.
You could get into this job through a retailer intermediate apprenticeship.
You could start out as a retail assistant and take bookings for people wanting a personal shopper. You'll be the first point of contact in a store and will learn how to work well with a wide range of customers. Once you have experience in retail, then you can apply for the role of assistant personal shopper and learn on the job.
Direct application is possible if you have some of the relevant skills and knowledge needed for this role. Employers will look for GCSEs in English and maths, and possibly experience of working with customers in a face-to-face setting like a shop, supermarket, restaurant, or hotel.
There are short courses available with private training providers on topics like colour styling, image consultancy, and personal styling.
You'll have an advantage if you've got skills in fashion and design and want to work as a personal shopper for clothing.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience you could become a personal shopping manager, in charge of a team. You could start your own business and work freelance for a number of shops.