M&S has announced a significant recruitment initiative for the upcoming festive season, aiming to enhance customer service during the busy period.
- The retailer plans to hire over 11,000 customer assistants, a notable increase from last year’s recruitment numbers.
- New employees will be crucial in supporting both the food and clothing sectors, particularly in the ‘food to order’ service.
- Applications open on 9 October, with positions starting in mid-November to meet holiday demand.
- Sacha Berendji, M&S operations director, highlights the critical role of store colleagues in delivering the holiday experience.
M&S has embarked on a major recruitment drive just in time for the festive season, reflecting its commitment to meeting the heightened demand during this busy period. This year, the retailer is looking to onboard over 11,000 new customer assistants, which is more than 1,000 positions compared to the previous year. This move underscores the company’s proactive approach to customer service and operational efficiency.
These new roles will be spread across M&S’s food, clothing, and home departments. New employees will play a critical role on the shop floor, supporting the seamless execution of services like the ‘Christmas food to order.’ Such initiatives are designed to ensure a smooth and enjoyable shopping experience during the holiday rush.
The recruitment window opens on 9 October, providing potential candidates with the opportunity to become part of the team by mid-November. This timing is strategically planned to align with the busiest shopping months of the year.
According to Sacha Berendji, M&S operations director, store colleagues are essential to creating the ‘magic’ of Christmas at M&S. He notes that the diverse range of positions and flexible work schedules available represent an attractive proposition for many potential employees. Moreover, he points out that the holiday season often serves as a stepping stone for future opportunities within the company, mentioning their ‘Stepping Into Team Manager’ programme as a pathway for career advancement.
M&S’s strategic hiring initiative aims to fortify its frontline staff for a seamless holiday shopping experience.
