Tips for surviving and thriving during the Christmas retail chaos

Most people would dread heading to their local shopping centre during the festive season, so spare a thought for those working in retail store jobs. Rude customers, hours on your feet, long queues and jam-packed car-parks can all make for a big dose of Christmas stress and chaos.

So how can you ignore the craving to pull the doona over your head and leave your co-workers to battle the frontline without you? We’re glad you asked. Here are our top tips.

Do your own shopping early

Get organised, make a list, check it twice and then hit the shops (or shop online) long before the Christmas rush. Wrap presents early and do those other niggly holiday tasks that are all too easy to put off until the last minute.

Do this and you’ll also be less stressed on the job and more able to help customers with their gift-buying, because your seasonal to-do list is already taken care of.

Bring sustenance

Carting a big water bottle to work with you is essential (aim to refill it twice during your shift). Oh, and if the odd energy drink is the only way you can make it through an 8-hour Christmas shift, no judgement.

We also recommend packing snacks – lots of snacks. Protein bars, a piece of fruit, sushi, wraps or healthy muffins are all great choices to keep you going and as a bonus, they can be on eaten on the run. Or, when you’re escaping the customers in the back room for 5 minutes. (No need to battle the crowds at the food court!)

Check the schedule

Christmas is a busy time and a lot of retail stores are struggling to fill jobs – so the work schedules are probably subject to change around a bit.

Make sure you check when you’re rostered on and you’re across any changes, just so you don’t accidentally miss a shift. (We imagine there won’t be much Christmas cheer coming from your boss if you do.)

Stay safe

We’re entering our fourth wave of Covid and you’re likely to be mixing with lots of customers who have it – so wash your hands regularly, keep the hand sanitiser stocked on the counter and wipe down the counter regularly with anti-bacterial wipes..

And while it’s not mandated, consider wearing a well-fitting mask – they’ve been proven to reduce the risk of viral transmission and the last thing you want is to come down with Covid during the Christmas period!

Embrace comfort

Unless you’re working in a high-end fashion store where you’re required to wear the clothes and a pair of stilettos, or you have a uniform you’re required to wear, err on the side of neat and professional, but also comfy.

Well-fitting trainers and an outfit that’s not too tight (or too hot) that you can move around in, and lift boxes in, will make a long shift that bit more bearable.

Grin and bear it

If there’s one thing those working retail careers know all about, it’s keeping your smile pasted on (even if it’s a bit fake at times) and trying to stay poised and super patient no matter what. Saying ‘I’m sorry’ (even if it’s not your fault that something’s out of stock) can also mollify cranky customers.

If you need to, take a breather in the back room where you can give yourself a pep talk or have a rant to a friendly co-worker.

De-brief later

Try to plan in a catch-up drink, coffee or post-work dinner with your co-workers (probably after Boxing Day is done and dusted).

It’s a great way to shake off the seasonal stress you’ve been under – and you can trade all the horror stories you’ve been saving up from the festive period and have a good laugh.

Looking for retail store jobs?

It’s a great time of year to snap up a shift or ten, as many stores are crying out for good staff.

Get in touch with one of our recruitment consultants at Frontline Recruitment Group and we can find out if there are any retail vacancies in your area.

Merry Christmas!