Are you looking for a part-time retail job in Pretoria? Cape Union Mart International is recruiting for a Permanent Part-Time Sales Assistant position at Poetry, Menlyn Maine in Pretoria, Gauteng.

The position is suitable for candidates who enjoy working with customers, have an interest in fashion and retail, and can contribute to achieving store sales targets.

Job Overview

Job Details	Information
Position	Permanent Part-Time Sales Assistant
Brand	Poetry
Company	Cape Union Mart International
Location	Menlyn Maine, Pretoria, Gauteng
Employment Type	Permanent, Part-Time
Experience Level	Entry Level
Industry	Retail
Job Function	Sales
Posted	16 September 2026
Closing Date	19 September 2026

Important: The advertised closing date is 19 September 2026, so interested applicants should submit their applications as soon as possible. Vacancies can also be filled before the advertised closing date.

About the Sales Assistant Position

The Sales Assistant will be responsible for supporting customers and contributing to the overall performance of the Poetry store. The role involves customer service, sales, stock-loss prevention, housekeeping and maintaining the store’s visual merchandising standards.

The successful candidate should be comfortable interacting with customers and identifying opportunities to increase sales.

Sales Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate may be responsible for the following:

1. Provide Excellent Customer Service

The Sales Assistant will be expected to exceed customer expectations by using effective customer-selling techniques. This includes understanding what customers need, assisting them with suitable products and creating a positive shopping experience.

2. Drive Sales

The position requires someone who can actively contribute to sales. Employees should identify opportunities to increase turnover and make customers aware of products that may meet their needs.

3. Meet Individual Sales Targets

The successful candidate will be expected to work towards individual sales targets consistently. This requires product knowledge, communication skills and the ability to engage customers effectively.

4. Prevent Stock Loss

Stock control is an important part of retail operations. The Sales Assistant must follow store procedures designed to reduce stock losses and protect company merchandise.

5. Maintain Store Housekeeping

Employees are expected to help maintain a clean, organised and welcoming store environment. Good housekeeping contributes to the overall customer shopping experience.

6. Follow Visual Merchandising Standards

The Sales Assistant will help ensure that products are displayed according to the company’s visual merchandising standards. Proper product presentation can make it easier for customers to browse and shop.

7. Create an Inspiring Environment

The successful candidate should contribute to a positive and inspiring environment for customers and fellow employees.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• At least 6 months of retail experience
• Matric or equivalent
• Clear criminal record
• Microsoft computer proficiency
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Knowledge of current clothing trends
• Understanding of outdoor lifestyle trends where applicable to the brand

Although the position is described as entry level, applicants should note that 6 months of retail experience is listed as a minimum requirement.

Skills Employers May Look For

Candidates applying for a Sales Assistant position can highlight skills such as:

• Customer service
• Retail sales
• Communication
• Product knowledge
• Sales target achievement
• Cash handling
• Stock control
• Stock-loss prevention
• Visual merchandising
• Housekeeping
• Teamwork
• Relationship building
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability
• Computer literacy
• Time management
• Accountability

Behavioural Requirements

The vacancy highlights several behavioural qualities that are important for the role.

Honesty

The employee may work with cash, merchandise and financial transactions, making honesty an important requirement.

Relationship Building

A Sales Assistant interacts with customers and colleagues regularly. The ability to build and maintain positive relationships can contribute to good customer service.

Innovation and Change Management

Retail environments can change quickly. Employees should be open to new approaches, products, systems and ways of working.

Adaptability

The ability to adapt to different customers, situations and business requirements is important in a retail environment.

Taking Ownership

Employees are expected to take responsibility for their duties and contribute to the success of the store.

How to Prepare Your CV for a Sales Assistant Job

When applying for a retail position, your CV should clearly show your retail experience, customer service abilities and sales-related skills.

If you have previous experience as a Sales Assistant, Cashier, Retail Assistant, Store Assistant, Customer Service Representative or similar position, clearly describe the responsibilities you performed.

For example, instead of simply writing:

Assisted customers.

A stronger CV bullet could be:

Assisted customers with product selection, provided effective customer service and supported daily sales targets.

Other useful CV keywords include retail sales, customer service, stock control, cash handling, merchandising, sales targets, product knowledge and communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What position is available?

The advertised position is Permanent Part-Time Sales Assistant – Poetry, Menlyn Maine.

2. Who is the employer?

The employer is Cape Union Mart International, with the position within the Poetry brand.

3. Where is the job located?

The position is located at Menlyn Maine in Pretoria, Gauteng.

4. Is this a permanent position?

Yes. The vacancy is advertised as Permanent Part-Time.

5. Is previous retail experience required?

Yes. The vacancy lists 6 months of retail experience as a minimum requirement.

6. Is Matric required?

Yes. Applicants need Matric or an equivalent qualification.

7. Is computer literacy required?

Yes. Microsoft computer proficiency is listed as one of the minimum requirements.

8. Does the position involve sales targets?

Yes. The successful candidate is expected to meet individual targets consistently and identify opportunities to increase sales turnover.

9. Does the job involve working with customers?

Yes. Customer service is a major part of the position, including using customer-selling techniques and exceeding customer expectations.

10. What type of fashion knowledge may be useful?

Applicants should have knowledge of current clothing trends. Knowledge of outdoor lifestyle trends may also be relevant depending on the brand.

11. Is a criminal record acceptable?

The vacancy lists a clear criminal record as a minimum requirement.

12. When was the position posted?

The vacancy was posted on 16 September 2026.

13. What is the closing date?

The advertised closing date is 19 September 2026.

14. Should I wait until the closing date to apply?

No. Applicants should apply as soon as possible rather than waiting until the final day.

Related Retail Job Interview Questions and Answers

If you are invited to an interview for a Sales Assistant position, prepare for questions about customer service, sales, teamwork, stock control and handling difficult customers.

Interview Question 1: Tell us about yourself.

Sample Answer:

I am a customer-focused and hardworking person with retail experience. I enjoy interacting with customers and helping them find products that meet their needs. I am also comfortable working as part of a team, following store procedures and working towards sales targets.

Interview Question 2: Why do you want to work as a Sales Assistant?

Sample Answer:

I enjoy working with people and assisting customers. I am interested in retail because it allows me to use my communication and customer-service skills while also developing my sales and product knowledge.

Interview Question 3: How would you deal with a difficult customer?

Sample Answer:

I would remain calm and professional and listen carefully to the customer’s concern. I would try to understand the problem and provide an appropriate solution within company procedures. If I could not resolve the matter myself, I would ask a supervisor or manager for assistance.

Interview Question 4: How would you increase sales?

Sample Answer:

I would first understand what the customer is looking for and then recommend products that are relevant to their needs. I would explain the benefits of suitable products and, where appropriate, suggest complementary items without putting pressure on the customer.

Interview Question 5: How would you handle a customer who is unsure about what to buy?

Sample Answer:

I would ask questions to understand their preferences, budget and requirements. I would then recommend suitable products and explain the differences between them so the customer can make an informed decision.

Interview Question 6: How do you feel about working with sales targets?

Sample Answer:

I understand that sales targets are part of working in retail. I would focus on providing good customer service, understanding customer needs and actively looking for genuine sales opportunities while maintaining a positive customer experience.

Interview Question 7: What would you do if you noticed missing stock?

Sample Answer:

I would follow the company’s stock-control procedures and report the issue to the appropriate supervisor or manager. I would not ignore the situation because accurate stock control is important for preventing losses.

Interview Question 8: What does good customer service mean to you?

Sample Answer:

Good customer service means listening to customers, treating them respectfully, understanding their needs and helping them efficiently. It also means creating a positive experience that makes customers feel valued.

Interview Question 9: Why is visual merchandising important?

Sample Answer:

Visual merchandising helps present products in an attractive and organised way. It makes it easier for customers to find products and can encourage them to explore and purchase items.

Interview Question 10: Why should we hire you?

Sample Answer:

I believe I can contribute through my customer-service skills, positive attitude and willingness to learn. I am prepared to work towards sales targets, follow company procedures and work professionally with both customers and colleagues.

Final Tips for Applicants

Before submitting your application, make sure your CV:

• Clearly shows your retail experience
• Includes your Matric qualification
• Highlights customer-service and sales skills
• Mentions relevant computer skills
• Uses clear and professional formatting
• Does not contain spelling or grammar errors
• Includes accurate contact information
• Is tailored to the Sales Assistant position

Apply as soon as possible because the advertised closing date is 19 September 2026.

HOW TO APPLY

CLICK HERE TO APPLY