Cape Union Mart – Permanent Part-Time Sales Assistant

Successful retail selling involves understanding what customers need, recommending appropriate products and helping the store achieve its sales targets without compromising service standards. Cape Union Mart International is recruiting a permanent part-time Sales Assistant for its Cape Union Mart store at Cresta in Randburg, Gauteng.

The successful applicant will assist customers, use appropriate selling techniques, work towards individual sales targets, identify opportunities to increase turnover and help maintain the store’s stock-loss, housekeeping and visual-merchandising standards.

Important: This is a permanent part-time retail position. It is not advertised as a learnership, internship, apprenticeship or YES Youth Programme opportunity.

At a glance

What this opportunity is

This is a permanent part-time Sales Assistant position at Cape Union Mart Cresta.

The employee will work in a customer-facing outdoor and clothing retail environment and will be expected to contribute to the store’s customer-service and sales performance.

The role includes helping customers identify suitable products, applying effective selling techniques and looking for appropriate opportunities to increase sales.

The employee must also support the store’s presentation by maintaining housekeeping and visual-merchandising standards.

The position is advertised as permanent, meaning it is not presented as a temporary seasonal contract. However, it remains a part-time appointment.

The official advert does not state the guaranteed monthly hours, weekly shifts, remuneration, benefits, starting date or number of available positions.

Part-time employment explained

The vacancy is specifically advertised as a permanent part-time position.

This means the successful applicant may work fewer hours than a standard full-time employee while holding an ongoing employment contract, subject to the actual terms offered by Cape Union Mart.

The official listing does not state:

• The number of guaranteed hours per week or month.
• The normal starting and finishing times.
• The weekend or public-holiday roster.
• Whether additional hours may be offered during busy periods.
• The process used to allocate shifts.

Applicants should confirm the contractual hours, availability requirements, shift pattern and notice arrangements if shortlisted or offered the position.

Who this position may suit

This position may suit a Matric graduate with at least six months of retail experience who enjoys customer service, outdoor products and clothing retail.

It may be particularly relevant to applicants who have previously worked as Sales Assistants, Retail Assistants, Shop Assistants, Customer Assistants, Brand Ambassadors or Store Assistants.

The role may also suit someone who understands the importance of sales targets and can identify appropriate additional-sales opportunities while maintaining honest customer service.

Applicants should be comfortable approaching customers, asking questions, discussing products and working in a store where sales performance is monitored.

An interest in outdoor activities, travel, hiking, camping, outdoor clothing or related lifestyle products may help applicants build the product knowledge required by the brand.

Main duties and responsibilities

Provide customer-focused selling

• Use appropriate customer-selling techniques.
• Welcome and assist customers professionally.
• Ask suitable questions to understand customer requirements.
• Recommend products that may meet the customer’s intended use and preferences.
• Provide accurate product information within the employee’s knowledge and authority.
• Help customers compare appropriate product options.
• Refer technical or specialised questions to an experienced colleague where necessary.
• Avoid misleading customers or making unsupported product claims.

Exceed customer expectations

• Provide attentive and professional service.
• Listen carefully to customer questions and concerns.
• Respond within a reasonable time.
• Take ownership of routine customer enquiries.
• Seek assistance when a matter falls outside the employee’s authority.
• Maintain a positive and respectful manner during difficult interactions.
• Help create a customer experience that encourages future visits.

Meet individual sales targets

• Work towards individual sales targets.
• Monitor personal sales performance against the applicable target.
• Understand the sales expectations communicated by store management.
• Accept performance feedback and coaching.
• Identify areas where sales performance can improve.
• Maintain consistent selling effort throughout the shift.
• Contribute towards the store’s overall commercial performance.

Identify opportunities to increase turnover

• Look for appropriate opportunities to increase sales.
• Approach customers who may need assistance.
• Identify products that may complement a customer’s main purchase.
• Inform customers about relevant products or promotions using approved information.
• Use product knowledge to make suitable recommendations.
• Balance turnover objectives with honest, customer-focused service.
• Avoid pressuring customers into unsuitable purchases.

Follow stock-loss controls

• Follow the store’s stock-loss controls.
• Handle merchandise carefully to reduce damage and losses.
• Follow approved processes when moving or returning stock.
• Report missing, damaged or suspiciously handled merchandise.
• Remain alert to conduct that may result in stock losses.
• Escalate concerns through the appropriate internal process.
• Protect company stock and information.

Maintain housekeeping standards

• Maintain a clean and orderly sales environment.
• Keep assigned merchandise and display areas neat.
• Return products and equipment to the correct locations.
• Remove packaging and waste through the appropriate process.
• Help keep customer walkways clear and safe.
• Report hazards, damaged fixtures or unsafe conditions.
• Support a professional store appearance throughout trading hours.

Maintain visual-merchandising standards

• Help maintain the store’s visual-merchandising standards.
• Ensure merchandise remains correctly and attractively presented.
• Follow display instructions provided by store management.
• Keep products arranged in the appropriate display areas.
• Identify displays that require attention or replenishment.
• Handle products carefully while adjusting displays.
• Help use product presentation to support sales.

Create an inspiring store environment

• Contribute to a welcoming and energetic retail environment.
• Maintain enthusiasm and professionalism when assisting customers.
• Use product and outdoor-lifestyle knowledge to support customer conversations.
• Help keep products and displays appealing.
• Work positively with colleagues.
• Support the standards associated with the Cape Union Mart brand.

Important: The duties above are based on the official vacancy. Cape Union Mart may allocate additional reasonable customer-service, sales, stock, merchandising, housekeeping or store-support responsibilities according to operational requirements.

Minimum requirements

• Matric or an equivalent qualification.
• At least six months of retail experience.
• Clear criminal record.
• Microsoft computer proficiency.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Knowledge of current clothing trends.
• Knowledge or awareness of the outdoor lifestyle relevant to Cape Union Mart.
• Honesty when dealing with cash and financial matters.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Ability to adapt to innovation and change.
• Ability to take ownership of responsibilities.
• Complete, accurate and truthful application information.

Matric requirement explained

Applicants must have completed Matric or an equivalent qualification.

The qualification should be shown clearly on the CV and entered accurately in the Education section of the official application.

A clear qualification certificate or statement of results should be prepared if requested during recruitment.

The official advert does not state particular school subjects or minimum achievement percentages.

Six months of retail experience explained

At least six months of retail experience is a stated minimum requirement.

Applicants should make the length of their retail experience easy to verify by including complete employment dates on the CV.

Relevant experience may include customer service, selling, merchandising, stock handling, store housekeeping or working towards individual and store targets.

The CV should state:

• The employer or retail brand.
• The applicant’s job title.
• The month and year employment started and ended.
• The products or merchandise sold.
• The customer-service and sales duties completed.
• Any targets, merchandising or stock responsibilities.

Applicants should not exaggerate the length of their experience or claim responsibilities they did not perform.

Computer proficiency explained

The vacancy requires Microsoft computer proficiency.

The official advert does not identify specific Microsoft programs or the required proficiency level.

Applicants may include genuine experience using programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook or other digital systems where applicable.

Applicants should not claim advanced Microsoft skills where they have only basic exposure.

Clothing-trend and outdoor-lifestyle knowledge

Applicants should have knowledge of current clothing trends and the outdoor lifestyle relevant to the brand.

For Cape Union Mart, this may involve familiarity with clothing, footwear, bags, travel products, hiking equipment, camping products and other outdoor-lifestyle merchandise sold by the retailer.

Applicants are not required to claim expert technical knowledge of every product. They should, however, demonstrate a willingness to learn product features and understand how customers may use different products.

Employees should provide only accurate information and should ask for help when a customer requires technical guidance beyond their knowledge.

Clear criminal-record requirement

A clear criminal record is listed as a minimum requirement.

The recruitment terms state that applicant information may be used for integrity checks, including criminal and employment-related checks.

Applicants should answer all criminal-record and screening questions honestly and provide accurate identification and consent information.

The official vacancy does not explain the detailed screening process or how individual circumstances will be assessed.

Behavioural requirements

Honesty

The official advert requires honesty when dealing with cash and financial matters.

The vacancy does not provide a detailed list of cashier or till duties. Applicants should nevertheless understand that integrity is important when working around transactions, merchandise and company resources.

Building and maintaining relationships

The employee should build professional relationships with customers, colleagues and store management.

Strong relationships are supported by respectful communication, reliable service and consistent follow-through.

Innovation and change management

The employee should be willing to adapt when products, store processes, promotions or customer-service requirements change.

Applicants should be open to learning new systems and ways of working.

Thinking adaptability

The employee should be able to adjust their approach when customer needs, stock availability or store conditions change.

Adaptability should remain consistent with company procedures and the authority assigned to the role.

Taking ownership

The employee should accept responsibility for allocated work, customer interactions and sales performance.

Taking ownership includes following through on tasks, reporting problems and seeking assistance rather than ignoring unresolved matters.

Sales-target requirement explained

The successful applicant must consistently work towards individual sales targets.

This makes the position performance-oriented. Applicants should be comfortable receiving targets, monitoring results and discussing their sales performance with management.

The official advert does not state the value of the targets, commission arrangements or whether incentives are available.

Applicants should confirm the target structure, performance measurement and any incentive arrangements if shortlisted.

Application questions to prepare for

The official application form asks candidates several role-related questions. Applicants should prepare honest, clear and specific responses.

How do you define great customer service?

A strong answer should explain how the applicant listens to the customer, understands the need, communicates accurately, provides suitable assistance and follows through professionally.

How do you make sure that you achieve your targets?

Applicants may explain how they understand the target, monitor progress, approach customers, use product knowledge, identify sales opportunities and respond to performance feedback.

How do you deal with a difficult customer?

A suitable answer should demonstrate calm communication, active listening, respect, problem identification and appropriate escalation where the matter cannot be resolved within the employee’s authority.

Why would you like to join Cape Union Mart Group?

Applicants should give a genuine reason connected with the brand, customer service, outdoor retail, career development or their relevant retail experience.

Avoid copying generic statements that do not explain the applicant’s actual interest in the company or position.

What is your notice period?

Applicants should state their genuine availability and any contractual notice period owed to a current employer.

What this position really means

This is a customer-facing and target-driven retail-sales role.

The successful applicant should expect to spend substantial time assisting customers, discussing products and looking for appropriate opportunities to increase sales.

The position also includes practical store responsibilities, including housekeeping, product presentation and compliance with stock-loss controls.

Because it is a part-time position, the employee’s shifts may be arranged around store trading requirements. The official advert does not provide the exact schedule.

The appointment is advertised as permanent, but applicants should confirm the guaranteed hours, remuneration, benefits, probation conditions and shift requirements if offered the position.

Application checklist

Prepare the following before applying:

• An updated CV.
• Matric or equivalent qualification details.
• A clear qualification certificate or statement of results, if requested.
• A valid identity document or other identification requested by the application form.
• Details showing at least six months of retail experience.
• Accurate employer names, job titles and employment dates.
• Examples of customer-service and selling responsibilities.
• Examples of working towards individual sales targets.
• Examples of visual merchandising or store housekeeping.
• Examples of stock-loss or stock-handling responsibilities.
• Details of Microsoft computer skills.
• Knowledge or interest connected with outdoor and clothing products.
• Prepared answers to the official application questions.
• An accurate notice period.
• A professional email address.
• A reliable cellphone number.
• A suitable profile photograph if completing that section of the application.
• Any additional documents requested through the official recruitment portal.

Need assistance preparing your CV or application? Visit our Learnership Resources and Guides.

Important note for applicants

This is a permanent part-time Sales Assistant vacancy at Cape Union Mart Cresta in Randburg.

Matric or an equivalent qualification and at least six months of retail experience are required.

Applicants also need Microsoft computer proficiency, effective communication skills, relevant clothing and outdoor-lifestyle knowledge and a clear criminal record.

The work involves customer selling, individual sales targets, turnover growth, stock-loss controls, housekeeping and visual merchandising.

The official advert does not state the remuneration, benefits, guaranteed working hours, shift pattern, proposed start date or number of available positions.

About Cape Union Mart

Cape Union Mart is a South African outdoor and lifestyle retailer offering clothing, footwear, bags, travel products, camping equipment, hiking gear and selected outdoor technology and accessories.

Its stores carry Cape Union Mart products together with outdoor and lifestyle brands suited to travel, hiking, camping and everyday use.

The retailer places importance on knowledgeable customer service and helping customers select products appropriate for their intended activities.

This Sales Assistant position is based at the Cape Union Mart Cresta store within the Stores Central business unit.

Learn more through the official Cape Union Mart website

Cape Union Mart Group states that it is committed to transformation.

Appointments and promotions will be based on candidates who best meet the requirements of the position.

Candidates who enhance the diversity of the team may receive preference in line with the Group’s Employment Equity Plan.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee an interview or appointment.

Quick tips for applicants

• Apply before the official closing date of 2 August 2026.
• Submit by 1 August 2026 because the exact closing time is not stated.
• Show Matric or the equivalent qualification clearly on your CV.
• Make the required six months of retail experience easy to verify.
• Include complete employment dates.
• Describe customer-service and selling responsibilities.
• Mention individual sales targets and results where applicable.
• Include visual-merchandising and housekeeping experience.
• Highlight relevant outdoor, clothing or footwear product knowledge.
• Include Microsoft computer skills accurately.
• Prepare thoughtful answers to the application questionnaire.
• State your notice period honestly.
• Check that your cellphone number and email address are correct.
• Apply only through the official Cape Union Mart Simplify page.

Common mistakes that may weaken an application

• Applying without Matric or an equivalent qualification.
• Applying without the required six months of retail experience.
• Leaving employment dates off the CV.
• Writing only “Sales Assistant” without explaining actual responsibilities.
• Not mentioning individual sales targets.
• Leaving visual-merchandising or housekeeping experience off the CV.
• Failing to show Microsoft computer proficiency.
• Providing generic one-line answers to the application questionnaire.
• Claiming outdoor-product or technical knowledge that cannot be demonstrated.
• Providing inaccurate criminal-record, qualification or employment information.
• Using an incorrect cellphone number or email address.
• Uploading an incomplete or outdated CV.
• Submitting after 2 August 2026.

Scam warning (important)

Apply only through Cape Union Mart’s official Simplify careers platform or another vacancy link clearly connected to an official Cape Union Mart website.

Do not pay anyone for registration, an application, an interview, screening, training, a uniform, equipment, transport or employment placement.

Do not share banking PINs, passwords, one-time PINs or account-login information with anyone claiming that they can guarantee employment.

Be cautious of unofficial email addresses, private social-media accounts or cellphone numbers requesting payment or unnecessary personal information.

Upload your CV, identity information and qualifications only through an official and secure recruitment process.

Always return to the official vacancy page to confirm that the Cresta position and application option remain active.

How this opportunity was verified

This opportunity was verified from the official Cape Union Mart Simplify listing for Permanent Part-Time Sales Assistant – Cape Union Mart – Cresta.

The official listing confirmed Cape Union Mart International as the employer, Randburg as the location, permanent employment, the Cape Union Mart division, Stores Central business unit, entry-level classification, retail industry, sales functional area, posted date and closing date.

The customer-selling, stock-loss, individual-target, turnover-growth, housekeeping, visual-merchandising and store-environment duties were taken from the official vacancy.

The six months of retail experience, Matric or equivalent qualification, clear criminal record, Microsoft computer proficiency, communication and clothing-trend or outdoor-lifestyle requirements were also confirmed from the listing.

The application form asks candidates about customer service, achieving targets, dealing with difficult customers, their reason for joining Cape Union Mart and their notice period.

The official advert does not state the remuneration, benefits, guaranteed hours, shift pattern, proposed starting date or number of available positions.

Read more about our verification process on the How We Verify Listings page.

How to apply

1. Open the official Cape Union Mart application page below.
2. Confirm that the page displays Permanent Part-Time Sales Assistant – Cape Union Mart – Cresta.
3. Read the complete vacancy and recruitment terms.
4. Confirm that you have Matric or an equivalent qualification.
5. Confirm that you have at least six months of retail experience.
6. Prepare an updated CV explaining your customer-service and sales duties.
7. Prepare answers to the customer-service, target and difficult-customer questions.
8. Complete your personal and contact information accurately.
9. Upload your CV and profile photograph where required.
10. Add your education information.
11. Upload any additional documents requested by the portal.
12. Answer the nationality, employment-history, disability and questionnaire sections honestly.
13. Read and accept the official terms and conditions only after reviewing them.
14. Check that your qualification, work experience, notice period and contact details are correct.
15. Submit by 1 August 2026 where possible.
16. Keep the application confirmation or other proof of submission.

Application Closing Date

The official closing date is 2 August 2026.

The exact closing time is not stated. Applicants should submit by 1 August 2026 to reduce the risk of missing the deadline because of technical problems, document-upload errors or an incomplete application.