SPAR

A typical day of work would be coming in, either opening up the store, or just taking over someone's end of shift, and mostly serve customers when they need to purchase things. When there are no customers, stocking items that have been delivered is the main priority. As is tidying up the store, arranging all items in a presentable way, and counting all merchandise to make sure it is always up to stock. When low on items, I was required to order some of them, more specifically, dairy items, cigarettes, confectionery and some deli foods. 

In this job, I learned to handle cash, operate a till, serve customers efficiently and with proper courtesy and charisma, stock and order items, open, clean and maintain the store, change pricing and adding item PLUs to the database, and to work independently. 

Personally, the management was very poor, having not met the head of company (owner of store) for quite some time. Some co-workers could be slack and do a lot less work than other employees, and yet get the same paycheck as someone who worked harder and more efficiently. Though at the end of the day, most employees were nice to talk to, and helped when asked. 

The hardest part of this job was managing to complete a list of tasks assigned, and serving customers, and handling calls, during a busy hour, while working alone. This was very stressful, as trying to manage several things at once can be quite difficult.

The most enjoyable part of this job would be interacting with customers, as the store's location was near tourist hotels, so often customers would come in from different parts of the globe, and helping them familiarise themselves with the area, currency and food could be quite enjoyable.

A typical day at work

I would start by usually arriving 10-5 minutes early to read the shifts task and greet other staff members. 
Taking over the other staffs position and wishing them on their way
Either serving customers/ restocking of inventory on the shelves with in an enthusiastic and strategic manner.
Small talk with other staff members and cleaning while store is quiet
Direct and receive reminders of tasks to be completed
Close the store, with final cleaning, signing of registry and balancing and bagging cash, and other small jobs etc.

What I learned at Spar

1. How to operate a cash registry
2. Confidence with customers
3. Self-confidence
4. Methodology with tasks
5. Responsibly
6. Working under pressure

Management

The best I could say a management is that it was fair. As long as you were showing enthusiasm, had a positive attitude, performed required tasks and were timely they looked after you. They were also were reasonably flexible in adjusting work around with my personal life.

Co-worker

Generally, I got on with all my co-workers. Some of them even being long-term friends. Some younger and older, they mentored me and showed me respect which created a positive and relaxed work place. Discipline was given subtly.  

The hardest part of the job

Was working in either in conditions of high pressure with lots of customers.

The most enjoyable part of the job

Having a laugh with fellow co-workers and building confidence with constant communication with customers.


My experience at SPAR was quite great. it was located at a place which was filled with friendly people that can enlighten anyone's mood. during my time working there, i developed social skills amongst customers, learnt how to use a cash register and also how to clean out and restock produce and products in the shelves. i enjoyed my job. my favourite part was meeting new people and hearing their stories. although the part i disliked the most was using the spray and wipe to clean shelves and fridge doors. The people i worked with were very nice and understanding. whenever i was unsure of something i'd always feel comfortable to ask another staff member with more experience questions relating to work. and they are always willing to help. overall, SPAR is a great store and i believe anyone could say the same.

I very much enjoyed working at SPAR as it was very beneficial. the managers and other workers were friendly and welcoming. I would be always learning something new whether it was packaging, cooking different foods, facing up and restocking as well as cleaning and serving on the till. the hardest part of working there was unpacking large heavy boxes and carrying it into the shop from the back to unpack and place on the shelves. besides doing that i enjoyed everything else i was asked to do, one of the most enjoyable jobs i had was to cook food for the store and face up to make things look lovely and neat for customers.

Spent time on cash registers learning how to greet customers while maintaining focus on bagging purchases. Managers stayed by our side during training and helped us stay in check and encouraging/keeping us calm when we felt under pressure. Co-workers were willing to help anytime you needed them and had good positive attitudes while staying professional in the workplace. Not many difficulties, only troubles found were selling cigarets since it was a first being in contact with them. Overall experience was a pleasure, learnt a lot and feel like I left with skills to assist me in future employment.

Having worked at Spar for 7 years I have gained vast experience in the supermrket industry and I was also given the task of entering invoices in MYOB for electronic payment.  Also did filing and banking and preparation of floats for morning.  I have enjoyed my time at Spar but have relocated to the Sunshine Coast and there are no stores in this ares.  I had a good rapport with fellow workmates and management and enjoyed my customer interaction with people I see every day for 7 years.

Where I worked we went through 2 different franchise owners in about 3 yrs.
Working for Spar itself was great, however problems occurred due to franchise owners stress and ongoing money problems. 
There was a lack of knowledge on owners part of running a small business. 
As this continued hours started to decrease as I was a senior and finally had to leave.

Days are usually slow pased, bit of heavy lifting. 
Everyone works well together at spar sussex inlet theres great fresh fruit, veg and red meat but dont buy there raw chickens. 

Theres good management but extreemly bad pay and when you ask if your getting the right amount they never give you work again.
Everybody gets along great theres always smiling faces. No one is judgemental and use all work together to get the job done

Cook hot chicks and hot food to go
How to lock up the shop and handle money and customers
management is great very nice people
Co-workers get on very well best of friends
hardest part of the job would not be anything real i find it easy as i have been there for over a year and a bit
Most enjoyable bit would be talking to my boss about motor bikes and cars and learning his culture as he is from another country

re filling fridges and shelves.
cleaned fruit and vegetables.
stacked shelves and customer service.
sweep and mop the floors.
lifting boxes to storage.
cleaning out behind fridges and freezer

While working at spa i earned approximately $155 a week working 15 hours a week min. The hardest part of the job was lifting and stacking the 15 kg -20 kg boxes on top of each other and always putting pressure on my back. While being a team member of spa i enjoyed customer serving and working at the till.

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