The president of Griffith Business Chamber says retailers are struggling to find decent staff.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Pat Pittavino, who is also a veteran retailer, said businesses were so desperate to get people some had already ‘head-hunted’ staff at Griffith’s Dick Smith store.
“It’s a healthy sign for business that most of the workers have already been snapped up,” Mr Pittavino said.
“But it shows retailers are desperate for workers.”
On Thursday it was announced Dick Smith would close all 301 stores in Australia.
Mr Pittavino said he had a sign up in the shop window welcoming resumes and had heard other businesses were similarly keen to attract salespeople.
“Retail is pretty easy,” he said.
“You just need someone who can speak, is well-presented and friendly.
“Sadly, a lot of people look down on retail jobs, even though they can earn about $50,000 a year doing it without needing any qualifications.”
Mr Pittavino said he had heard of retail managers earning about $120,000 a year after working in the industry for only five or six years.
“If you can sell, you can get a job anywhere, there’s just a massive skills shortage,” he said.
“A young person who is willing to work and had the drive to get somewhere in life can find work and make a real career in this industry.”
Mr Pittavino said he knew of several people in Griffith who had left school early and gone on to make a good living using sales skills learned at places like Harvey Norman or Telstra.
However, not everyone is keen to have a go, Mr Pittavino said.
“I get two or three a week come in applying for a job and they’re just not presenting themselves very well at all,” he said.
Dean Owen from Owen Toyota said the shortage of skilled salespeople was not surprising.
“I’ve had the same problem in the past,” Mr Owen said.
“The workers you’d ideally want as sales candidates tend to move away from Griffith to the big cities.”
Mr Owen agreed with Mr Pittavino about the earning potential of salespeople.
“I’ve got a young salesman who has the right attitude and makes more than some of the senior staff,” Mr Owen said.
“He doesn’t talk rubbish, he’s friendly and hard-working.
“Sales is all about relationships, you can teach someone skills but you can’t teach them personality.”
Mr Owen said the people who do really well on the sales floor tended to get promoted into better paying positions.