Hiring Now | Shop Assistant (Sales & Merchandising) | Hemingway Mall (East London), Eastern Cape | Full-Time Permanent Position Available

Toys R Us and Babies R Us South Africa, widely recognized as the “World’s Greatest Toy Stores,” is seeking an energetic, customer-centric, and sales-focused Shop Assistant to join their retail team at Hemingway Mall in East London, Eastern Cape. Operating within the Sales Department, this full-time permanent entry-level position is responsible for delivering “WOW” customer experiences, advising parents and shoppers, driving product add-on sales, executing visual merchandising layouts, maintaining store housekeeping, and assisting with physical stock counts. If you hold a Matric Certificate, possess at least 6 months of retail floor experience, have reliable transport, and bring a vibrant attitude, Toys R Us offers a fun and rewarding corporate environment to grow your career. Apply today to secure your role.

Job Overview

About the Role

Toys R Us and Babies R Us SA operates over 60 physical retail stores across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia, complimented by an expansive online shopping portal. The group’s primary focus is to inspire children’s imaginations while offering parents, grandparents, and gift-shoppers an exceptional product range, great value, and friendly service.

As a Shop Assistant at the Hemingway Mall branch in East London, you will be the front-line ambassador of fun and customer care. Your main focus will be driving sales performance by warmly engaging with visitors, determining customer needs, demonstrating toys and baby products, suggesting add-on items, and providing prompt service both on the trading floor and via telephone inquiries. Furthermore, you will help maintain shelf displays, execute promotional layouts, and safeguard store stock.

Key Performance Areas

Sales Generation & “WOW” Customer Experience

• Deliver “AWESOME” customer service to ensure every shopper enjoys a memorable “WOW” retail experience.

• Attend to the unique shopping needs of parents, children, and gift-seekers, always putting the customer first.

• Provide prompt and relevant assistance on the sales floor as well as over telephone inquiries.

• Determine customer requirements, advising on product ranges, age suitability, prices, and warranties.

• Demonstrate and showcase toy or baby products live on the floor to engage shoppers and build excitement.

• Drive sales turnover by actively promoting add-on goods, accessories, and promotional lines.

Visual Merchandising, Pricing & Promotions

• Ensure all merchandise on display is correctly priced, shelf-tagged, and displayed according to planograms.

• Prepare, execute, and maintain advertised sales promotions, seasonal end-caps, and event displays timeously.

• Adhere to daily housekeeping and shelf-facing schedules to maintain pristine, organized shopping aisles.

• Monitor product sales speeds, reporting fast-selling items and slow movers directly to the Store Manager.

Stock Protection & Store Operations

• Participate actively in regular stock counts, weekly audits, and full store inventory stock takes.

• Maintain vigilance on the sales floor to minimize shrinkage, damages, and product loss.

• Exercise strict cost control in your daily duties to minimize store operating expenses.

• Protect company property, display units, and physical assets within your area of responsibility.

Minimum Requirements

Educational Qualifications & Transport

• Matric Certificate (Grade 12) — mandatory baseline requirement

• Own or reliable transport — mandatory to accommodate retail shift schedules, early/late mall trading hours, and weekend rosters

Work Experience & Key Competencies

• Minimum of 6 months’ practical retail experience on a trading floor — mandatory

• Demonstrated sales drive, enthusiasm, and a target-driven mindset

• Tenacious work ethic with a strong commitment to delivering exceptional customer service

Essential Skills

• Sales & Communication: Excellent verbal communication and persuasive selling abilities

• Visual Merchandising: Good eye for shelf presentation, stock alignment, and visual aesthetics

• Customer Care: Patient, polite, and engaging approach with children and adult shoppers alike

• SOP Compliance: Willingness to adhere strictly to operational procedures, safety rules, and confidentiality guidelines

Core Values

Customer-Centric Passion

Placing the customer first and creating joyful shopping experiences turns every store visit into a memorable event for families.

Active Sales Focus

Proactively engaging shoppers, demonstrating products, and suggesting add-on sales directly drives store revenue and growth.

Merchandising Precision

Keeping shelves clean, fully stocked, and beautifully arranged makes shopping effortless and reflects the high standards of Toys R Us.

Expected Workspace Career Progression

Joining Toys R Us and Babies R Us SA as an entry-level Shop Assistant offers structured career growth within retail sales and branch management:

Shop Assistant → Senior Sales Representative / Merchandiser → Department Supervisor → Admin Team Leader / Assistant Store Manager → Store Manager

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closing date for this Shop Assistant position in East London?

This vacancy was posted on 01 July 2026 and officially closes on 01 August 2026. Candidates are encouraged to submit their CVs as soon as possible.

How much retail experience is required?

Applicants must possess a Matric Certificate, reliable transport, and at least 6 months’ prior experience working in a retail sales or customer service environment.

Where is this position located?

The position is based permanently at the Toys R Us & Babies R Us store in Hemingway Mall, East London, Eastern Cape.

How to Apply

To apply for the Shop Assistant (Hemmingways) position at Toys R Us and Babies R Us South Africa, submit your application online via the official recruitment portal. Ensure your submission includes an updated CV detailing your retail sales experience, certified copy of your Matric certificate, ID document, and contact details for professional references.

• Closing Date: 01 August 2026 (Apply immediately)

• Employment Equity: Toys R Us South Africa is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace.

• Next Steps: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly for floor interviews and assessments.

👉 Apply Online via the Official Recruitment Portal

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