Gift shop attendant job description
A comprehensive job description template for gift shop attendant positions in Australian gift shops, museum stores and tourist attractions. Covers customer service, gift recommendations, wrapping services and merchandise knowledge aligned with the General Retail Industry Award.
Gift shop attendant job description
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About the gift shop attendant role
A gift shop attendant combines customer service excellence with product knowledge and gift presentation skills. They help customers select appropriate gifts for various occasions, provide professional gift wrapping services and manage diverse merchandise ranges from souvenirs to specialty items.
In Australia, gift shop attendants are typically classified under the General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004) at Level 1-3, depending on their experience and specialist skills. Pay rates include penalty rates for weekend and public holiday work.
This template provides a foundation for creating clear, compliant job descriptions that attract candidates with strong customer service skills and attention to detail. Use rostering software to schedule your gift shop team efficiently.
Key responsibilities
Core duties included in this job description template
Customer service
Greet and assist customers, provide gift recommendations, answer questions about products and ensure a positive shopping experience.
Gift recommendations
Help customers select appropriate gifts for various occasions and recipients, suggest products based on budget, taste and requirements.
Gift wrapping
Provide professional gift wrapping services, handle fragile items carefully and create attractive presentations for various gift types.
Product knowledge
Maintain knowledge of diverse product ranges including souvenirs, homewares, cards, toys and specialty items relevant to the venue.
Sales support
Process transactions including cash, card and international payments, handle returns and contribute to sales targets.
Merchandise display
Maintain appealing displays, replenish stock, arrange products attractively and ensure the shop remains tidy and inviting.
Skills and attributes
What to look for in gift shop attendant candidates
Gift knowledge
Understanding of gift-giving occasions and ability to recommend appropriate items for different recipients and budgets.
Communication skills
Friendly manner with diverse customers including tourists. Clear communication and patience with non-English speakers.
Presentation skills
Ability to wrap gifts professionally, handle fragile items carefully and create attractive product displays.
Attention to detail
Careful handling of varied merchandise, accurate transaction processing and maintaining organised displays.
Product versatility
Ability to learn about diverse product types from homewares to souvenirs, and communicate product origins and features.
Customer focus
Patience and helpfulness with customers making gift decisions. Creating positive experiences for visitors and tourists.
Qualifications and requirements
Gift shop attendant positions suit candidates with customer service experience and genuine interest in helping customers find perfect gifts. Friendly manner and attention to detail are essential.
- Customer service experience (Required)
Experience in retail, hospitality or customer-facing roles
- Communication skills (Required)
Clear, friendly communication with diverse customers including tourists
- Availability (Required)
Flexibility to work weekends, public holidays and peak tourist periods
- Gift wrapping experience
Previous experience with gift wrapping and presentation
- Certificate in Retail
Formal qualification in retail or customer service
Working conditions
Set clear expectations about the gift shop environment
- Working venue opening hours including weekends and public holidays
- Standing for extended periods and moving around the shop floor
- Handling varied merchandise including fragile and valuable items
- Working in tourist locations with diverse international customers
- Busy periods during tourist seasons and holiday shopping
- Gift wrapping and presentation tasks requiring attention to detail
Award coverage
Understanding the General Retail Industry Award for gift shops
General retail industry award 2020
Gift shop attendant positions are covered by the General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004). Attendants typically fall under Level 1-3 classifications based on experience and skills. View current Retail Award pay rates.
Ensure you classify roles correctly and use award interpretation software to calculate penalty rates for weekend and public holiday work accurately.
Career progression
Gift shop attendants can progress to senior sales, merchandising, buying or shop management roles. Building strong product knowledge, developing gift presentation expertise and demonstrating customer service excellence opens advancement opportunities.
Many cultural institutions and specialty retailers offer training and development, making gift shop roles excellent entry points to retail or tourism industry careers.
Who should use this template?
This job description template is designed for Australian gift shops and tourist retail venues
Clear job descriptions attract candidates with the right customer service skills and attention to detail for gift retail.
How to use this template
Tips for customising the gift shop attendant job description
Define your venue type
Specify whether you operate a museum shop, gallery store, tourist attraction or standalone gift shop and the product focus.
Detail product ranges
Outline the types of merchandise carried - souvenirs, homewares, cards, toys, local crafts or specialty items.
Clarify gift services
Specify gift wrapping expectations, complimentary or paid services, and any special packaging requirements.
Include tourist considerations
If in a tourist location, mention international customer service, handling foreign currency or language skills if relevant.
Verify award classification
Confirm the appropriate Level 1-3 classification based on experience requirements and responsibilities under the General Retail Industry Award.
Set seasonal expectations
Clarify peak periods (tourist seasons, holidays) and availability requirements during busy times.
Legal disclaimer
This template is designed to reflect Australian workplace standards and retail industry practices at the time of publication. It is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice.
You should review and tailor this template to suit your business, venue type and specific requirements. Confirm the applicable modern award classification and support compliance with all relevant employment laws. For complex situations, seek independent legal or HR advice.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about gift shop attendant job descriptions, qualifications and employment. Built for Australian small businesses.
- A gift shop attendant assists customers with gift purchases, provides product recommendations for various occasions, handles gift wrapping services and manages diverse merchandise ranges including souvenirs, homewares and greeting cards. They work in tourist locations, museums, galleries and retail gift shops under the General Retail Industry Award.
- Gift shop attendants typically fall under Level 1-3 of the General Retail Industry Award 2020 (MA000004). Level 1 covers new employees, Level 2 covers those with product knowledge who can advise customers, and Level 3 covers those with specialist skills or additional responsibilities. See our Retail Award pay rates guide.
- A gift shop attendant specialises in gift-giving occasions and requires knowledge of gift-appropriate products, presentation and wrapping services. They often work in tourist or cultural locations, handle more varied merchandise types and need to assist customers selecting gifts for many different occasions and recipients.
- Yes, gift wrapping is usually a core responsibility. Gift shop attendants need to present gifts attractively, use various wrapping techniques, handle fragile items carefully and create professional-looking presentations. Training is typically provided, but basic wrapping ability is highly desirable.
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Learn moreRetail award pay rates
Current pay rates, penalty rates and allowances under the General Retail Industry Award 2020.
View ratesRegulatory sources
This job description is aligned with Australian workplace award requirements.
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Disclaimer
This document is a general job description template provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the latest changes in legislation or apply to every workplace situation. RosterElf Pty Ltd and the template provider accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document. Users should seek independent legal advice and customise the template to ensure it complies with all relevant laws, awards and workplace requirements.