If you think a retail job is just stacking shelves and ringing up customers, think again! Whether you’re helping someone find their dream wardrobe staples or collaborating on a brand launch, retail gives you real impact and room to grow fast. It’s where your passion meets opportunity, and before you know it, your first job in retail could turn into a long-term, high-impact career!
Meet The Just Group: The People Behind the Brands You Love
If you’ve ever shopped at Jay Jays, Dotti, or Just Jeans you’ve experienced the magic of The Just Group. They’re more than just retail; they’re storytellers, style leaders, and career creators. Whether you’re starting on the shop floor or aiming to lead teams and shape next-gen retail, The Just Group invests in you every step of the way.
Interview Time: Luke’s Retail Journey
Wondering where a role with The Just Group could take you? Hear all about it from Luke, Talent Manager with The Just Group (A.K.A. the perfect person to share what it’s really like to build a career with iconic brands like Jay Jays, Dotti, Just Jeans, Portmans and Jacqui E)! From his first job on the shop floor to leading talent conversations and helping the next wave of retail stars shine, Luke’s story is proof that retail can open doors you never even imagined. We caught up with him to chat about his career path and why your first retail job might just be the start of something big:
Let’s rewind! How did your journey with The Just Group begin and what was your first job at Jay Jays like?
I was working in another retailer within the centre, but a regular shopper at Jay Jays; I built a really genuine relationship with the Store Manager in Jay Jays and as I moved from centre to centre I kept crossing paths with that same Store Manager. One day he let me know that there was a role at Jay Jays that he thought I would be great at, I applied, and got an interview and was in.
The process was really smooth! I LOVED my induction, and how welcoming the business was. There was a process and policy for everything that made it really clear what ‘GOOD’ looked like, and gave me some really clear development goals to work towards.
What made you stay and grow your career with the group? Was there a moment when you realised “Hey, I could make a real career out of this”?
Throughout my time, I have been offered (and asked for) several development opportunities. Through lots of continued exposure to different elements within the business, I was consistently engaged and grew my retail ‘toolkit.’ I quickly realised what options were available; I just needed to ask and be committed to the goal. I felt supported by my peers and leaders to achieve! It has been very encouraging.
You’ve held a few roles since your first at JayJays – what kinds of career progression are possible for someone starting in-store?
It’s really up to the individual and what their long-term goals are! The way we work with store teams, we really want to instil a sense of independence and confidence within our team members (regardless of role) so they feel comfortable performing in all areas of the business.
Team members starting in-store can really focus on growing their leadership skills while wrapping their heads around day-to-day operations. From there, working towards a Management or Visual Merchandising role is an option, but it’s also really common for people who have degrees complementing retail roles to move into support office roles (e.g. Product Buyers or Inventory Analysts).
What’s one skill you picked up early on that you still use in your job today?
Honestly, the reason I felt I was so successful in my initial role with Jay Jays was because of how quickly I learnt to truly “speak” with people and embrace and listen to them! Understanding each individual made it really easy to work alongside them and motivate them towards the goal or outcome that was required.
What does your role as a Talent Manager actually involve? Give us a peek behind the scenes!
I have the opportunity to do what I love, and that is speaking with people who are interested in joining the brands that I have worked closely with over the last 13 years. I get to sell them why I love those brands, and I also get to watch those who are already in their roles grow and develop into the next round of future leaders by hosting regular career conversations and training sessions in person!
What advice would you give to a student applying for their first job with Jay Jays, Dotti or Just Jeans?
Be you! We encourage diversity, and want you to be true to yourself. Be open to learning experiences and ask for development opportunities to grow. Your job with us can be what you make it. If you’re looking for a career, let us know where you’d like to see yourself so we can help you get there. There is a lot of fun to be had, and a job with us is perfect for someone who loves connecting with people.
Retail jobs sometimes get underestimated. What are some unexpected benefits of working in retail as a student?
A lot of the skills that you pick up in retail are really transferrable into other careers or aspects of your personal life. Speaking with diverse groups of people, time-management, visual merchandising, conflict resolution, budget/cost management, and inventory control are a few. On top of that, the days go by super quickly, because you’re constantly moving or doing something different. No two days are the same, and of course the staff discounts that some brands offer makes it more cost effective to buy from the brands you love!
What’s one memorable or funny moment you’ve had while working in retail?
Growing up, I used to shop in Jay Jays as a young teenager in my local shopping centre. It was really wholesome when I first joined Jay Jays, and when I was working as a visual merchandiser across the state. When I visited my old local shopping centre, the Store Manager who was still there remembered me; it was a nice full circle moment to celebrate my own achievement in joining a business and brand that I aspired to work in, and also the longevity and experience in our store teams.
If a student wants to move up like you did, what mindset or habits should they start developing now?
Take every opportunity to learn, be open to experiences, learn from mistakes, and commit to what you want. Work with your peers, and show up to each day.
If you could go back and give your Jay Jays-starting-self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Sometimes retail can feel really competitive, both in terms of a sales and working environment. When we are working to really definitive KPIs, sometimes you can end up focusing on your own results and wanting to “be the best”. I have found the right mindset is to try and work together to achieve a common goal.
Working as part of a team, supporting those who might be struggling, and sharing your knowledge and experiences to help others grow is a far healthier mindset to have. As you will see, your own work-life balance evens out as those around you grow and become more confident in their own roles.
Take Your Next Steps with The Just Group
Retail isn’t just a job, it’s a launchpad for your dream career. With endless opportunities to grow, learn, and try new things, you can shape a career that’s as unique as you are. Luke’s journey with the Just Group proves that starting out on the sales floor can lead to incredible places, so if you’re ready to bring your personality, energy, and ambition to work every day, the world of retail is waiting for you.
Launch your retail journey with The Just Group today and start building the career you really want!
