We're hiring!

This is some rather exciting news to share on the blog today – as the shop has grown over the last year and a half it’s become clear that we could benefit from another staff member to help share the yarn love at AYS. We’re looking for a passionate yarn-lover to join the ranks at A Yarn Story as a Shop Assistant!

Shop Assistant
We’re looking for an intermediate to advanced knitter who can also demonstrate some crochet skills. You must be passionate about yarn and knitting as well as Ravelry savvy. Comfort and familiarity with social media such as Instagram is also a plus!

While knitting and crochet skills are important, this position requires exceptional customer service skills. A Yarn Story is a destination yarn shop and we pride ourselves on the high level of service that we offer to our customers. We’re also a social shop, with many customers popping in for our regular knit and natter mornings, or to check out new items and sit and knit at our community table in the centre of the shop.

Also as important as superb knitting and customer service skills is your ability to problem solve – often on the spot! You should be able to suggest alternative yarns to the ones suggested in a pattern, answer questions about gauge adjustments, have a good idea of when an error in a project can be fixed by ‘fudging’ or if it needs to be ripped back, and know that blocking solves a multitude of sins – or any other issues that a knitter may bring to you.

As fun as it is to work in a yarn shop, the role of the Shop Assistant is also a physical one. We’re often up and down stairs to our stockroom in the basement, climbing ladders or stools to restock shelves, or carrying boxes of yarn or notions following deliveries of products.

Dog lovers are also encouraged to apply! Peaches is our friendly shop dog: an enthusiastic Irish Setter who loves people and being part of the shop. While Peaches isn’t necessarily in the shop all day or every day, if you’re allergic or ‘not a dog person’ this sadly might not be the right job for you.

Finally, flexibility and a positive attitude will serve you well in this job! Changes happen in the shop from day to day and so may your duties. There’s always lots to do from restocking shelves, taking inventory for re-orders or putting together packages for orders from our busy online shop.

• Intermediate or above knitting ability
• Some crochet ability
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Natural aptitude for problem solving
• Ability to carry up to 23kg for short distances unassisted (including up or down stairs)
• Ability to work weekends (non-negotiable)

The Shop Assistant role is a part-time position of approximately 8 – 15 hours per week. You must be able to work weekends. While you may not be scheduled every single weekend you should expect to be work at least one weekend in a month.

The Shop Assistant role is commensurate with experience and A Yarn Story is committed to paying a Living Wage.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application including:

• Current CV
• Cover letter stating their interest, knitting experience and level of expertise
• Ravelry ID name and up to date profile
• Social media names/identities

Deadline for applications is Saturday, April 30 and all applications should be sent to carmen@ayarnstory.co.uk.