Fashionable

• Customers expect fashion sales associates to have a strong understanding of current trends and fashion no-no's. This goes beyond having a solid understanding of the store's offerings and pricing schedules. Fashion sales associates should look the part, dressing in hip, modern clothes or tailored, conservative suits, depending on the brand image. Associates rely on outside knowledge (for example, from fashion magazines) and personal sense of fashion to help customers create wardrobes and outfits that appear fresh and polished.
  
  

Personable

• Successful fashion sales associates are personable and genuine. Customers recognize and shy away from robotic corporate greetings spewing from the mouths of fashion sales associates. Instead, fashion workers create an authentic rapport by complimenting customers on their choices, offering helpful advice that doesn't directly result in up-selling and engaging in natural conversation. Couching suggestions in positive language is key, since customers don't want to feel insulted or embarrassed when associates suggest a larger size or guide them toward another color selection.
  
  

Sales-Savvy

• Fashion companies are in business to make money, so another quality for successful fashion associates is that they're savvy about sales. Workers should feel comfortable suggesting add-ons such as purses, shoes, scarves and jewelries in order to boost sales. Explaining the benefits of lasting quality or cachet when comparing more expensive items with cheaper fashion choices can help persuade customers to make a fashion investment. Familiarity with sales programs, such as membership benefits or special promotions, can help build brand loyalty while capturing additional dollars.
  
  

Flexible

• Since many fashion sales businesses rely on extended working hours to accommodate the shopping schedules of customers with daytime jobs, associates must have flexibility. Working weekends, evenings and holidays is customary for fashion sales workers. Employees who resist unusual schedule assignments can cause resentment or additional burdens for sales associates typically assigned weekend or holiday shifts.
  
  

Committed

• Some fashion sales associates work part time to accommodate school responsibilities or family obligations. The retail industry is known for high turnover, which can create disruption or instability in the workplace. Employers should emphasize that they're expecting a minimum commitment; for example, a commitment of one year, when hiring employees. To increase desirability, potential fashion sales associates can state that they hope to remain with the company for several years.