Job opportunities as fair fills retail roles

Job hunters hoping for a career in retail enjoyed a successful summer careers fair at Ashford Designer Outlet.

Attendees were invited to meet representatives of the designer brands at the Kimberley Way centre, including Abercrombie and Fitch, Ted Baker, M&S, Pizza Express, Lacoste, Wagamama and Polo Ralph Lauren.

The event took place in the centre’s food court last Thursday from 3pm to 7pm.

More than 60 people also participated in a CV and interview workshop run in collaboration with Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

Nineteen vacancies at the centre have already been filled.

Centre manager Peter Corr said: “They had fantastic attendance at the event, with an estimate of over 350 attendees.

“The feedback from the Job Centre was that the event was upbeat and a great recruitment tool for the local area, while Invicta said it was a great way to meet some keen and motivated job candidates.”

Mr Corr discussed plans for the next careers fair estimated to be held at the end of September, saying: “All the stakeholders were extremely keen to be part of our next event, which will be larger, with an estimated 40 brands involved and more engagement with the likes of Canterbury College.”

Ashford Designer Outlet hosts more than 80 designer brand stores which will increase when the centre’s expansion goes ahead.

Mr Corr noted the expansion’s impact on recruitment in the future: “We will also look to significantly advance the management development and interviewing side, as we move forward towards our new development and welcome new brand partners to our current phase.”

Proposals to almost double the size of the Ashford Designer Outlet were approved by Ashford Borough Council last September.

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