SAM’S NEW SHOP ROLE OPENS DOOR TO PRAISE
MEET the Poundland worker who has quickly become a Welsh community’s favourite shop assistant during lockdown. Sam Lott, 22, from Pontypridd, has worked at Poundland in Talbot Green for around two years but it’s only since he went back to work after lockdown that he really came into his own.
He shot to local social media fame this week when a customer posted on Facebook saying what a “legend” he was as whenever he visited the shop he would raise his spirits. Hundreds of people later commented, sharing their love for Sam, which has completely taken him by surprise.
Sam works part-time at the discount store and was given the new role of working on the door when he returned after being furloughed earlier in the pandemic.
But his mother, Jayne Coleman, explained he hasn’t always worked at front of house: “He didn’t get on well at the start as he finds it hard to concentrate. He was furloughed in the first lockdown but now they have someone on the door.
“It’s only been since the summer really he has been doing it but he really loves it. He’s good at it.”
Jayne explained that Sam has a mild form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and when he first started working he could be told to do something but would be “in his own little world” as his condition can make it difficult for him to focus.
But, since being on the door, Sam has thrived in his new position and has been making a lot of people happy. His mother said the background to his story makes people celebrating his success “all the more nice”.
Jayne said she thinks it’s because he has a good personality that his new role has taken off so well. He likes talking to people but finds it harder to have longer-term friendships. Cheering people up has been a big part of him finding his feet.
She said: “He comes out with funny jokes or funny lines. He just cheers people up really. A lot of elderly members from the community just come in and have a chat because he just listens to them. I think he just cheers people in general, really, as people are fed up.”
As for Sam, he couldn’t believe it when he saw the posts of devotion on social media come flooding in.
Sam said: “I was completely overwhelmed. The comments started inundating and my sister and my mum were very happy about it. There were over 800 likes and comments, which is humbling. That’s the word I’d use I think.
“It feels brilliant. It’s something I enjoy doing, especially during these difficult and unusual times of Covid19. If I can make someone’s day that’s very good and I’m very happy.”
When asked what the best part of coming to work is Sam lit up.
“Well, coming on the door,” he replied. “And making people happy. Just trying to make a difference to people’s lives at the moment, I think.
“I say ‘welcome to the shop’. I usually say ‘happy Wednesday’ or whatever the day is. A lot of people laugh and they seem to like it.
“Things have been very difficult with the lockdown and I wanted to cheer up customers because I know it hasn’t been easy for them.”
Sam said when people visit the shop some customers share a bit of humour and say things like: “I want what he’s taking.” He also makes a conscious effort to say goodbye when people leave and to thank them for visiting.
He said he thinks the third lockdown has been the most difficult part of the past year as the winter months have made things harder. He’s now looking forward to spring and is trying to keep a bit more positive as we move towards the summer months.
When asked how he started working at Poundland, Sam said: “I was on a training course and a guy called Paul helped me get a job so I’ve got to thank him. It’s gone fast but it’s going good now so I’m very happy about that.”
When asked what people say to him, Sam added: “They say: ‘You’ve made my day,’ or the usual one is: ‘It’s good to see someone cheerful.’ The message I have is thank you for supporting me and giving me this recognition which wasn’t expected but I admire it very much.”
And some of the customers shopping at Poundland this week were quick to praise Sam while doing their shopping.
One customer, Peter May, said: “It’s great. He welcomes you to the shop. It’s welcoming. He’s a nice, sociable fella. I don’t know him much but he’s a nice fella. I’ve said to my missus many times ‘that boy’s awful sociable’ and that’s the truth that is.”
Another customer, Gerald Coombes, added: “All the people employed here have been wonderful. They’ve said hello, they’ve made a fuss. It really is lovely to come in.”
When asked about Sam, Mr Coombes added: “The first thing he always says to me is: ‘It’s wonderful to see you in a different suit’ because every day I wear a different suit. When you come in here it’s a pleasure, to be honest with you.”
Jayne said she is proud of Sam for all he’s achieved over the past few months. She said there has been nothing negative or untoward said as the messages on social media have been uplifting.
She added: “I just can’t believe it. There has been nothing negative – it’s positive and it’s lovely. His obsession is The Beatles and he has his channel on YouTube where he reviews albums and things. That’s his thing. ”
You can see more about Sam’s YouTube channel at Sam Lott Music.