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Shelf filler

Alternative titles for this job include Stock assistant, shelf stacker, customer assistant

Shelf fillers put stock out on supermarket shelves and in display cabinets. They also remove out of date items and help customers.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£24,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 variable

You could work

days / nights / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Shelf filler

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You can get into this job by doing a college course in retail skills or retail knowledge.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements for this route.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Retailer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This can take up to 1 year and 6 months to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply directly for permanent or seasonal jobs. There are no set entry requirements although some employers may ask for GCSEs in maths and English.

Experience in retail or customer service will be helpful but not always essential.

More Information

Career tips

Most employers will offer part-time and flexible work options for this job, alongside full-time hours.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to work well with others
  • concentration skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
  • customer service skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a shelf filler, you would:

  • move boxes of stock from stores or freezer rooms to the shop aisles
  • replace products on shelves, racks or in chiller cabinets
  • set up product and promotional displays
  • remove out of date or damaged items
  • check that shelf labelling is correct
  • take bulk packaging like boxes away for recycling
  • direct customers to particular items in the store

Working environment

You could work at a store.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and cool.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a shift leader, stockroom supervisor, or train to work as a checkout operator, delivery driver or retail merchandiser.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Store Career Starter Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £13,166.40 a year Annually
  • Location: Atherstone, Warwickshire

Apprentice Retail Team Member - Bristol

  • Wage: Competitive Annually
  • Location: BS45 8FL
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Retail Knowledge NCFE Award level 1

  • Provider: LEICESTER COLLEGE
  • Start date: 29 January 2025
  • Location: Leicester

Level 1 Award in Business & Retail

  • Provider: Buckinghamshire College Group
  • Start date: 04 September 2025
  • Location: Aylesbury
Find courses near you

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