Part time retail roles are at risk. The BRC (British Retail Consortium) has warned that one in ten part time roles could be lost over the next three years as a result of rising employment costs.

But as experiential retail continues to evolve and brands focus on in-store experiences and community building over anything else in 2025, I believe part time staff are becoming MORE essential to a brand’s retail success, not less – and should be celebrated.

Before I started my role as Graduate Surveyor at BGP, I worked as an educator and visual merchandiser at Lululemon, after years of retail and hospitality roles alongside my studies. It taught me so much more than how best to fold a pair of leggings; most importantly, how to deliver top grade service through every interaction. Full time staff are supported heavily by those part time employees who step constantly to boost the ranks at busy times, cover absence and elevate service levels. While the full-time worker is just as important, it is vital for companies to appreciate their part time staff just as much and consider their commitment to their job.

Brands like Fred Perry have built strong customer communities. Fred Perry has a partnership with the Music Venue Trust to support grassroots music venues. In store, it’s their staff who act as the true brand ambassadors, becoming the face behind the brand. The brand is passionate about creating a diverse retail team and a positive working environment. They value personal development, are big on flexibility for staff, and have great perks ranging from staff discount and healthcare/life insurance access.

Aesop is a brand that recognises the importance in investing in staff – they fund training that enables retail staff to become certified facial therapists. Well supported, happy retail workers create positive experiences for the customer.

As agents in the Tenant Rep team, we don’t just negotiate on location and space – we understand how stores work, from the difficulties of building a staff rota on an August weekend to how to build a space where your staff can interact with customers in a way that will keep them coming back. And that’s because we’ve been there, on the shop floor, doing it ourselves. All my years working in retail and hospitality have provided me with an understanding on what the customer may be looking for from direct experience, conversation and built relationships. These roles have been completely valuable to my career as a surveyor.

I believe that if there are less part time workers in retail, this means decreased customer service. And that means lack of engagement, increased frustration and a less memorable shopping experience – which ultimately leads to customers going elsewhere. So, stores, recognise the value in not just keeping your part time workers, but in treating them well – they make a huge difference to brand reputation and customer experience.