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Matalan

Fashion Buying and Merchandising/Garment Technology Review

at Matalan

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Retail Manager

Kirkby

Review Submitted: September 2023

Overall Rating

4.8 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

4.5/5 - Overview of Experience
5/5 - Skills Development
5/5 - Company Culture
5/5 - Overall Experience
4/5 - Recommendations and Advice

Overview of Experience

Please give an overview of the insight and what was involved on a day-to-day basis.
Shadowing employees that worked in garment technology and buying. I attended live fittings as well as attended buyer and merchandising meetings discussing products. Meet and interact with buyers and models whilst being able to ask questions which has aided me in finding what job I desire to choose in the future. Each employee explained all aspects of their jobs and any key terminology. It was a lovely working and learning environment.
What was it like understanding all about the business and potential roles available?
It was overwhelming at first, I really didn’t realise how many jobs that Matalan offer as well as how many roles that the fashion industry offers. It was nice to see that there are a lot of options out there for me to choose from. Having the opportunity to work within three different roles I really got a feel of how each department interacts with each other and how vital and important each are
Please rate how insightful you found the insight
4/5
How would you rate the structure of the insight
5/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
With garment technology I acquired the skill to measure many garments ranging from t-shirts to underwear. I was also taught to create patent for garments in different sizes. With merchandising I learnt how to measure and determine store performance based on stock sales. As well as seeing how trends develop and have a real life experience of looking at product cycles. With buying I was taught negotiating skills, seeing how they interacted with manufacturers.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate the knowledge learned around personal or professional skills during the experience?
5/5
Please rate how the knowledge learned has helped you with regards to your career development
5/5

Company Culture

How would you rate business leader involvement during the insight
5/5
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
In my eyes each department seemed like a small family, I could genuinely tell that they all got along very well with each other. Everyone was very opening and patient towards me and answered any questions that I had.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the networking opportunities?
5/5
Please rate how valued you felt during your insight?
5/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
I genuinely enjoyed the insight as it gave me a real idea of what it was like to work properly in a company. Seeing how employees interacted with each other and myself reassured me that Matalan was an amazing work environment to be in.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on the insight
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
I was not paid and had no expenses

Recommendations and Advice

Please rate the future employment prospects at Matalan
4/5
Would you recommend Matalan to a friend?
Yes
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Matalan
They’re a busy company so don’t feel downhearted when they don’t reply straight away. If you really want the role chase and email/call to make sure your voice is heard.
In This Review
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