Pros
The role was very student-friendly, with flexible working hours that could be adapted around university commitments. The company also offered a generous 35% staff discount on all products, including premium outdoor brands such as Rab, Mountain Equipment, and Montane. Staff were also eligible for a one-time 50% discount on selected bicycle purchases, which was a valuable additional benefit.
Cons
Holiday availability could be limited due to the tourism-focused nature of the business. During peak trading periods, particularly throughout the summer and the Christmas season, obtaining annual leave could become increasingly difficult due to staffing requirements and increased customer demand.
Another observation was the company's increasing focus on lower-cost, entry-level products at the expense of some premium and specialist ranges. While this may have appealed to a broader customer base, it reduced opportunities for staff to develop in-depth product knowledge and technical expertise, as there were fewer specialist products available to learn about and advise customers on.