Cape Union Mart is one of South Africa’s most iconic and trusted retailers, known as the go-to destination for outdoor, adventure, and travel gear. For decades, they have been the first stop for anyone planning a hike, a camping trip, or an overseas journey. From K-Way jackets and hiking boots to tents, technical gear, and travel accessories, they are an institution for adventurers.
As a leader in specialized retail, they are constantly looking for passionate, energetic, and knowledgeable people to join their team. They offer some of the best entry-level jobs in South Africa for those who love the outdoors and enjoy helping people. This is a fantastic place to build a long-term career in a specialized and exciting retail sector. This guide will show you the key roles and how to apply for vacancies in 2025.
Introduction / Company Overview
Working at Cape Union Mart is different from a typical fashion or grocery job. The company is built on a foundation of expertise, quality, and a genuine passion for adventure. Their mission is to not just sell products, but to provide expert advice that helps customers have a safe and successful trip.
This means their employees are “Adventure Experts.” The company’s values are clear: honesty, innovation, taking ownership, and building relationships. They are looking for people who are friendly, confident, and have a real love for the outdoors. This is a place where your hobbies (like hiking or camping) are just as important as your work experience.
Job Roles / Titles
The main role at Cape Union Mart is a multi-skilled one. You will be trained in all areas of the store, from sales and customer service to stock control and cash handling. The job is often advertised as a “Sales Assistant” or “Retail Store Assistant.”
Sales Assistant (Adventure Expert)
This is the most important part of the job. You are the face of the brand and the expert on the floor. Your goal is to “exceed customer expectations by practicing customer selling techniques.” This means you don’t just point to a product; you ask questions. “Where are you hiking? What is the weather like? Are you carrying a heavy pack?” You will use your product knowledge (on everything from Gore-Tex waterproofing to the fill-power of a down jacket) to help customers find the perfect gear for their specific needs. You will be responsible for meeting your individual sales targets and driving sales by identifying opportunities. This is the perfect role for someone who is confident, engaging, and genuinely loves outdoor gear.
Stock Assistant (Operations)
This is the operational side of the role. You will be responsible for “adhering to stock loss controls” and “maintaining housekeeping.” This involves receiving new stock, checking inventory, ensuring all items are security tagged, and keeping the stockroom organized. A key part of this job is visual merchandising—upholding the store’s standards to create appealing displays that optimize sales. This requires a good eye for detail and a proactive, organized mindset.
Cashier (Point of Sale)
This is the high-trust part of the job. The company places a high value on “honesty in dealing with cash and finances.” You will be responsible for handling all customer transactions at the point of sale, processing cash and card payments, and handling returns or exchanges. You will also be the main person to promote the company’s loyalty program (like the “Friends & Family” card) and inform customers about in-store promotions.
Job Locations
Cape Union Mart has stores in all major malls and key destinations across South Africa. Vacancies are posted for specific locations, including both popular flagship stores and key local centres.
- Gauteng: Sandton City (popular flagship) and Cradlestone Mall (community/near the “Cradle” area).
- Western Cape: V&A Waterfront (popular flagship) and Garden Route Mall, George (local adventure hub).
- KwaZulu-Natal: Gateway Theatre of Shopping (popular) and Watercrest Mall (community/near outdoor areas).
- Mpumalanga: i’Langa Mall, Nelspruit (popular) and Highveld Mall, Emalahleni (local).
Requirements
Here are the minimum requirements you will need to apply for these entry-level adventure retail jobs. What’s great is that experience and Matric are “desirable,” not “essential,” meaning your personality is key!
- Education: A Matric or Equivalent qualification is desirable (a bonus, but not always essential).
- Experience: 6 months of retail experience is desirable. This means if you have a great attitude but no experience, you should still apply!
- Clear Record: You must have a clear criminal record (essential for cash handling).
- Skills: You must be proficient in English and have the ability to communicate effectively.
- Personality: This is the most important part. You must have a strong “customer service focus” and a “friendly, helpful, confident, and engaging personality.”
- Attributes: You must have “honesty,” “thinking adaptability” (can you solve problems?), and “take ownership” (be reliable).
Duties / Responsibilities
As a Sales Assistant, your goal is to be a true all-rounder in the store.
Sales & Customer Service Duties
- Exceed customer expectations by practicing active, needs-based customer selling techniques.
- Ensure your individual sales targets are met consistently.
- Maximise and drive sales by identifying opportunities (e.g., add-on sales).
- Build and maintain relationships with customers and your team.
Operational Duties
- Adhere to all stock loss control procedures in the store.
- Maintain housekeeping and keep the store clean and professional.
- Uphold visual merchandising standards to create inspiring displays that optimize sales.
- Be honest and accurate in all dealings with cash and finances.
- Create an inspiring and fun work environment for yourself and your team.
Salary / Compensation
Disclaimer: These figures are industry estimates and are not official salary scales from Cape Union Mart. Pay varies by role, location, and your sales performance.
The estimated salary for an entry-level Sales Assistant at a specialized retailer like Cape Union Mart typically ranges from R5,000 to R8,500 per month. This is often a basic salary, which is supplemented by a commission structure for meeting sales targets.
- Sales Commission: This is a key benefit. Your ability to meet your targets directly impacts your monthly earnings.
- Massive Staff Discount: This is one of the biggest perks. You will get a significant staff discount on high-end technical gear (like K-Way, The North Face, Salomon, etc.) for your own adventures.
- Benefits: As a large, formal retailer, they offer benefits like contributions to a provident fund for permanent employees.
Shift Schedule / Work Hours
This is a standard retail position in a mall environment. You must be prepared to work flexible hours.
- Rotational Shifts: You will be scheduled for morning, afternoon, and closing shifts as per the mall’s trading hours.
- Weekends & Public Holidays: You must be available to work on weekends and public holidays, as this is the busiest time for the store.
Company Values / Benefits
Working at Cape Union Mart is a unique opportunity. The company values are clear: honesty, innovation, adaptability, ownership, and having fun. Here’s what you gain:
- Become a Product Expert: You will receive world-class training on the technical specifications of outdoor gear. This is a valuable, specialized skill that makes your CV stand out.
- Career Growth: Cape Union Mart is part of a large retail group (which includes Poetry, Old Khaki, and Tread+Miller). A successful Sales Assistant can become a Store Manager, a Visual Merchandiser, or move into head office roles in buying or marketing.
- Great Team Culture: The company actively says they want to “create an inspiring work environment and have fun.” You will work with other people who share your passion for the outdoors.
- Job Stability: You will be working for one of South Africa’s most established, iconic, and respected brands.
CV / Application Tips
To get a job at Cape Union Mart, your CV needs to show your personality and your passion, not just your work history. Use these tips to get noticed.
- Crucial Tip: Highlight Your Hobbies! This is the most important tip. If you love hiking, trail running, camping, fishing, or just exploring, put this on your CV! A “Personal Interests” section that says “Passionate about hiking and outdoor adventure” is more valuable to them than 6 months of unrelated retail experience.
- Show Your Personality: The ad asks for a “friendly, helpful, confident, and engaging personality.” Your CV summary must reflect this. Start with: “A confident, energetic, and engaging sales professional with a passion for customer service and the outdoors.”
- Use Their Keywords: Add words from the job ad. Include “customer selling techniques,” “stock loss control,” “visual merchandising,” “building relationships,” and “taking ownership.”
- Emphasize Honesty: The ad lists “Honesty” as a key requirement. In your summary, state that you are a “reliable and trustworthy” individual.
💡 NewTime Tip: “For your Cape Union Mart CV, your hobbies are your experience. Create a small section called ‘Personal Interests’ and list: ‘Hiking, Trail Running, Camping, Passion for Outdoor Gear.’ This instantly shows them you are a perfect fit for their brand.”
How to Apply Online
The safest and most direct way to apply online for Cape Union Mart jobs is through their official group careers portal. This ensures your application goes directly to their HR department.
- Visit the Portal: Go to the official Cape Union Mart Group Careers website: www.capeunionmartgroup.com/careers
- Search for Jobs: On the portal, click “View Vacancies” or “Search Jobs.”
- Filter Your Search: Filter the results by “Brand” (select “Cape Union Mart”) and by your “Location” (e.g., “Gauteng”).
- Find Your Role: Look for “Sales Assistant” or “Retail Store Assistant” roles in your area and click to read the full description.
- Apply Online: You will need to create a profile, fill in your details, and upload your CV. Make sure the CV you upload is the one you tailored for this specific job!
Important Notice:
- Never pay for a job. Cape Union Mart will NEVER ask you for an application fee. All official job applications are 100% free.
- Only use the official portal. The capeunionmartgroup.com website is the only official place to apply. Be cautious of other links.
Bonus / Related Job Posts
If you are looking for other opportunities in the retail and sales industry, check out these other posts on our site: