The Love of Luxury: How to Succeed in Retail Wonderland

When I landed in London on October 1, 2024, with three suitcases and a dream, I knew ambition would push me forward through any challenge. But dreams don’t pay the bills—I needed a job fast.

London is a fashion capital bursting with opportunities, offering countless paths for young creatives to explore. One world that was still fairly new to me, despite my experience in styling and luxury, was European luxury retail. I had worked in retail and high-end fashion before, but places like Harrods and Selfridges felt like distant wonderlands—mythical palaces of excess I never thought I’d step foot in, let alone work at. Growing up with a single mother in Calgary, Canada, the idea of working at Harrods? Give me a break.

Except That’s Exactly What Happened

A month into London, and I’m not just working at Harrods—I’m working at Hermès Harrods. A luxury juggernaut where two titans, Harrods and Hermès, exist in perfect, polished tension. It was an intense, high-stakes environment, but one that sharpened my skills in luxury service and elevated my understanding of exclusivity and prestige. The connections I made there? Invaluable. The lessons? Tenfold. This experience didn’t just enrich my career—it redefined it.

But getting a foot in the door of luxury retail, let alone Hermès, is no easy feat. Exclusivity isn’t just what they sell—it’s how they hire. Competition is ruthless, and in Europe, securing a luxury retail role can mean enduring five rounds of interviews just to prove you belong in the room.

So how did I land the job just one month into London?

Working with Luxury Retail Talent Agencies

Luxury retail talent agencies in London are everywhere. Coming from Canada, where the luxury fashion industry isn’t nearly as robust, this was a surprise. But if you want to fall down the rabbit hole and land in a retail wonderland fast, an agency is your best bet. Thanks to one, I was able to step into the world of Hermès Harrods as my very first London job.

That said, not all agencies are created equal. Some offer better opportunities, and others… not so much. There are strong pros and cons to temping in luxury retail, so here’s what to expect:

Pros

🔹 Fewer Interviews, More Opportunities – The best way to prove your worth? Actually working in it. I had managers offer me permanent roles after just one shift. Agencies fast-track that interview process. 

🔹 Unmatched Networking – Whether you stick with one brand or rotate between Harrods, Selfridges, and boutiques, you’re meeting industry professionals daily. London thrives on connections, and temping opens doors faster than anything else.

🔹 Never a Dull Moment – Every day is different. You’re constantly adapting to new brands, sales techniques, and luxury environments. It’s fast-paced, but the permanent staff are generally helpful and welcoming.

🔹 Flexibility for Creatives – As a stylist, designer, and model, flexibility is everything. Temping means zero-hour contracts, allowing me to work around my creative pursuits.

Cons

🔸 Say Goodbye to Stability – Work depends on brand demand, and when sales slow, temps are the first to go. Christmas was booming, but come January? Work vanished overnight.

🔸 Late-Night Shifts – Brands set your schedule, and late shifts are the norm. Selfridges, for example, closes at 10 PM. As a 6 AM riser, this was a struggle.

🔸 You Feel Temporary – Because you are. Some brands embrace temps, while others make it clear you’re not part of the core team. I’ve even seen temps sent home for not "fitting the brand."

Is Luxury Retail Temping Right for You?

Temping works best for:
✔️ Those with other commitments (freelancers, students, creatives)
✔️ People looking to break into luxury retail
✔️ Short-term visa holders

If you need stability, set hours, and long-term security? This isn’t for you.

Luxury retail can be an exciting, dazzling experience—but like any wonderland, it’s all about knowing what you’re stepping into.

The Difference Between Regular Retail and Luxury Retail

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s ask the big question—what sets luxury retail apart from regular retail?

From personal experience, luxury retail is more of a feeling than an action. It’s not just selling—it’s an art. It’s about adding that extra va va voom when a client walks in, presenting products in a way that reflects their history, craftsmanship, and ethos. Above all, it’s about exuding a quiet confidence that carries through every interaction.

Early in my luxury retail experience, I approached a client eager to assist, but they kept ignoring me. I kept trying, but they weren’t interested. A coworker pulled me aside and simply said, "This is luxury. If they want to be served, they will come to you." Instead of chasing, I learned to focus on ready clients—because in luxury, service is a two-way street.

Sales and KPIs are vital, but luxury retail isn’t only about chasing a sale. It’s about presence. It’s about storytelling. And above all, it’s about staying true to the most luxurious thing of all—you.

The Most Luxurious Gift of All: You.

Working in luxury retail in London came with its lessons, challenges, and—at times—breaking moments. It’s not always an easy environment, but what surprised me most was the camaraderie and solidarity among the staff. Maybe I was lucky, but I never felt unwelcome. Instead, I felt part of a team that strengthened my confidence in ways I never expected.

Quiet confidence is key in luxury retail; you’ll hear “Don’t take it personally” more times than you can count. The truth? When I was unapologetically myself, I had the most success. If I could return, I’d tell myself not to question whether I was enough for a place like Hermès Harrods. Growing up with a single mother in Calgary, I never imagined I’d even step into Harrods—let alone work there. But there I was, standing among some of the most luxurious pieces in the world, discovering a confidence I never knew I had.

I believe everyone in fashion should experience luxury retail at least once. Go in with an open mind, tough skin, and a willingness to learn—you might just uncover parts of yourself you never knew existed.

And that’s as valuable as a Birkin.