The summer is here and for many it’s a time for change. Plenty of us go on holiday and dread that back-to-work feeling. Others are looking to reduce their hours to spend more time doing what they love, or even increase them as our circumstances change.

Does this sound like you?

If so, we might have just the opportunity! Serving our community is at the heart of what we do and as a convenience store, you will get to know all the locals living in your area. You never know, you might make a friend or two, or find out about a new local activity you never knew about before!

Working at Welcome is extremely rewarding.

As well as playing your part in a team that keeps busy stores thriving, our six shops are now part of the Southern Co-op – a long-established brand that dates back to December 1872.

Back then, 30 people attended a public meeting and unanimously agreed to pay one shilling to establish a local Co-operative. Back then, the Co-Operative Society was formed by dockyard workers to tackle exploitation and inequality, and 5 months later, the Portsea Island Mutual Co-operative Society’s first shop opened in Charles Street on 9 May 1873.

There was recently a special edition of the Portsmouth News, which included a pull-out section on Southern CoOp’s beginnings as part of its 150th birthday in May – you can read it here.

Since then, there’s been loads of changes – but some things stay the same

Our shops look a little different now compared to 150 years ago, and thankfully we’ve moved away from the exploitation of workers in this country from centuries ago.

But we still exist to make a difference and you can see from our sustainability pledge how we plan to tackle climate change by introducing Zero Waste stores and using local suppliers, which in turn reduces our carbon footprint and supports some of our great local businesses – and the economy too!

Even though we are no longer funded by dockyard workers, we are still very much owned by our members to this day – and that’s why being part of our local community is so important. As one of our colleagues, you can make a difference to that community today, while also being part of yesterday’s legacy.

You will be rewarded with competitive pay and staff discounts in both Welcome and Southern Co-Operative stores. What’s more, you’ll get access to a portal that will give you even more discounts and cashback when shopping at other retailers, including travel and leisure, home, DIY, sports, restaurants and cafes – and more!

Hear what a colleague has to say!

“I love working at Welcome stores. Not only do you meet so many interesting people from around the community, no two days are the same. The helpful, friendly teams working in the stores make them feel like community hubs. There is always a customer in the store who you recognise and they treat us like thier own extended friendship network, telling us about their day as well as other things going on in their lives. I also like the way Welcome stores give back to the community with sponsorships and charity initiatives. It really is a great, fullfilling and wholesome place to work.“

Becky – Marchwood store

Where do I sign?

We’d absolutely love to hear from you and if you’d like to work with us, simply pop into your local Welcome store with a copy of your CV and covering letter or apply online. You can view all of our current vacancies, along with more details of hours, pay, benefits and locations on our jobs page here.

We look forward to welcoming you, to the Welcome family!