Cape Union Mart Vacancies

Cape Union Mart is a leading South African retailer specialising in outdoor apparel, footwear and equipment. Established in 1933 in Cape Town, the company has grown to more than 300 stores across South Africa, Namibia and Botswana, employing over 3 300 people as of July 2025. Cape Union Mart’s commitment to quality products, excellent service and community engagement makes it a popular employer in the retail sector. This article provides a detailed overview of current vacancies at Cape Union Mart, covering job descriptions, key duties, typical salaries and entry requirements for a variety of roles.

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Cape Union Mart Vacancies

1. Company Overview

• Founded: 1933 by Philip Krawitz as an “Army and Navy Store” in Cape Town

• Stores: 300+ across South Africa, Namibia & Botswana (July 2025)

• Employees: 3 300+ permanent and part‑time staff

• Product Range: Hiking and camping gear, trail‑running shoes, snow sports equipment, corporate uniforms (Sparks & Ellis), and apparel brands like Old Khaki and Poetry

• Manufacturing & Sustainability: Operates two factories and a large distribution centre; partners with WWF for eco‑friendly clothing lines

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2. Categories of Vacancies

Cape Union Mart offers roles at three main levels:

1. Retail Store Positions

   • Entry‑level: Sales Assistants, Cashiers

   • Mid‑level: Visual Merchandisers, Assistant Store Managers

   • Senior: Store Managers

2. Head Office & Buying

   • Buyers, Merchandise Planners, Marketing Coordinators

3. Support & Distribution

   • Warehouse Supervisors, Distribution Assistants, Factory Operators

Current online job boards (July 2025) show:

• 91 open positions on Glassdoor

• 3 496 vacancies listed on PNet (including 95 part‑time roles)

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3. Sales Assistant

Description
Sales Assistants are the primary point of contact for customers in store. They help shoppers find the right products, answer queries and create a welcoming shopping experience.

Key Duties

• Greet customers and provide expert advice on outdoor gear

• Process transactions accurately (cash, card, vouchers)

• Restock shelves, maintain store presentation and cleanliness

• Achieve personal and store sales targets

• Handle customer complaints and returns, escalating where necessary

• Scan outgoing stock and enforce stock‑loss controls

• Assist in loyalty‑card sign‑ups and promotions

Salary

• R4 000 – R5 000 per month (varies by location and experience)

  • Indeed average: R4 121/month

  • Payscale estimate: R31.19/hour (~R5 402/month)

  • Glassdoor annual range: R44 000 – R153 000 (R3 667 – R12 750/month)

Requirements

• Matric certificate (or equivalent)

• Clear criminal record and strong honesty/integrity

• Good communication and interpersonal skills

• Availability for retail hours, including weekends and public holidays

• Prior retail or customer‑service experience advantageous but not always essential

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4. Store Manager

Description
Store Managers oversee all aspects of store operations, leading teams to meet sales goals and maintain brand standards.

Key Duties

• Recruit, train and motivate staff to achieve daily and monthly targets

• Manage inventory, stock‑takes and shrinkage controls

• Implement visual‑merchandising guidelines to maximise sales

• Analyse sales data and drive action plans for underperforming categories

• Handle escalated customer issues and ensure high levels of service

• Ensure compliance with company policies, health and safety regulations

• Liaise with head office on promotions, stock orders and store budgeting

Salary

• R18 000 – R45 000 per month (based on store size, location & performance)

  • Payscale average: R165 250 per year (~R13 771/month)

  • Glassdoor range: R225 000 – R548 000 per year (R18 750 – R45 667/month)

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ retail management experience, ideally in high‑volume stores

• Strong leadership, coaching and performance‑management skills

• Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities

• Proficiency in retail‑management software and point‑of‑sale systems

• Ability to work under pressure in a fast‑paced environment

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5. Buyer

Description
Buyers select and purchase merchandise for the Cape Union Mart store network. They balance product quality, cost and customer demand.

Key Duties

• Conduct market research to identify trends in outdoor apparel and equipment

• Negotiate pricing and terms with suppliers, fostering long‑term relationships

• Analyse sales and inventory data to optimise purchasing decisions

• Collaborate with marketing and visual‑merchandising teams on product launches

• Work closely with in‑house manufacturers (e.g. K‑Way) to support local sourcing

• Ensure timely delivery and stock availability across all stores

Salary

• R28 000 – R48 000 per month

  • Glassdoor annual salaries: R341 000 – R575 000 (R28 417 – R47 917/month)

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Fashion, Supply Chain or related field

• 3–5 years’ experience in retail buying or merchandising

• Strong analytical, negotiation and vendor‑management skills

• In‑depth knowledge of outdoor and sports apparel markets

• Excellent communication and project‑management capabilities

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6. Other Store and Support Roles

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7. Employee Benefits and Development

• Medical Aid & Retirement Fund: Comprehensive cover for permanent staff

• In‑Store Discounts: 30–50% off selected products

• Long Service Awards: Recognition and rewards for tenure

• Wellness Programmes: Mental‑health support and employee assistance

• Training & Career Progression: On‑the‑job training, management development programmes and opportunities to transfer into head‑office roles

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8. Working Conditions and Trends

• Fast‑Paced Environment: High foot‑traffic stores and seasonal peaks (e.g., festive season) demand resilience and adaptability

• Shift Flexibility: Retail hours include weekends, public holidays and occasional early/late shifts

• Contract vs Permanent: Many entry‑level roles start on fixed‑term contracts; growth to permanent positions often tied to performance

• Diversity & Inclusion: Ongoing efforts to improve gender and racial representation at all levels, though formal statistics are limited

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9. How to Apply

1. Visit the Careers Page on the Cape Union Mart website (search “Cape Union Mart careers” online)

2. Select Your Role and review the detailed job specification

3. Complete the Online Application form, upload your CV and certified qualifications

4. Submit & Track your application via the online portal

5. Prepare for Interviews: Familiarise yourself with Cape Union Mart’s brand ethos and product range

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Conclusion
Cape Union Mart offers a broad spectrum of career opportunities in retail, buying and distribution. With competitive salaries, solid benefits and clear progression pathways, it remains an employer of choice for those passionate about outdoor adventure and customer service. While retail can present challenges—long hours, high targets and contract roles—the right candidates will find Cape Union Mart a rewarding environment in which to build their skills and careers.

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