Fashion retailer TK Maxx has teamed up with Holts Academy to provide 2,000 of its sales staff with watch and jewellery training as it focuses on pushing its watch offer.
The TK Maxx staff have already started studying for Holts’ Diploma in Jewellery Retail and the academy will continue to train staff until October. The course will provide training on how to sell jewellery and watches over what the academy has described as an "intensive period".
The training will be followed up by assessments for the staff in stores as well as visits by secret shoppers who will judge how well the team has applied the training provided by Holts Academy.
TK Maxx jewellery buyer Lisa Hollidge said: "We wanted to be able to offer our customers high quality, branded jewellery and watches with a significant saving on the RRP. This will also be matched with exceptional service and knowledge from our associates, who have been trained using the exclusive diploma in Jewellery Retail qualification developed by industry experts, the Holts Academy."
TK Maxx said that it plans to roll out the training beyond the initial 2,000 staff members with plans to put a further 450 staff from the UK, Ireland, Poland and Germany through the course. The retailer said that the need for the specialist training has been led by the opening of 15 new specialist jewellery counters in the UK.
Holts Academy director Lee Lucas said: "We are delighted to be able to working with TK Maxx on the launch of their new jewellery department. Our programme, qualification and tutors are second to none. TK Maxx associates will get detailed knowledge of gems, hallmarks, precious metals and the manufacturing process as well as skills in customer relations and visual merchandising."
