Business

Dobbies is hiring in August - for Santas and elves!

Dobbies has already begun the search for Santa at its Northern Ireland stores in Lisburn and Antrim
Dobbies has already begun the search for Santa at its Northern Ireland stores in Lisburn and Antrim Dobbies has already begun the search for Santa at its Northern Ireland stores in Lisburn and Antrim
By Gary McDonald Business Editor

IS it too early to talk about Christmas? Well, not for the UK’s largest garden centre Dobbies . . .

With the opening of its Antrim store at The Junction in October, the chain has already begun the hunt for a team of Santas and elves to help turn it and its Lisburn stores into magical winter wonderlands.

Its recruitment team is searching for enthusiastic helpers to sleigh ride from the North Pole and bring festive cheer to its line-up of seasonal events locally.

Festive helpers at Dobbies' new 110,000 sq ft store at The Junction will be involved in welcoming children into its popular grotto experience, hosting Santa’s iconic breakfast and striking a pose with customers’ four-legged friends at Santa Paws.

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Appointed seasonal team members will receive a full training programme to get them ready for a mid-November start date.

Ken Ferguson, Dobbies' general manager for Antrim, said: “My main aim is that our customers have the most cheerful Christmas possible and we’re looking for helpers to assist us in delivering the ultimate festive fun in our Antrim and Lisburn stores.

“With our Antrim store newly opening, we are planning on making a big splash for Christmas with extensive festive activities planned. Santa’s boots are hard to fill, and we’re looking for people who have a passion for Christmas and are great with children and dogs.

“They’ll need to help us create some magic, so we’re looking for charismatic individuals worthy of Santa’s hat.”

Dobbies’ Grotto will be available in its Antrim store from November 23 and Lisburn from November 25, alongside Dobbies’ Quiet Grotto experience, taking place on December 8 for those with additional needs.

Santa Paws sessions are taking place from December 2 and Santa’s Breakfast will take place from November 25 in Antrim and December 9 in Lisburn.

There will be a variety of vacancies available in Dobbies’ Antrim and Lisburn stores, and if you think you’ve got what it takes to be Santa or his helper, you can apply at https://careers.dobbies.com/