Getting hired at The Walking Company Holdings is no easy feat. As one of the largest comfort footwear retailers in the world, they only recruit the best of the best. With over 160 stores across North America and a commitment to customer service excellence they need employees who are knowledgeable personable, and dedicated to the company’s values.
If you have an interview scheduled with The Walking Company Holdings, you’re likely eager to make a great impression The key is understanding what they look for in candidates and being ready to demonstrate those qualities In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 20 most common Walking Company Holdings interview questions, so you can confidently ace your interview and land your dream retail job.
Overview of The Walking Company Holdings
The Walking Company Holdings has established itself as a leading retailer known for its vast selection of comfort footwear, emphasis on proper fit, and exceptional customer service. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Nashville, TN, the company operates several retail brands including The Walking Company, Abeo, and New Balance stores.
With over 5,000 employees and revenues exceeding $200 million annually, The Walking Company has carved out a niche in the retail space. They aim to provide footwear that combines style, comfort, and wellness for customers with diverse needs. Their success is driven by strong company values that include passion, authenticity, innovation, and community.
The Walking Company Holdings Interview Process
The hiring process typically involves multiple interviews, starting with an initial phone screening. This is followed by one or two in-person interviews, either on-site at a retail location or at the company’s corporate office. Some key things they look for in candidates include:
- Retail experience, particularly in customer service roles
- Strong sales drive and ability to meet targets
- Passion for footwear and fitness
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Reliability and punctuality
The in-person interviews are conversational and focus on assessing personality fit and cultural alignment. Some locations may require passing a drug test and background check before extending a job offer. Overall, the process aims to hire applicants who embody the company’s values and can deliver exceptional experiences to customers.
20 Common Walking Company Interview Questions and Answers
Here are some of the most frequently asked Walking Company Holdings interview questions along with tips on how to best answer them:
1. Why do you want to work for The Walking Company Holdings?
This opening question aims to gauge your passion for their brand and products. Be specific about why their mission resonates with you and how your values align with the company. You might mention:
- Appreciation for their focus on proper footwear fit and comfort
- Interest in health, wellness, and staying active
- Passion for delivering outstanding customer experiences
- Belief in their values like community, innovation, and authenticity
Example: “I’m excited by The Walking Company’s commitment to helping customers find comfortable shoes that fit their needs and enable healthy lifestyles. My personal dedication to exceptional service matches your values of passion and community. I would welcome the opportunity to grow with a company that prioritizes customer wellbeing.”
2. What do you know about our company and products?
This tests your research skills and desire to work for them specifically. Highlight facts like:
- They operate 160+ stores under brands like The Walking Company, Abeo, and New Balance
- Known for vast selection of comfort shoes and emphasis on proper fit
- Footwear balances style and ergonomic design using innovative technology
- Passionate about customer service and community engagement
- Offer free footwear assessments and personal shopping experiences
Example: “The Walking Company Holdings operates over 160 retail stores under various comfort footwear brands. You have an extensive selection of shoes that blend style with innovative comfort technologies like arch support and cushioning. Your brand is defined by excellent customer service, going the extra mile to ensure the perfect fit. You engender a real sense of community through events and partnerships.”
3. Why do you want to work in the retail industry?
Share your enthusiasm for retail, particularly shoes and service. Mention aspects like:
- Passion for helping customers find products they love
- Enjoyment of fast-paced store environments
- Strong sales drive and competitiveness
- Desire to continuously learn about new products
- Reward of building connections with customers
Example: “I’m drawn to the retail industry because I love delivering outstanding service experiences. I thrive in the energetic, fast-paced store environment and enjoy competing to achieve sales goals. Retail allows me to constantly learn about new products and trends while making meaningful connections with customers.”
4. How would you describe your work style?
Highlight being:
- Energetic with a positive attitude
- Reliable, punctual, and hard working
- Great with customers and team players
- Driven to achieve goals and learn constantly
- Adaptable and resilient in dynamic environments
Example: “I have an energetic, upbeat work style. I’m extremely reliable – always punctual and willing to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. I enjoy collaborating with team members but can also work independently. I’m adaptable in fast-paced settings and constantly striving to improve, whether helping customers find perfect shoes or mastering the latest product knowledge.”
5. What retail positions have you held? Why did you leave?
Focus on roles that show sales abilities, customer orientation, and passion for service. Explain reasons for leaving positively like seeking new growth opportunities.
Example: “Most recently, I was an Assistant Sales Manager at Foot Locker for 2 years. I exceeded sales targets by utilizing product knowledge to match customers’ needs. I left to gain experience in specialty comfort retail, where I could take a more consultative role in fitting shoes and supporting wellbeing.”
6. How would you handle an unhappy customer?
Emphasize listening, apologizing, identifying solutions, and going above-and-beyond. Share how you recovered a customer experience.
Example: “First, I would listen attentively without interrupting to fully understand the customer’s concerns. I would apologize sincerely, take accountability, and assure them I will resolve the issue. If possible, I would offer an immediate solution, like a refund or exchange. Finally, I would thank them for their feedback and perhaps offer a discount on their next purchase. The customer’s long-term satisfaction is always my priority.”
7. How do you stay motivated when you’re having an off day?
Discuss focusing on customers, connecting with team members, remembering your passion, and taking quick breaks when needed.
Example: “If I’m having an off day, I try to reconnect with why I’m passionate about customer service – to help people find products they’ll love. I also lean on my colleagues for support; our camaraderie motivates me. Most importantly, I remind myself that each customer interaction is a chance to turn my day around. Focusing on making someone else’s day helps me regain motivation quickly.”
8. How would you calm down an angry customer?
Show emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills. Highlight staying calm, not taking anger personally, and finding solutions.
Example: “With an angry customer, the priority is hearing them out and diffusing the situation. I would remain calm and use active listening skills. Once the issue is clear, I would apologize for their trouble and assure them I’m focused on finding a resolution, not assigning blame. If needed, I would involve a supervisor to identify an equitable solution. My goal is turning the negative experience into a positive one by addressing the customer’s concerns.”
9. What’s your process for getting up to speed on new products?
Show you’re proactive in learning about new products quickly through:
- Reviewing product guides and training materials
- Trying on products first-hand and testing features
- Asking colleagues for insights on what customers like
- Observing customer reactions and feedback
Example: “When new products arrive, I take a hands-on approach to getting up to speed quickly. I’ll thoroughly review any training materials to gain foundational knowledge. Then I’ll personally examine and try on the products, so I can speak to their fit and feel. I also engage with my team to leverage their experiences. Finally, I observe how customers respond to gain real-time insights into what resonates about the new products.”
10. How do you juggle assisting customers with completing other tasks?
Discuss:
- Prioritizing customers while multi-tasking efficiently
- Anticipating quieter times to focus on tasks
- Communicating with colleagues to share workload
Example: *”I always prioritize giving customers my complete attention. However, in between assisting customers, I multi-task efficiently. This means using slower periods to catch up on tasks like restocking or inventory counts. I also communicate with my team members to delegate tasks when possible. My goal is ensuring customers feel valued while also maintaining store
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The Walking Company is ranked #2 on the Best Retail Companies to Work For in Santa Barbara, CA list. Zippias Best Places to Work lists provide unbiased, data-based evaluations of companies. Rankings are based on government and proprietary data on salaries, company financial health, and employee diversity.
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