From shortlist to store-ready in seven days: here’s how KOOKAÏ did it.
Opening a flagship store is a major milestone for any brand. It requires more than simply filling roles; it demands the right people, hired quickly and thoughtfully, who embody the brand’s culture and deliver an exceptional customer experience.
When KOOKAÏ approached Four Seasons Recruitment to support the launch of its London flagship store, the brief was clear: build a team that would truly represent the brand. With a high-profile opening on the horizon, it was essential to find individuals who reflected KOOKAÏ’s culture, service standards, and commitment to excellence.
Exclusive Recruitment for a High-Profile Launch
Gemma Worrow, Retail Perms Director, was appointed exclusively to manage hiring for the KOOKAÏ London flagship store. The brief covered several key positions, including Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager, and Senior Sales Associate roles.
This was a high-profile project that required precision, pace, and clear communication throughout the process.
Before Maria arrived in the UK, we pre-screened and interviewed all candidates face to face, ensuring only the strongest matches were shortlisted. This preparation allowed her to conduct 18 interviews over a week and a half in a seamless, highly efficient process, while ensuring every candidate aligned with KOOKAÏ’s values, culture, and retail standards.
Being on the ground together allowed us to move quickly and maintain a highly collaborative hiring process. Several roles were confirmed during the interview stage, and the full team was successfully placed within just one week.
Supporting the Launch Beyond Recruitment
Our involvement extends beyond hiring. As the store prepares to open, we are collaborating with Maria to facilitate in-person training sessions across 12 days, ensuring new team members feel confident, prepared, and supported from the start.
This hands-on approach is central to how we work with clients. Rather than simply acting as a recruitment supplier, our aim is to become a true extension of the brand’s team, supporting them through every stage of the process.
The Importance of Clear Candidate Communication
This project highlighted the value of clear, consistent candidate engagement. Our marketing and recruitment teams worked closely together throughout the process, running targeted email campaigns, providing regular updates, and ensuring every candidate felt informed and supported at each stage.
The result was a seamless experience for both candidates and the client, with strong engagement and positive feedback across social channels.
Client Feedback
As Maria shared:
“Throughout the entire process, the Four Seasons Recruitment team have been incredibly professional, accommodating and thoughtful.
I can honestly say I have never experienced such exceptional attention to detail from a recruitment agency. I leave London satisfied and content that I have a strong team ready to go.”
Delivering Confidence for Store Launches
For brands planning store openings or scaling retail teams quickly, this project demonstrates what can be achieved with the right partner: speed, clarity, and confidence at every stage.
We’re proud to have supported KOOKAÏ’s London launch and look forward to helping other brands achieve the same results through a hands-on, collaborative approach.
If you’re planning a launch or need support building your retail teams, we’re here to make the process seamless from start to finish. Explore our latest opportunities here and follow us on LinkedIn for market insights, career advice, and luxury hiring trends.
