Behind the Scenes with Molton Brown: How FUSE is Transforming Recruitment

“I don’t need to know anything about recruitment. I just bounce an email and quite often hear back within the hour from FUSE.”

Recruitment in retail can be fast-paced, unpredictable, and often challenging, especially during peak seasons. That’s why partnerships like the one between Molton Brown and FUSE are so valuable. In this interview, Ashley and Genna share their firsthand experiences working with FUSE, offering insights into how collaborative recruitment efforts can streamline hiring, improve staff quality, and build stronger teams. Whether you're a store manager, HR professional, or simply curious about innovative hiring practices, their stories offer practical takeaways and inspiration.

We sat down with two team members from Molton Brown, Ashley, Assistant Manager, and Genna, Store Manager, to hear how FUSE has impacted their recruitment, staffing, and overall business goals. Here's what they had to say.

1. Tell us a little about your brand and your role.

Ashley: I'm the Assistant Manager at Molton Brown and have been here for over a year. I’ve been part of the Quarter since it opened.

Genna: I’m the Store Manager at Molton Brown. I’ve worked for almost 25 years now, mostly in the spa world. When COVID hit, I transitioned into retail and discovered how much I love chatting with people!

2. How did you first hear about FUSE?

Ashley: When I moved to Molton Brown, my first involvement was through the recruitment fair and it was packed! This year, we saw 150 candidates in one day and hired two excellent permanent staff members.

Genna: Lesley bounced into the store one day and introduced herself and we’ve been best pals ever since! That was back in July 2024.

3. What prompted you to get involved with FUSE?

Genna: We increased our hours by 16 and didn’t anticipate how busy we’d be. With Q4 approaching, I kept Lesley in my back pocket knowing we’d need staff quickly. The recruitment fair came at the perfect time.

4. What challenges did you face before working with FUSE?

Genna: Budget constraints and staffing shortages. We’re expected to do more events than anyone else in the Quarter, but we didn’t have the staff to support that.

5. What was your first impression of FUSE and the team?

Ashley: I had met Myles a few times, and then Lesley at the recruitment fair. They’re incredibly supportive. They helped us set up for the recruitment fair and kept checking in throughout the day.

6. How easy was it to start working with FUSE?

Genna: So easy! I don’t need to know anything about recruitment, I just send an email and usually hear back within the hour from FUSE.

8. How has the FUSE partnership supported your recruitment or staff development?

Genna: Currently, 25% of our permanent staff and 50% of our Christmas temps came through FUSE.

9. Have you noticed changes in candidate quality or the recruitment process?

Ashley: The candidates were impressive. Two of our permanent staff we got from last year's recruitment fair and they’re still with us. One is flexible and at university, the other is in school and works weekends and both are reliable and excellent team members.

Genna: Recruitment has been a huge help. We are a small store and play a lot of roles. FUSE saves us so much time.

10. What has surprised you most about working with FUSE?

Ashley: I didn’t expect the recruitment fair to be so busy and it was packed from the moment doors opened. It was great!

Genna: How friendly and easy it was. I’ve worked with recruitment consultants before and they could be difficult. FUSE is the opposite - open, happy, and supportive.

11. What would you say to other managers considering FUSE?

Ashley: Do it, definitely. It’s an excellent opportunity and will fast-track your recruitment.

Genna: Do it! It’s really easy and they’ll do all the work for you. Just reach out.

12. Hopes for future collaboration with FUSE?

Genna: We’ll reach out to FUSE for any future recruitment needs.