FUSE is the official training and recruitment partner of St James Quarter. We connect people looking for work with real jobs, training, and career support across Edinburgh’s retail and hospitality brands in St James Quarter and greater Business Development District area.
“I was walking through looking for work and someone handed me a pamphlet. I spoke to someone from Zara at the fair, they took my details, and FUSE followed up after. I ended up getting the job and stayed at Zara for two and a half years.”
After that first success, Ruri came back to FUSE when he was ready for something new. He met with Lesley, applied to several roles, and within days, New Balance reached out with an interview.
He started as a Sales Advisor but quickly progressed.
“A few months in, they were looking to fill some internal roles and offered me the Running Pacer position. It came with some really exciting opportunities.”
As part of his new role, Ruri travelled to Amsterdam to join New Balance’s team of Running Experts from across Europe. Over two days, he trained at the global headquarters, toured the facilities, met senior leaders, previewed unreleased product lines and learned how to deliver foot scans with precision and confidence.
“We stayed at the Olympic Hotel, explored the canals, and had dinner with management. The HQ had a basketball court and a full showroom. It was one of the coolest places I’ve ever been.”
Now in-store, Ruri acts as a specialist customers are referred to when they need personalised advice on what to wear for running, walking or recovery.
“We don’t just sell shoes. We offer a tailored experience. I ask questions, scan their feet and recommend what works best. People really appreciate that one-to-one attention.”
“FUSE made a huge difference. When you apply online, it’s easy to get lost in the numbers. But when you go through FUSE, the employer knows who you are and what you’re about. They’ve already heard your name in the right context.”
Ruri also appreciated the follow-up and hands-on guidance. “They don’t just help you get any job. They help you get the right job. And they stay in touch to make sure it’s going well.”
“If you’re not confident, retail can help bring that out. I was shy when I started at Zara, but you’re always talking to people and eventually it becomes natural. Now I really enjoy it. Building real connections with customers is one of the best parts of the job.”
What’s Next Ruri is now preparing to support at the London Marathon, where New Balance Running Pacers help deliver product expertise and customer engagement during one of the brand’s largest events.
“I’m really happy where I’m at. The team’s great, the job is social, and there are opportunities I never expected. I’ve gone from shy to leading customer experiences. That journey started with FUSE.”
Our Talent Bank is a proactive tool designed to reduce staff turnover and accelerate hiring by matching employers with career-ready, locally-supported applicants.
The Talent Bank benefits both Employers and Job Seekers. For Employers the benefits are pre-vetted candidates, training pathways, visibility across SJQ events and channels. For Job Seekers the Talent Bank ensures their skills and experience are getting the maximum exposure across all the brands in the St James Quarter.
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