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This article seeks to tackle multitasking work, the role versatility characteristic of a number of service occupations, through a study of low cost distribution, in which it plays a major part in pursuit of reducing costs. The text is based on two ethnographic studies, in low cost DIY/hardware and hard discount food retail. First, the phenomenon is understood through a comparison with practices and division of labour in the large retailer sector: in the low cost sector, a multitude of activities with divergent operational mindsets, implying movement between departments, are to be found, which distinguishes it from classic shops. Multitasking work is then analysed in terms of its effect on employees, a combination of overspill and adjustment. Finally, a number of different modes of adoption of multitasking work may be observed, according to the social and professional characteristics of employees.