Best way to get a job in retail?

I only have 4 months experience as a 'Team Member' at Upper Crust (a year ago) which was both retail and catering (I have no interest in catering) and 8 weeks at a charity shop about 3 years ago. I haven't had much luck so far other than an interview for Debenhams and for Primark (both of which I didn't get). Does anyone have any tips? I have a 2.2 in English Lit degree, but I don't think that matters. I'd work most retail outlets but i'd love to work somewhere like Game or Waterstones. So far i've just been applying online, is it good to hand CVs into shops as well?