Getting a Job in Retail

Whether you are starting a degree in retail management or are simply considering the field, there are a few things to consider before starting a career in this area. While this might not be the career option for everyone, it can be an ideal career for some because of the opportunities for success.

Preparing for the Career

Many times, retail managers have worked their way up from a lower position. But if you have a degree, it’s often easier to get the job right away. Having a communications or business-related degree might help you learn the necessary skills sooner. Some managers even have MBAs. No matter what degree you choose, you might need to take out private student loans to pay for tuition, especially if you max out your other financial aid options. Taking out loans is often a better option for many students than waiting to begin their degree

Whether or not you choose to get a degree, development programs and training within the company will also move your career forward. But experience is still important. Even after graduation, you might not get the job of your dreams right away. Take the time to learn about every aspect related to the job so you can work up to the position you want. As your opportunities grow, your promotion might require moving physically. You may need to move to a larger city to work at a bigger store that has more of a market. Or you might be promoted to work in regional management. Because of retail’s nature, the positions are not always in the same cities.

Are You the Right Person for Retail?

Successful retail managers do more than just make sure that everything’s going well. They’re also results-oriented and want to help other employees do their best. They should be natural leaders who are both good listeners and strong communicators. They also need to have good customer service skills and be able to negotiate. Remember, if you mistreat a customer, you might destroy the company’s reputation. It’s about more than just making sales. Retail managers also oversee everything that goes into making the store run smoothly, from merchandising, buying, and inventory to working the sales floor. You need to be organized enough to keep track of the current merchandise while being able to serve your customers well. You can expect to manage the buying process, maximize profits, and analyze trends in the market while researching your competition.

It’s Not a Regular Job

Profit and sales measure your success in retail. It will be your responsibility to improve the company’s performance by meeting your customers’ demands, maximizing the company’s profits, and increasing product turnover. While other considerations will go into determining your salary, the amount of profit you bring to your company will often impact your compensation. Stores need to serve the public, and these customers often work regular nine to five jobs. That means they’re more likely to come to your store on a weekend or evening, so you might need to work non-traditional hours, especially during the holidays.