Retail Jobs / Retail Management Jobs / All Retail Jobs

Career Guide to Retail

Are you a natural born salesperson?  Are you fiercely competitive?

Retailers face an intense competitive environment. With the growing availability of retail space there are more stores joining the marketplace. At the same time there is also a great deal of money to be made at the retail level.

Clothing, accessory, and general merchandise stores are some of the most visited retail establishments in the country. Whether shopping for an item of clothing, a piece of jewelry, a household appliance, or even food, you will likely go to one of these stores to make your purchase or compare selections with other retail outlets.

 If this sounds like something you’re interested in, then a career in Retail or Wholesale might be for you!

About 29 percent of the workers were employed part time. Most employees work during peak selling times, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Weekends are busy days in retailing, so almost all employees work at least one of these days and have a weekday off. Longer than normal hours may be scheduled during busy periods, such as holidays and the back-to-school season, when vacation time is limited for most workers, including buyers and managers.

Over the past few years, many department stores in this industry have consolidated, seeking more efficient operations in order to stay competitive. Some clothing, accessory, and general merchandise stores are also moving toward obtaining goods directly from the manufacturer, bypassing the wholesale level completely. Additionally, many large retailers try to reach as many different consumers as possible, and so have added online stores, discount outlets, and sometimes high-end boutiques, since more apparel and accessories shoppers enjoy designer and other high-society items. E-commerce also continues to be a popular way for consumers to shop and for stores to showcase all of their items for sale.

What Education/Certifications do you need for:
Retail Jobs / Retail Management Jobs / All Retail Jobs

Many jobs in the clothing, accessory, and general merchandise store industry do not require more than a high school diploma. Most of the skills needed for these jobs can be learned through on-the-job training from an experienced employee.

Sales and related occupations. Generally, no formal education is required to become a retail salesperson or cashier; in fact, many people get their first jobs in this industry. A high school diploma or less is sufficient for most people in retail sales, since most of their tasks can be learned through on-the-job training. However, almost all managers of retail sales workers require some retail experience or education beyond high school.

Other qualifications. In most small stores, an experienced employee or the manager instructs newly hired sales personnel on how to make out sales checks and operate the cash register. In larger stores, training programs are more formal and usually are conducted over several days. Some stores provide periodic training seminars to refresh and improve the customer service and selling skills of their sales workers. Initially, trainees are taught how to make cash, check, and charge sales; eventually, they are instructed on how to deal with returns and special orders. Other topics usually covered are customer service, security, and store policies and procedures. Depending on the type of product they are selling, sales workers may be given specialized training in their area. For example, those working in cosmetic sales receive instruction on the types of products that are available and the types of customers most likely to purchase those products.

Current & Future Job Outlook for:
Retail Jobs / Retail Management Jobs / All Retail Jobs

 Job prospects. Numerous job openings will result from the need to replace workers who leave jobs in this large industry. Jobs will be available for young workers, first-time jobseekers, persons with limited job experience, senior citizens, and people seeking part-time work, such as those with young children or those who wish to supplement their income from other jobs. Persons with a college degree or computer skills will be sought for managerial positions.

Employment change. Overall, the number of wage and salary jobs in clothing, accessory, and general merchandise stores is expected to increase 7 percent over the 2006-16 period, compared with the 11 percent increase projected for all industries combined. Growth of this industry is extremely dependent on consumer’s spending habits and the health of the economy. Growth will be the result of continued increases in spending on clothing, accessories, and general merchandise, together with an increasing number of consumers, and will keep in line with the overall growth of the economy. Many wholesale clubs and superstores will expand and create many jobs in this industry, especially in sales and related occupations. Job growth will also stem from the continued growth and popularity of family clothing stores, where the store is not catering to a specific age or gender. Employment in full-service department stores will slowly decline as more people buy from warehouse clubs and superstores.