Retail Marketer Job Description - Salary, Education and Career Guide for Becoming a Retail Marketer

Retail marketing is an ideal industry for individuals who are creative and like to work with others in a fast-paced environment. Entry-level retail marketers generally work in customer-based environments and can advance in the field to study advertising and market trends.

Job Description

Retail sales in the United States are now equivalent to two trillion dollars annually, and retail businesses come in all sizes. It’s increasingly common for large companies such as Wal-Mart and Home Depot to put smaller companies out of business. These large companies are known as "retail category killers." About two million retail stores employ almost 20 million people in the United States today.
 
The retail industry is made up of many different areas, including:
  • buying
  • central management
  • merchandising
  • store management.
 
The retail industry is fast-paced and service based. Those interested in working in this field require several skills and personality traits, including:
  • a positive attitude
  • empathy for customer concerns
  • enthusiasm
  • flexibility
  • interpersonal skills
  • sales skills.
 

There are several different employment opportunities in the retail industry. Several of these include retail marketing manager level positions such as:

  • Buyers are responsible for purchasing a store’s inventory
 
  • Department managers are responsible for a single department within a store
 
  • Management trainees become assistant or store managers after a set amount of training
 
  • Regional managers watch performance, report findings and solve problems for retail stores
 
  • Retail sales people provide customers with information and assistance concerning their purchases
 
  • Store managers are in charge of a single store and its employees.
 
Aside from buyers, little to no travel is required for retail marketers. This allows family-oriented individuals to spend more time at home. Some challenges working in a retail marketing job include working long hours, evenings and weekends.

Salary Guide

Salary for retail employees depends on location, as well as the size, type and resources of the employing institution. Salary for entry-level employees can be quite low. Retail sales employees earn an average of $22,000 a year. A retail store manager earns approximately $46,000 annually and can advance to earn up to $56,000 a year or more.

Education and Training

In many areas of marketing, a degree is necessary to advance within the field. Senior executives usually have a master’s degree. Some qualities are just as important as education, including:
  • diligence
  • efficiency
  • experience.
 

Coursework in business-related fields can give a person more insight into certain areas of retail, including:

  • finance
  • inventory control
  • merchandising.
 

Prior Work Experience

Holding an entry-level position is a necessary step when entering the retail marketing industry. This position will allow a person to learn correct protocols and practices within a company and see them in action. Higher-level positions require experience and industry insight. Any experience with the business side of the industry will help with advancement.

Career Advancement

Employment outlook is good for retail marketers. The retail industry is growing rapidly, so there are many job opportunities within the field. Before applying for a job or moving to a new company, review the company’s competition and financial reports, of possible.
 
Advancement to specialty jobs and management is possible from entry-level positions. Those with business experience will likely have a good chance at advancing to higher-level retail marketing jobs. Relocation may be necessary for advancement.
 
Some individuals work in entry-level positions and advance until they have a firm understanding of the business. They may then advance to start their own business.

Related Associations and Groups

  • National Association for Retail Marketing Services
  • Retail Advertising and Marketing Association
  • Retail Marketing Society.
 
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