Customer Service Careers & Merchandising Jobs in Retail

Are you looking for a career in the retail industry? Do you like working with people and helping them find what they are looking for? If so, one of the many available jobs in retail might be a great option for you. Keep reading to learn about various retail jobs, and how some extent of formal training may help you advance your retail career.

Working in Retail

Retail jobs are a vital part of the service and business industries. Jobs in retail involve selling products to consumers. Therefore, to be successful in retail, you should be customer service oriented and have an outgoing personality. Many people associate retail jobs with business to consumer stores (such as those found at the mall), although there are also many business to business retail jobs available.

Jobs in Retail

Unfortunately, the retail industry has a very high turnover rate. This explains why retail jobs are frequently available. There are retail jobs in almost every sector of the economy. Some of the most common retail jobs include:
  • Retail buyers: Retail buyers select which items will be purchased to sell in the store. These purchasing professionals consider many factors when choosing items, including cost, quality and availability.

  • Retail loss prevention and security officers: These security jobs deal directly with theft of items in the store. Loss prevention professionals may also take part in theft investigations.

  • Retail merchandisers: Merchandisers set up in-store displays in order to increase sales. This is a very important task, since marketing and presentation play a substantial role in consumer purchasing.

  • Retail sales clerks and cashiers: Sales clerks work with consumers specific needs to help them find items they need, and cashiers make sure that they are checked out in a quick manner.

  • Retail stockers and warehouse workers: These individuals make sure items are received at the store and put them on the shelves. This job requires the ability to lift a certain amount of weight, as boxes containing stock can be quite heavy.

  • Retail store managers: Among other duties, retail management duties include overseeing the work of sales clerks and cashiers, handling consumer complaints, and hiring, training and firing employees.

Facts and Figures

Retail jobs are very accessible, and most retail stores will offer on-the-job training. Retail salespeople often work evenings, weekends and extended hours on holidays. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in retail are expected to grow 4.5 percent between 2006 and 2016.
 
The pay for these positions varies greatly, depending on the size of the company, the number of employees, and whether or not employees work on commission. In May 2006, the average hourly rate for retail salespeople was $9.50, while the average salary for a retail store manager was $33,960 per year.

Education, Training and Work Experience

A college degree may be required for upper management positions in retail, but most jobs in the sector only require a high school diploma. Large retail stores have training programs that they require their employees to complete before beginning work. These programs may include basic customer service principles and specific policies that pertain to the store. Many large retail stores have management training programs, but these are typically open to employees that have prior experience in the field.

Related Associations and Groups

Are you looking to break into the retail industry? There are many groups that cater to specific sectors of the industry, and can give you advice on how to succeed in retail jobs. Some of these groups are:
  • Institute of Store Planners
  • National Association of Retail Buyers
  • National Association of Retail Marketing Services
  • National Retail Federation
  • Resale, Wholesale and Department Store Union
  • Retail Industry Leaders Association.
 
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