Retail Jobs
The retail sector includes every type of shop you can think of, from market stalls and car showrooms to large supermarkets and department stores; between them, they sell a vast range of goods. Retail operations also include websites, TV shopping channels and mail order catalogues.
The retail sector includes every type of shop you can think of, from market stalls and car showrooms to large supermarkets and department stores; between them, they sell a vast range of goods. Retail operations also include websites, TV shopping channels and mail order catalogues.
Retail organisations such as supermarket chains receive goods at their distribution centres from manufacturers. They check and store goods, and then distribute them to individual outlets where they are again stored before being put out on display.
In the retail sector, customer service skills are essential. Whether you deal directly with customers or speak to them on the telephone, you must have strong communication skills.
You need the ability to listen carefully and ask the right questions to find out how you can best meet each customer’s needs. You should be polite, friendly and interested in the customer.
You might need to handle complaints, so you should be able to show sympathy, be tactful and stay calm under pressure.
Retail Manager
The retail manager is the person in charge of a shop, store or supermarket. Retail managers have many responsibilities, for the products that the store sells, for the staff and for customer service.
In large stores, the retail manager might be helped by a number of assistant managers who take responsibility for certain sections of the business such as customer service. In smaller stores and shops, there may be only one or two staff to assist the manager.
Retail managers need excellent product knowledge. They have to know what sells well, make sure that stock levels are adequate and sometimes deal with suppliers’ representatives. In larger organisations, they give verbal and written reports to their area manager.
Retail Assistant
Retail assistants serve customers in shops. Their work can vary depending on where they are employed. For example, in self-service stores, the retail assistant will normally be stationed at the checkout and only offer help when asked.
In department stores, the retail assistant might be based at a counter in just one department. In specialist shops, retail assistants often walk around the sales area and approach customers to offer assistance and advice, for example, in shoe shops, furniture stores, mobile phone shops or electrical appliance stores.
When a sale is made, retail assistants deal with payment, which could be made by either cash or credit/debit card.
They scan the item, or enter the amount in a cash till, and give change and receipts.
Other duties might include dusting and tidying shelves and shop areas, ordering, unpacking and displaying new stock, and making sure that shelf labels or goods are marked with the correct price. Some retail assistants might cash up at the end of the day and take money to the bank.
Retail Merchandiser
Retail merchandisers make sure that the correct mix and number of products are stocked and displayed by each branch of a retail chain or supermarket.
They use information about trends and previous sales to meet customer needs and make the best profits. Retail merchandisers work with buyers, product managers and suppliers to predict what will be needed.
Merchandisers usually work at the head office of the company. They produce reports for senior managers. They might produce layout plans for stores. They also use computers to help them to decide which sizes, colours or types of stock to send to each branch.
Retail merchandisers need to be able to analyse large amounts of information, think ahead, make decisions and be well organised. They should have good verbal and written communication skills, together with number and IT skills.
Retail Buyer
Retail buyers buy goods in large quantities for resale in shops. They buy goods from importers, manufacturers and wholesalers. They go to trade and/or fashion shows, visit warehouses and see salespeople who call with samples and catalogues.
The success of the business depends on the buyer getting the right amount of goods, at the right price, to the right place at the right time.
Retail buyers must keep to their budget and work out whether the goods will sell at a profit. They look at public demand, past sales figures and trends. Buyers have to find new places to buy things from, and negotiate with suppliers. They discuss contracts and arrange delivery dates.