All You Need to Know About A Career in Retail

Working in retail is a great career path for people of all ages and interests. Retail covers many different types of environments and goods such as multi-chain stores or small business shops so there are opportunities for everyone. Whether you have experience in retail or not, this line of work is brilliant for all skillsets and when you hit the ground running it’s easy for you to climb the career ladder.

Why work in retail?

If you prefer customer-facing roles or consider yourself a ‘people person’ working in retail is a great choice for you. There are positions to suit all career goals whether you want to progress into a managerial role or there’s one particular of retail that you are interested in. Furthermore, retail is also a great option for those seeking flexibility as there are more options for part-time and full-time roles.

Starting your career in retail

Most people’s first jobs are in retail so if that’s the case for you, the experience is on your side. If not, don’t worry, retail does not require formal qualifications so you can learn on the job and use your existing skills.

As a retail worker, you’ll need to offer the entire shopping experience. From greeting customers to serving them at the till and keeping the store running smoothly, if you’re an approachable individual who is great at multi-tasking this is a great basis for starting a career in retail.

Here are some of the top skills that can help you land a job in retail:

● Communication

● Ability to work by yourself and in a team

● Problem-solving

● Time management

● Attention to detail

● Being adaptable

● Foward-thinking
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Which pathways can you take?

Retail is a varied line of work since there are s many different types of stores. It can involve anything from working in a branded clothes shop to high-end department stores so there is plenty to learn. But, retail isn’t just about sales. There are also more creative roles such as merchandising and backend responsibilities including payroll.

Some of the most common pathways you can take include:

● Sales Advisor / Assistant

● Store manager

● Regional or national manager

● Admin

● Visual merchandiser

● Cashier

● Buyer
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Retail salary expectations

Retail salaries vary between different companies and of course minimum wage guidelines. Depending on your position and responsibilities, many roles will have an hourly wage based on your age and how many hours you work. However, managerial roles and other areas of retail will offer an annual salary. There are always plenty of opportunities to increase your salary such as taking on more responsibility.

Retail is an exciting career choice that offers pathways to suit all goals. If you want to learn more about your retail options and meet with some of the biggest employers in the country, sign up for The UK Careers Fair today.

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