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Retail Employment

Retailing is the sale of commodities or merchandise for private or domestic consumption, and was responsible for approximately four million jobs in 2004. Experts are projecting an increase in retail employment through 2014.  Although the retail industry is not expecting growth as fast as average industries, there is high turnover rate associated with the industry, so candidates seeking these careers will experience a high volume of positions to choose from.  Jobs in retail often appeal to students, parents, and elderly individuals because of the flexibility in scheduling, and the variety of hours available.

Retail store employment includes establishments such as super centers and grocery, department, clothing, accessory, and warehouse club stores.  Each facility generally offers a specific type of merchandise, or selection.  Department stores, grocery stores, warehouse club stores, and super centers offer a broad range of merchandise, and focus on offering products in fixed quantities at low prices.  Clothing and accessory stores often focus on a specific type or style of goods, offering a number of varieties of each. 

Although the establishment may differ, careers are similar throughout the retail industry.  Entry level occupations may include sales associates, cashiers, stock clerks, order fillers, or customer service representatives.  Sales associates assist customers in deciding on specific products, answer questions, as well as clean, and ensure excellent store appearance.  Cashiers take money, organize and complete return or exchange transactions, gift wrap, and make certain customers endure a positive experience.  These professionals often share many of the same responsibilities as sales associates, and the two positions may be interchangeable.  Stock clerks and order fillers are accountable for maintaining fully stocked, organized, and accurately priced merchandise displayed on the sales floor.  Customer service representatives solve customer complaints or problems in a timely manner, following company policies.

For more experienced associates, management and purchasing positions are available.  Department and assistant managers supervise all staff to ensure excellent performance and service is constantly delivered to customers.  Their duties often include creating schedules, and performing reviews as necessary.  They will often maintain reports and records that assist purchasing agents in projecting future needs.  Based on sales histories, the economy, and demand projections, they determine the proper amounts of merchandise to be ordered for each facility.  Store and general managers oversee all activities of each employee.  In order to maintain success, and promote growth, they review a number of practices daily. 

Retail establishments are generally well lit and organized stores.  While products and specific services vary, candidates generally work eight hours or less per day.  The vast majority of entry level positions offer part time schedules.  During peak seasons, holidays, evenings, nights, and weekends, extended hours may be mandatory due to increased traffic.  Successful candidates will be personable and enjoy working with the public.

Training for these careers is generally provide on the job, or through company organized programs.  Candidates may enter these fields with or without a high school diploma, or further education.  For associates wishing to advance in the retail industry, formal education in combination with on the job training is commonly necessary.  Employers prefer candidates with associates or bachelors degrees for promotion into higher positions.   

For more information on retail employment, please visit the following sites:

• The Friedman Group
• College-Guide.net
• Center for Retailing Studies
• The Retail People
• Illinois Retail Merchants Association

iHireRetail can help with your retail employment needs.  We are a niche job board specializing only in retail positions and job postings. A few of our job titles include:

• Assistant Manager
• Cashier Supervisor
• Buyer
• Compliance Analyst
• Gemologist