The retail sector is one of the industries that employ millions of workers per year. Since most types of jobs don’t require formal education, many workers get the chance to work in this sector. In addition, college students have an opportunity to work in retail as they are some jobs that have flexible schedules. However, other jobs require some skills and even experience in the field.
Apart from all that, employees do get a chance to grow with a company and eventually move up the ladder. So, if you are looking at a job in retail, here are the 15 best jobs to consider.
1. Cashier
One of the most popular jobs in retail, it is no wonder that 3. 65 million people were employed in 2018 as cashiers. A position everyone thinks about when they hear of retail jobs, there are many places you can apply for this type of job. For example, there are grocery stores, department stores, gas stations, and other retail shops. Although most jobs are part-time some employees do offer benefits as well as on the job training.
2. Store Manager
Another type of retail job is a store manager. Ideal for someone with previous experience in retail, the job requires one to manage daily operations such as customer service, inventory, promotions, and productivity among other responsibilities. You may have other roles such as managing and training staff, hiring, scheduling meetings, and so on.
3. Security Guard
The position of a security guard is found in any industry and retail stores are no exception. Sometimes customers get a bit difficult and it requires a security guard to intervene. However, before you go applying for this kind of job you need to be able to stand your ground on any situation as well as remain calm while dealing with the customers.
4. Customer Service Representative
There are different customer service representative roles in retail. With competition becoming fierce in the retail industry, employers rely on their staff to provide a high level of customer care both in the physical location as well as online stores. The job could be working at the customer service desk, handling returns and payments, and responding to inquiries about products and their prices as well as delivery service.
5. Human Resource Manager
A human resource manager has many responsibilities when it comes to overseeing a retail store. You can be in charge of recruitment and employment, training, compensation, benefits, employee relations, workforce planning among others. For a chance to get this job, you need to have strong interpersonal skills which means you need to be able to communicate with people effectively. Other skills should include leadership skills, decision-making, organizational, and even speaking skills.
6. Social Media Manager
Being a Social Media Manager is an interesting job especially for anyone who loves marketing. Apart from showing your marketing skills, you will learn a lot from this job since there is never a dull day. There are many roles and responsibilities that come with this type of job. These usually are managing and monitoring the store’s media sites by posting videos, images, written, and podcasts. Also, you get to create a budget for social media activities and planning for social media campaigns. All of this is meant to increase sales.
7. Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance is an essential job in retails as far as customer experience is concerned. That means a clean and well-maintained store is a must to keep customers coming back. No one wants to walk in a store that is dirty as well as disorganized and that is why as a cleaner you will be required to dust, clean the store aisle, offices, and restrooms as well as collect the rubbish. For any maintenance jobs you might be required to do minor repairs, or just inform the management of any major repairs needed to be done.
8. Online Merchandiser
Do you know that about 14% of sales transactions happen online? That said retail stores are one of the industries that have an online merchandise position. Responsible for digital merchandising of products on the store’s website, there are other job tasks an online merchandiser is required to do. These include:
· Decide on product promotion
· Analyze data
· Determine sales strategy
· Conduct daily follow up on targeted customers
· Work on search words, consumer ratings, and bundles
· Analyze competition information, pricing, and campaigns
All in all, the merchandiser is responsible for maximizing sales thus increasing the store’s profit.
9. Loss Prevention Specialist
The main purpose of loss prevention specialists is to prevent shoplifting as well as keep an eye on dishonest employees. With some placed on the doorways, they get to greet customers while checking bags and tags. Inspecting store alarms and locks is also another part of their jobs. Meanwhile, there is another set of specialists who monitor surveillance cameras as well as walking around the store watching shoppers while remaining inconspicuous as possible.
10. Retail District Manager
A retail district manager’s job is to supervising all operation of retail stores within a district as well as hire individual store managers. To qualify for this kind of job you need to have some managerial training as well as have excellent people skills. Don’t forget, great communication skills are also vital as you will be dealing with employees from various stores.
11. Beauty Consultant
Are you into beauty and love anything to do with makeups and care products? Then becoming a beauty consultant is the job for you. Aside from demonstrating makeup techniques, you also get to suggest skincare products, cosmetics, and beauty products to clients. Additionally, you also explain in detail the product ingredients and price for each product. Note that, apart from receiving your hourly pay, you might receive a commission for promoting a certain product or brand.
12. Retail Warehouse Worker
Not all retail jobs are inside the store; some are behind the curtains but are also important as any other job. A retail warehouse worker is one of them. Mostly including packing and shipping stock to be sold in stores, you may also be required to check merchandise for defects that may have been previously overlooked.