Retail Management: Starting Small, Climbing High?

Answer 1

Retail management is a rewarding and sometimes challenging career choice. A retail manager is typically responsible for the running of a retail store. This can include scheduling, hiring and firing, making hard decisions and ensuring the day-to-day store operations run smoothly. In addition, a retail manager may have duties not unlike a typical retail worker.

Many retail managers start out on the ground floor of the company. They may be stock clerks, cashiers or even parking lot attendants. It is therefore important for aspiring retail managers to do their best at any job asked of them. It may take months or even years to begin climbing the ladder, but good work is rewarded with career advancement.

Some retail stores prefer their managers hold degrees in certain fields. A business management degree is a great way to get a foot in the door. A marketing degree is likewise helpful. However, real world experience often counts for far more than a piece of paper from a college, and many employers are willing to take a chance on the right person with the right skill set.

A retail manager comes in many forms. Some are responsible only for a certain department within the retail store while others may be responsible for the entire store or even a network of stores. The salary for retail management varies widely and depends on many factors. Salary may or may not include bonuses and commission. Starting salary for a retail manager in charge of one store is about $32,000 a year, while the starting salary for a district retail manager (responsible for several stores at once) can easily exceed $50,000 a year.

Retail management can be a volatile career choice in a struggling economy. When the economy is down, consumers tend to spend less, which translates to lower profits for retail stores. A good retail manager, however, will do everything in their power to improve profit margins and keep their store above water. Although retail management can be challenging at times, the right attitude and a strong drive to succeed makes all the difference in the world.