How to Advance Your Career in Retail

Are you naturally gifted at customer service? You may have what it takes to build a successful career in retail.

Retail managers have good earning potential and enjoy plenty of variety in their day-to-day duties. From training team members to managing inventory, this role comes with a wide range of responsibilities.

Discover how to work your way up the leadership ranks in the retail industry and the skills you’ll need to qualify for retail management jobs. Learn about The Benefits of a Career in Retail.

Top Traits of a Retail Manager

Communication Skills

To qualify for leadership roles in retail, you’ll need the ability to communicate with customers, staff members, and suppliers. Speaking with customers can be challenging at times (especially if they’re unhappy with your product or service), but the best retail managers can keep their cool and reason with people even in stressful situations.

Multitasking Abilities

Most retail managers have long and complicated to-do lists, covering everything from managing rosters and handling payroll, to ordering new stock and assessing profits. Being good at multitasking and knowing how to prioritise tasks will help you handle the many responsibilities you’ll have as a retail manager.  

Confident Decision Maker

Retail managers face difficult decisions almost every day. Should you let a customer return a product that’s clearly been used? Should you approve a team member’s leave application? Is it a good time to have a sale? To lead a retail team, you’ll need the confidence to make decisions quickly without doubting your own judgement.

Desire to Help Others

Instead of helping customers because it’s your job, you should genuinely want people to have the best experience possible in your store. Good customer service is at the heart of every successful retail business, so it’s crucial you enjoy talking to people and assisting them with accessing your products and services

How Much do Retail Managers Make?

Wages for retail managers can vary depending on several factors, including location, the size of the store or business, and experience. Indeed reports that retail managers in Australia make $66,701 a year on average.

Get Qualified

Formal training can help boost your earning potential in the retail industry. If you think you’ve got what it takes to succeed in a senior role but keep being overlooked for promotions, a qualification will help you stand out from the crowd.

Foundation Education’s SIR30216 Certificate III in Retail is designed to help individuals develop the skills required to effectively engage with customers, maintain daily store operations and deliver on organisation expectations. You’ll learn how to work in a management role in a diverse range of retail settings, including specialty retailers, supermarkets, department stores and quick service restaurants.

After completing this course, you’ll have the confidence and ability to take on leadership responsibilities in retail and secure a high-level job.

If you’re ready to make the leap and start learning online, enquire online or call 1300 616 197 to speak to one of our friendly Careers Advisors.

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