ADD ADVICE TO FAVRetail manager
Retail managers manage retail outlets or groups of outlets.
What retail managers do
- are responsible for branch profitability
- analyse daily, weekly and monthly sales figures
- ensure new stock is ordered (directly from suppliers or through head office buyers), received in time and that it is put on display as required
- manage suppliers who are responsible for restocking their own shelf space and also control the activities of ’store within a store’ franchises
- deal with customer complaints and comments
- recruit, train and motivate staff
- take responsibility for the safety and security of staff and customers.
Key skills for retail managers
- commercial acumen
- ability to delegate
- teamworking, motivational and leadership skills
- numeracy and IT skills
- ability to prioritise and multitask
- verbal and written communication skills, and ability to project a suitable image to the public
- ability to use initiative, especially with customers
- attention to detail.
Training to be a retail manager
Graduates normally join a retail company on a training scheme. They become managers after gaining experience on the shop floor and in non-selling departments.
Salaries for retail managers
Graduate starting salaries vary but tend to be around £18,500. Experienced managers can earn £25,000 to £40,000. Performance bonuses or profit-sharing schemes are common.
Professional bodies
There are no specific professional bodies, but some retail managers join the Chartered Management Institute.
