The current loss of confidence and jobs in the financial sector, the number one employer until recently, has pushed Retail closer to the top of the tree. You don't need a string of qualifications, if you can apply common sense, demonstrate a willingness to learn, then prospective employers will give you a chance.
Any aspect of Retail is fast paced and fluid, which also means that you could move rapidly through the ranks. Most of the successful and wealthy business owners started on the shop floor. This is where they gained the invaluable knowledge on how the business works, where it doesn't and more importantly, what is needed to either put things right, or develop to the next level. Right in the front line of Retail is where you discover what consumers want, ask them what else they need and you have your future development ideas, to put forward to your boss.
We are a nation obsessed with shopping but our choices are disappearing to the big supermarkets and department stores, alongside out of town shopping. These guys dictate to the consumer what to buy, by limiting the choice available and discontinuing products for their own reasons. This trend can reverse, consumers may surprise the industry yet, where there are smaller independent's and, small groups of companies selling varied products and services, support them. In doing so you will help to bring back some choices into our shopping experiences. You will also find, that the independant retailer can provide some vision on what we, the consumer wants to buy. Remember also that commerce is the number one player, no matter what sector you are in, nothing happens unless someone sells something.
The UK was once a land of commerce and enterprise, full of small community minded business people, people who had a pride in what they did and the services and product they provided to their customers. These shop keepers held the local communities together, provided jobs and meeting places. Have pride in what you do, its a good feeling.
Finally it is true to say that you do not need qualifications to work in many areas of Retail, however to make it your career and to remain employed during difficult times, you must demonstrate a commitment to learning and improving your skills in the workplace.
Here is a tip for you, find out all you can about the company or business you wish to work for. Put in an application, even if they are not currently recruiting and ask that they retain it on file, because you never know, nothing will happen unless you take action. Good luck.
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Experienced retail business professional in management,planning and training, with a particular interest in the success and development of independent retail business, as they have the potential to offer ever declining choice's and service to consumers.
Retail is a demanding and rewarding career,requiring more emphasis on recruitment, training and developing the right people into the industry to take it forward.
Good article, Jane. If you love retail work, but hate the hours, one could check into merchandising or working for a vendor of the store's products. I did that for many years, enjoying the work without being at the mercy of the stores' time clocks.
» left by Jane McCall from United Kingdom (120 days 20 hours ago.)
Hi JL,
Thank you for your kind remarks, I will let you into a little secret, this was my first article, I have enjoyed your feedback, hopefully I will get some more.
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