Retail Manager Information

Introduction

Large and small merchandise companies rely on retail managers. Marketing and employee morale fall to the shoulders of a retail manager. The retail industry consists of clothing, jewelry, hardware, lighting, furniture, lumber, and other merchandise organizations. The purpose of any retail market is to sell goods at a markup over the wholesale price to make a profit.

Department stores may hire retail managers who specialize in jewelry, cosmetics, clothing, or shoes. Each department requires a slightly different knowledge about the merchandise. To work in a carpet store you would want to become an expert in carpet. The more you know the greater your chances of helping to make the sale. Retail managers can be found at fast food restaurants, electronic stores, pharmacies, and home business organizations.

Job Description

The size of the retail merchant determines the amount of responsibilities handed to a retail manager. The larger the corporation the greater the responsibilities can become. However, retail managers may not be responsible for the human resources or logistics within the company. Smaller organizations combine many jobs into one title. In this case, a retail manager may need to oversee the computer technology, human resources, customer relations, marketing, and sales.

The size of the company does not matter regarding the retail manager's responsibilities. The job description includes overseeing the sales force, ensuring profit increases and losses are minimized, and managing stock. The key decisions regarding merchandise, sales promotions, employee morale, and training are an integral part of the retail manager's job.

Training & Education

A retail manager should be able to manage people, both employees and customers. Rapport development skills are essential. Advancement from the sales position to the management position is easier with knowledge and skills. Specialty schools offer direct training in merchandise sales and purchasing. A few universities offer degrees in retail management starting at the associate's degree level.

You can obtain a degree in general retail management which will help prepare you for the job of a retail manager. The next step is obtaining work experience. The school you attend should help with job placement, writing your resume, and showing of your skills. Specializing in an industry can limit your options. However, it can also provide you with more opportunities, depending on the industry.

The larger organizations may offer in-house training and tuition assistance for college. There are many home businesses such as Avon offering ongoing training to their associates. Smaller companies may also offer assistance or at least time off for you to attend training.

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