HTML clipboardA career in retail management will give you the opportunity to be in charge of making your store function, from the highest corporate level to interactions on the sales floor. From store managers at the entry level to buyers and merchandisers who work behind the scenes, a career as a retail manager involves overseeing everything that makes a store work�the products themselves, visual presentation, the sales team and customer service. Though most public interaction with retail management happens in the store itself, quite a bit of retail management happens in the corporate environment. Retail managers supervise and work with the sales team and are in charge of the day-to-day details of a given store, whether it is ensuring the store opens on time or dealing with inventory. In both individual stores and chains or franchises backed by a central company, buyers select new merchandise for the store and negotiate terms, while merchandisers display the product for customers by deciding its location within the store and analyzing sales trends. Replenishers ensure that there is enough inventory to satisfy customer demand. Since most retail management jobs�and retail jobs in general�require you to either work with the public or consistently take public opinion into account, successful retail managers project a cheerful, professional persona and are able to communicate well, listen and compromise. Working retail can be stressful, especially in a "customer is always right" culture, but it can also be rewarding for those who enjoy interacting with their community and keeping abreast of product trends. To begin working towards a retail management career, find a business administration bachelor's or MBA degree. |