Navigate a Career From The Sales Floor to the Top Floor in Retail
by Brian McKay
Many young people in school and college seek out jobs in retail. It can be something that works flexibly for them as the hours can work around other commitments. Not to mention that it is usually and pretty chilled out environment, and you can meet a variety of different people each day. But not many of the young people that choose this when they’re younger want to pursue it when they’re older or as a career to work themselves to the top. So here are some things to think about to see if it can change your mind about going from the sales floor to the top floor in retail.
How long could the process from sales to management be?
If you want to go from a salesperson on the shop floor, to then working your way up to become a manager, then the whole process can go fairly quickly. If you are working for a large chain, then it is a good idea to speak to your manager or supervisor about where you want to end up. They are likely to have some career management courses done in-house that you could go on too. So the best things to do is to speak up, work hard, and make a plan. No one will be able to help you progres if they don’t know that what is what you want to do.
On the flip side of things, you could even think about getting into retail eventually by yourself. Starting up a retail company could be a good way to go, if you want control over how things go and to have no cap on the possible profit or wage. If this was the path you want to go down, then some years of experience in retail can be really helpful, so you know the ins and outs of the business. Then, it is just a case of getting the plan together, along with some financing and a retail design agency, and you could get the ball rolling. But as has been said, some experience in the sector will stand you in good stead and make you a better manager in retail at the end of the day.
Management or running and owning your own business won’t be for everyone. Which is why it is good to look at what other retail opportunities retail can afford. Luckily, if you’re working for a large brand, there will be endless opportunities. From visual merchandising to working in human resources and payroll, there are plenty of options. So you don’t have to think that you have to be on a cash register for the rest of your life, unless you want to be, of course. So if this sounds like you, then again, be vocal to your manager about the path that you want to go down. You could even look for courses or degrees that will steer you more towards something in particular, like human resources or bookkeeping.
Retail is an ever-changing environment, so it pays to have a plan and know how you’re going to achieve it.