Jobs in retail

Retail is an exciting, fast-moving sector that has so much more to offer than it's stereotypical shop floor roles. From customer service and buying and merchandising, to procurement and management learn more about retail jobs

Retail occupations span a range of roles from those on the front line where you'll deal directly with customers to those behind the scenes in head office functions. While some of the highest paying retail jobs include those in buying, visual merchandising and store management every cog in the wheel is needed to run a successful and profitable business.

Antiques dealer

Buying and selling old objects and collectors' items such as jewellery, art, furniture and China, you'll research the identity and value of objects, buy items from auctions, markets and private owners and sell these to the public.

Short courses, a diploma or degree in subjects such as art history may prove useful. The majority of antiques dealers are self-employed so you’ll need good business sense, an eye for spotting treasure and excellent negotiation skills.

Bookseller

You'll need a love of books, knowledge of the publishing market, good people skills and a keen business mind to succeed. You'll advise on the variety of titles available, order and display stock and liaise with publishers and their representatives.

A degree or HND in literature or business and management may increase your chances but isn't essential.

Starting salaries range from £14,000 to £17,000. At senior level you could earn £20,000 to £40,000.

Discover more about the role of a bookseller.

Car salesperson

Excellent communication skills and an aptitude for sales and negotiation are required as you'll work for a dealership selling new or used cars to customers.

Test drives, working out finance and completing paperwork are all features of the job. You'll have to meet sales targets, which can add an element of pressure to the role and you'll usually operate on a base salary and boost your earnings through commission.

You don't need a degree, but employers expect sales experience, knowledge of cars and a driving licence. You can also get into this job via an apprenticeship.

Commercial art gallery manager

You'll communicate directly with artists and dealers and select art and artists to enhance the gallery's reputation. You'll bring in money from the sales of artwork.

You may need to start out as a gallery assistant to gain experience. Gallery managers can earn £25,000 to £40,000, whereas directors can earn £60,000.

Find out more about working as a commercial art gallery manager.

Customer service manager

This retail job is about putting the needs of the customer first. You'll promote excellent customer service throughout the organisation by helping to develop policies, measuring satisfaction, managing a team of staff and handling customer enquiries face-to-face. Discover 5 skills you'll gain working in customer service.

While open to all graduates some employers prefer candidates from disciplines that are relevant to their sector, such as retail or hospitality.

Trainee starting salaries range from £20,500 to £25,000.

Learn more about what to expect as customer service manager.

Dispensing optician

You'll fit and sell glasses and other optical aids to adults and children, working from the prescriptions of optometrists and ophthalmologists. You'll advise customers on lenses and frames including how to wear and care for them.

You'll need to pass a three-year course in ophthalmic dispensing at a training institution approved by the General Optical Council (GOC).

Take a closer look at the qualifications you'll need to become a dispensing optician.

Florist

Designing and making floral bouquets for special occasions you'll advise customers, take orders, make the arrangements, and deliver them.

You'll need attention to detail, excellent communication and customer service skills and most importantly creative flair.

You can work your way up to becoming a florist, take a college course or do I an apprenticeship.

Logistics and distribution manager

Not all retail careers are confined to the shop floor. As a logistics and distribution manager you can work in offices, warehouses, or stockrooms as you organise the storage, distribution and delivery of goods.

Understanding the whole supply chain is important so that you can coordinate it effectively. You'll also need excellent time management, commercial awareness, and numerical skills.

There is an increasing demand for logistics and supply chain managers thanks to the growth of internet retailing. Discover how to get a job as an online retailer.

Personal shopper

This involves advising customers on the products that meet their needs, with an end goal of making a sale.

You'll need strong product knowledge and the ability to reassure customers of your expertise. There are no set entry requirements, although some employers look for experience in dealing with customers. Qualifications in fashion or design may prove useful.

Procurement manager

You'll buy the best quality equipment, goods and services, at the most competitive prices, to enable a company to operate.

Salaries start at £24,337. While open to all graduates, large retail stores and wholesale distribution centres prefer applicants who have completed a degree with a business emphasis.

To find out more about career prospects see procurement manager.

Retail buyer

Usually based within the head office of an organisation, you'll be responsible for planning and selecting a range of products to sell in stores and for reviewing existing items to ensure products remain competitive. It requires strong analytical and numerical skills, as well as creative flair.

A retail or business-based degree will increase your chances of success. Graduate programmes are open to those who have secured a 2:2 or above. Starting salaries for junior buyers range from £18,000 to £25,000.

For further information on qualifications and skills see retail buyer, and discover how to get into buying and merchandising.

Retail/store manager

You'll manage the day-to-day running of stores or departments, maximise profits and minimise costs. You'll ensure that staff work towards targets and that customer care standards are met.

While open to all graduates a HND or degree in accounting and finance, business, marketing or retail management may prove useful.

Salaries for assistant roles fall between £19,000 and £25,000.

You'll need skills in prioritising and planning workloads and motivating and leading a team.

To learn more about potential salaries see retail manager.

Retail merchandiser

Working closely with buyers, retail merchandisers predict up-and-coming sales trends to ensure maximum profitability. You'll ensure that products appear in the right store, or on a website, at the appropriate time and in the correct quantities.

While open to all graduates a degree in accountancy or finance, business, economics, mathematics, or retail management will help.

Take a look at what to expect as a retail merchandiser.

Store detective

Working within stores on the shop floor this retail career requires initiative, a keen eye and attention to detail, the ability to work well and keep calm in difficult or stressful situations and knowledge of public safety and security.

Tasks include:

following or confronting shoppers (or staff) who behave suspiciously
taking evidence from witnesses
liaising with police
writing reports
giving evidence in court.

You can enter this field directly or via an apprenticeship such as the Professional Security Operative Level 2 apprenticeship.

Visual merchandiser

Sometimes known as window dressers, visual merchandisers develop, deliver and communicate visual concepts and strategies to promote retail brands, products and services in-store, in catalogues or online.

You'll create eye-catching displays, using creative flair and imagination and your eye for design, colour and style.

Useful subjects of study include fashion design, surface pattern design and textiles.

Assistant salaries range between £20,000 and £28,000.

To find out more about salary expectations, see visual merchandiser.

Warehouse manager

Working hours include early starts, late finishes, weekends and shifts as you oversee the efficient receipt, storage and dispatch of goods.

Subjects such as business and information systems, management and economics, retail management, supply chain management or transport, distribution and logistics will be advantageous.

Salaries for graduate schemes in warehouse management range from £18,000 to £25,000.

Gain an insight into the role of a warehouse manager.

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Gain an insight into the retail industry.
Find out about retail graduate schemes.
Learn more about retail apprenticeships.