7 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Career in Retail...

Retail is a diverse industry with plenty of opportunity for career development, and success.

With such a wide range of possible roles, from the floor to head office, almost any set of skills and experiences can be put to use. Whatever your passion – whether it’s working with people, visual design, sales or product – the retail sector has a lot of scope for creativity in the workplace with ample opportunity for personal growth. Here are six reasons why you should pursue a career in the retail industry (and not just for the employee discount!) 

1.     You don’t need to have done a specific degree to get on the retail ladder

The retail industry employs people from all kinds of backgrounds, whether you’ve just passed your leaving cert or you’ve recently graduated with a degree directly relating to retail management, a general business degree, or even something broader such as marketing or communications, landing a managerial role in the retail sector is a great way to launch your career and put your education to work. Although graduate schemes require that you have an undergraduate degree, lots of big brands don’t specify a subject. All you need to do is meet the minimum requirement (a 2:1 in most cases)

Even without a degree, a role in retail can offer plenty of opportunity to progress quickly to a more senior level. If you are hardworking and committed with a good attitude most large retailers will offer training schemes which will put you on the fast track to success in the field. Because retail is such a huge industry, there are always positions to be filled, and not just on the shop floor: look for positions that match your interests. Are you good with numbers? You may be interested in a merchandising or buying position. More creative? Consider becoming a visual merchandiser, responsible for designing attractive store designs & displays; the opportunities are endless in this industry 

2.     Requires strong all round business skills

Retail is an ever-changing industry affected by everything from popular culture to the stock market. Retailers have to stay on their toes and constantly reshape their strategies to suit the current climate and market trends. It’s a challenge, and one which will repeatedly demand that you stretch your skills and test your initiative. You will need to be a super organized person if you choose retail management as a career path as the job involves a ton of scheduling, hiring new people, and dealing with product orders. You’ll definitely never be bored and if you want something that’s a bit less traditional than your typical 9-to-5 office job, this is for you.

3.     Variety of Opportunity

There is a huge variety of roles you can assume in the retail sector. Retail jobs aren’t all stacking shelves or working a cash register. A single business requires a wide range of personality types and skill sets in order to be successful. From buying & merchandising to human resources to marketing and information technology, retail spans a full range of possible career paths. Moreover, many retail businesses try to promote internally. So if you can show that you’re a committed and motivated employee the

opportunities for growth will open themselves up to you.

4.     No two days are ever the same

Dealing with customers, suppliers, and team members on a continual basis means that no day is ever the same. Moreover, a store is constantly in motion, and there is rarely a day when you find yourself sitting back with nothing to do. Customer enquiries are a constant responsibility of anyone in the retail field, in any position, and keeping up with their needs is a full-time job in and of itself. Retail is an ideal environment for those who thrive off a busy work culture that keeps you moving throughout the day. 

5.     You can travel all over the world

From trade shows to corporate events, new store openings and buying trips, pursuing a career in retail is a fantastic way to gain new skills, master a trade and see the world.

6.     Flexibility

Sometimes you have other commitments in your life that make working a regular nine-to-five difficult, or maybe you just prefer to keep irregular hours. If that’s the case, retail may be particularly suited for you in that it can offer a little more flexibility in its hours. This is especially true of floor management – whether it’s taking an early shift or staying late. Moreover, retail scheduling tends to allow more freedom in terms of taking certain days off, rather than being confined to a Monday to Friday grind.

Bear in mind that many of the more administrative roles do require regular hours. As with any industry, it’s a good idea to research different job roles and what kind of commitment they require. 

7.     Product Passion

Last but certainly not least, working in retail is a fantastic opportunity to engage with something you’re passionate about. Having enthusiasm for your work is a crucial element in feeling successful and satisfied in your career, and retail is a great opportunity to engage with that passion.