How to build a successful career in retail.

Lucy, our Retail guru, has worked in and worked with, the best in the business. She has so generously shared her insight on how to make the most out of a retail pathway.

Are you currently a store manager wanting more? Have you ever thought about your career and how you can progress? There are so many amazing career pathways in retail. From Store Manager, Training Manager, Cluster Manager, Head of Retail even Talent Acquisition.

It is all about taking the opportunities presented to you and finding those that aren’t. Building a successful career in the retail industry requires a combination of hard work, dedication, and a strategic approach to your professional and personal development. Whether you're a store manager looking to climb the career ladder or just starting your journey in retail, here are some key steps to help you build and advance your retail career:

Focus on your results and your attitude:

·       Achieving results is essential in any career. This includes meeting sales targets, key performance indicators (KPIs), and other performance metrics. You don’t need to be the highest turnover store to be recognized for great results.

·       Consider the less obvious results that can make a difference, such as team retention, employee satisfaction, and wage control. A happy and motivated team can have a significant impact on the store's success.

·       Develop a proactive and solutions-focused mindset. Be a problem solver and demonstrate that you can handle challenges effectively.

Seize Opportunities:

·       Keep an eye out for opportunities for growth within your store, state or region. When you see an opening, take the initiative to apply for it! If you don’t see an opening, start a conversation with your line manager – what extra support can you give? What other responsibilities can you take on? Don't be afraid to ask for opportunities or additional responsibilities, even if they are not readily available. People may not realise your potential until you bring it to their attention.

·       Think about training and development – how can you create opportunities for people in your team. An old boss of mine once said “real leadership is when a strong leader has an even stronger team underneath them.”

Continuous Learning:

·       Stay updated on industry trends and new technologies. The retail landscape is constantly changing, and those who adapt and learn are more likely to succeed.

·       Consider pursuing relevant courses that can enhance your skills and knowledge in areas like management, customer service, or retail operations.

·       Ask to be involved! If you see something, you want to be involved in such as group recruitment or workshops – ask to be there to support.

Resilience

·       Retail can be a fast-paced and demanding environment. Being adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges is so important.

·       Embrace change and show your ability to handle pressure. These qualities can set you apart as a reliable and strong leader!

·       Resilient leaders are the strongest leaders, they stay calm under pressure and high stress environments, they take feedback well and they always learn from their mistakes. Practicing resilience can reflect well in your own team – showing your team how to handle situations that arise can set them up for success as well.

Remember that building a successful retail career is a journey, and it does not happen overnight. Be patient and persistent in your efforts and be open to exploring different avenues within the retail industry. By consistently working on your skills, seeking opportunities, and demonstrating a positive attitude, you can pave the way for your career.