What does a Retail Store Manager do?
Retail Store Managers recruit, train and oversee the work of retail associates. They create staffing schedules, ensure that appropriate training is delivered and review sales targets. Retail Store Managers work on the shop floor, monitoring customers and staff and ensure that store policies are adhered to. They are also responsible for compiling data about sales and promotions, producing reports for senior management and identifying ways to increase footfall and sales. They also make high-level decisions about the future of the business.
Retail Store Manager skills and qualifications
A successful Retail Store Manager candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:
- Financial skills and the ability to calculate profit and expenditure
- Organisational skills
- Time management and prioritisation skills
- Delegation and staff management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- A confident and calm approach to dealing with customers and staff
- Commercial awareness and industry knowledge
Retail Store Manager experience requirements
Retail Store Managers must have several years of experience working in retail as a Sales Assistant or Cashier. Most employers expect a couple of years working in an Assistant Manager or other leadership role. Applicants who have already held a management position, or led a team will have many of the skills needed for a Retail Store Manager position. Experience working in customer service is ideal, as is any previous jobs that involved handling money, operating a till or point of sale (POS) system.
Candidates who have worked in finance or have experience of managing a budget will be an asset to a retail team. Applicants with experience in visual merchandising, design, sales techniques or marketing is also helpful.
Retail Store Manager education and training requirements
There are no specific education or training requirements for Retail Store Managers, but typically they should have GCSE passes in maths and English, or equivalent, to demonstrate basic literacy and numeracy. A-levels and a degree would be an advantage, particularly if they are in a relevant subject such as business studies, marketing or economics. There are a number of vocational qualifications that demonstrate useful skills such as a City and Guilds in retail knowledge or a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in retail skills such as management or visual merchandising.
Retail Store Manager salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary of a Retail Store Manager in the UK, is £27,649 per year. This is dependent on the level of experience and qualifications required and will vary depending on the size and location of the store.
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