The Retail Business as a Career

Retail merchandising is such a part of everyday life people often take it for granted, but it is one of the fastest changing, most dynamic industries in the world today. 

And it’s FUN! I spent over 30 years in retailing and for the most part, I enjoyed it all.

Retail merchandising graduates typically work as store managers, business analysts, buyers, visual merchandisers, self-employed business owners, and wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives. 

Retail merchandising graduates may also find employment in departments of human resources of retail firms or with design and manufacturing companies. 

Retail merchandising systems improve customer experiences, strengthen customer relationships, and raise customer awareness of available products and services.

Graduates of a retail merchandising program hold positions such as buyers, store managers, visual merchandise directors, regional managers, store owners, interior merchandisers and fashion coordinators with most of the large retail names we are all familiar with today.

A minor in business administration provides a general business background which prepares students for in-depth work in the retail merchandising field of study.  Through the above mentioned experiences students gain valuable sales and/or retail merchandising experience.

The major benefits of a retail merchandising degree in this very competitive field are:

(1) all textile products and how these products can be expected to perform,

(2) product development,

(3) how fashion trends evolve,

(4) the impact consumer behavior has on the fashion and interiors industry and

(5) careers in the management and/or buying of soft goods and interior products.

Merchandising

Merchandising is more than simply the arrangement of products on the shelf.  Merchandising is also about understanding the way customers shop.

A retail merchandising assistant is also a role model and a leader that must solve problems, make informed decisions, and manage a workforce, as well as time, in order to achieve maximum results. 

Merchandising management is an important component to any retail marketing plan. 

Please note that merchandising on-location in a brick and mortar store and merchandising on-line are completely different animals. 

Management

Many retail stores limit their management positions to employees who have completed a four year degree.  Often, retail recruiters consider the degree a minimum requirement for a management and/or buying career. 

Most retail management training programs start associates on the sales floor. 

Most retailers promote from within the organization; therefore, management trainee programs or sales associate positions are a good way to begin.  After working in the management training programs of just about any of the large retail organizations one is equipped to either start up his/her own businesses or to become managers/supervisors for local businesses or national chains. 

Most retailers, for example, have management development programs in which its employees can learn, work and climb the corporate supervision ladder. 

Retail students are taught planning, staffing, organizing, directing, and controlling techniques necessary for careers in retail management. 

I developed interpersonal skills that prepared me to face the many challenges of retail store management.  And the training I enjoyed as a buyer for a large department store chain early in my retail career exposed me to a large array of business activities such as advertising, negotiating with vendors, developing merchandise operating plans, staffing, operating budgets, and people skills which  continued to served me well in each of the retail organizations in which I worked.

The extensive travel I did as a young buyer certainly broadened my horizons and gave me a broader perspective on life in general.  I’ve been very fortunate to have worked for some of the brightest people in the world of retail at all stages in my career.

I would recommend a career in retail for anyone who thrives in a fast paced atmosphere,

enjoys being around people and has a strong work ethic.