How to become a Retail Manager

Duties & Tasks of a Retail Manager

Retail managers may perform the following tasks:

• Supervise the recruitment, training, conduct and work of staff
• Ensure staff are taught correct sales procedures and have a good knowledge of the products they sell
• Maintain a high level of customer service and ensure that complaints from customers about products or staff are quickly resolved
• Tell staff about new lines of stock and any changes to the prices of stock
• Draw up staff rosters
• Determine the layout of fittings and merchandise so that stock is presented as attractively as possible
• Coordinate and conduct sales and other customer promotions
• Monitor stock levels and place orders with the head office, the company warehouse or suppliers when stocks begin to run low
• Coordinate and conduct stocktakes, checking and listing merchandise and asset items such as cash registers, office computers and furniture
• Keep and analyse records of sales figures and financial transactions, including cash, cheque and credit card transactions
• Implement and oversee security procedures for stock and cash in the store or department
• Determine the price of stock, including old stock that has been reduced to clear
• In some cases, take direct responsibility for the profitability of the store by ensuring that it achieves its sales targets and that wage costs are kept within budget.

Working conditions for a Retail Manager

Retail managers often work under pressure and may work long hours, including late at night and on weekends.

Specializations

Retail Manager

Retail managers plan and coordinate the operations of retail outlets, including small independently owned specialty shops, fast food restaurants, chain store outlets, supermarkets and department stores.