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Is working in the retail industry for you?

Retail is one of the most varied and exciting sectors you could choose for a career. There are opportunities for fast career progression, good salaries and staff perks.

Here are some positive comments from real people currently working within the retail industry:

John Mateer, Sales Assistant

"The great thing is that I’m passionate about what I sell - which makes helping customers easy."

Janice Ramsden, Customer Services Manager

"I’d like to think of myself as a problem solver. The important thing is to stay calm, patient and know our products inside out."

Retail: the facts

People often have fixed ideas about different jobs. But it’s always important to get the facts. Here are some common misconceptions answered by the real facts.

• "Graduates don’t work in retail" - actually 29 per cent of all recent graduates working in management roles are working in retail
• "Retail is a job with limited prospects" - in fact, retailers have excellent training programmes and offer many different career choices
• "Working in retail means low pay" - not true, there are a wide range of salaries starting from National Minimum Wage
• "You need to have lots of experience to get a job in retail" - in reality, having a positive attitude and being a good communicator are more important than lots of experience

Advantages of working in the retail industry

There are many advantages to working in retail including:

• excellent opportunities - retailers have excellent training programmes offering many different career choices
• flexibility - many areas of retail work are not tied to 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, which can give you the flexibility you need
• varied working conditions - for example you could be driving for a supermarket or be office based
• good prospects - there are opportunities for fast career progression
  

Real-life examples

Leanne Jones, Shop Assistant

"I’m not tied to nine to five, which has given me the flexibility I need. I can work around my family commitments, which is really important. When a customer thanks me for the help I have given them, it makes it all worthwhile. I earn £14,000."

Nadia Mohammed, Sales Manager

"The fast pace and working to sales targets isn’t for everyone, but I love it. I came here through a graduate training scheme straight from university and I’ve never looked back. I’ve been here two years, I now manage a team of 20 people and I earn £30,000 a year."

Careers advice and job profiles

You can find more information about specific job roles within the retail industry by using the careers advice and job profiles link below:

• Retail sales and customer service job profiles Opens new window

Find a job in this sector

Find out more about training and careers in the retail industry by visiting the websites below.

• Skillsmart Retail Opens new window

• The Recruitment and Employment Confederation Opens new window

To search for jobs available in this sector, use the 'Start a jobs and skills search' link below. Or talk to a Jobcentre Plus adviser by calling 0845 606 0234.

They can also tell you what help and support is available to you to help you into work.

• Start a jobs and skills search Opens new window

• Find your local Jobcentre Plus office Opens new window

• Help and advice when applying for a job