Information and guidance for young people aged 13-19
RETAIL
Retail is the largest private sector employer in the UK – that’s big
business! As well as sales roles, there are many behind-the-scenes
jobs such as buying, merchandising, stock control, logistics and store
operations – all important links in the chain. Some of these jobs demand
a creative streak, others need IT skills. What’s more, if you have the drive, it’s easy to move
quickly up the career ladder to a management position.
What is happening?
Skills & qualities
• Retail employ over 64,000 people in Hertfordshire1
and is second largest employment sector.
• Almost a third of retail employees are under 25 years
old; more people work part time than full time2.
• Online retail is increasing with some high street
stores and independent shops struggling as a result.
Major food retailers such as supermarkets still
opening stores.
• Increase in online shopping leading to previously
unheard of job roles such as e-commerce
merchandiser, customer relationship manager and
social media manager.
Useful subjects
Retail jobs include...
• Skills shortages in retail include planning and
organisation, strategic management and customer
service skills3.
• Online, ‘cafe culture’, local produce and ‘niche’ shops
are popular ideas with those wanting to set up own
retail business.
• Many high street retailers have their own
careers Twitter feed posting news and
vacancies daily.
• Several head offices of major retailers in
Herts means some really interesting job
roles.
Local employers
• Ocado (head
office)
• Mothercare
(head office)
• Tesco (head
office)
• Majestic Wine
(head office)
• Discount retailers such as 99p Stores
• Supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s,
Lidl, Co-op
What could you earn?*
Check-out operator
£13,900
Sales assistant
£14,800
Retail manager
£25,400
Buyer
£29,800
Window dresser
£21,600
On the web
www.nsaforretail.com
www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk
www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
1 Business Register of Employment Survey 2 and 3 Skillsmart * Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2014. Average full-time
(median) salary rounded to the nearest £100. Doesn’t include self employed.
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