Retail Salesperson
A retail salesperson is responsible for selling various types of merchandise to customers while providing exceptional customer service. Their duties encompass preparing and maintaining store displays, managing financial transactions, and assisting patrons with product inquiries. Retail salespersons often work in clean and well-lit environments, such as department stores or specialty shops, which may require them to be on their feet for extended periods. Flexibility in scheduling is common, as their shifts can include evenings and weekends.
To excel in this role, individuals should possess strong interpersonal skills, a genuine interest in the products they sell, and the ability to handle customer service challenges effectively. Though formal education is not typically required, a high school diploma is common, and pursuing knowledge in business and communication can be beneficial. Advancement opportunities may arise for those who take on managerial responsibilities or specialize in certain product areas. Overall, retail salespersons play a crucial role in enhancing the shopping experience through their engagement and expertise.
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Subject Terms
Retail Salesperson
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Business, Management & Administration
Marketing, Sales & Service
Interests: Sales, customer service, merchandise display, inventory and stocking, merchandise demonstrations, financial transactions
Earnings (Yearly Median): $33,900 per year $16.30 per hour
Employment & Outlook: -2% (Decline)
Entry-Level Education No formal educational credential
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-TrainingShort-term on the job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. A retail salesperson sells various kinds of commercial merchandise to customers and store patrons and represents the store to the customers by providing reliable, courteous service. In addition to selling products, a retail salesperson is usually responsible for the preparation, arrangement, and maintenance of store merchandise. They must also handle financial transactions, open and close the store, maintain a friendly demeanor, and answer questions regarding items for sale. In specialty stores like jewelry or electronics stores, a retail salesperson is expected to possess in-depth knowledge of the products they sell.
Work Environment. Most retail salespersons work in clean, pleasant, and well-lit indoor retail stores. Those who work in larger department stores are on their feet for the majority of the day, walking, bending, and often lifting merchandise. Some retail salespersons work outdoors, selling planting materials, vehicles, or building materials, and sometimes endure extreme temperatures or unpleasant weather. Retail salespersons normally work flexible schedules that often include evenings and weekends and do not follow standard work hours. They work under the supervision of a store manager, supervisor, or owner and constantly interact with customers and other employees.
Occupation Interest. Because retail salespersons are in constant communication with store patrons, successful salespersons are expected to be socially outgoing and interested in interacting with others on a regular basis. Prospective retail salespersons should enjoy helping others find what they need quickly, accurately, and effectively. They should also have an interest in the products they sell and should strive to promote a store’s merchandise to the best of their ability. Retail salespersons must possess the customer service skills needed to deal with difficult situations and rude customers.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Retail salespersons spend the majority of their day conducting financial transactions, interacting with customers, and keeping stores organized. Those who sell apparel or footwear, especially in smaller boutiques, spend a good deal of time fitting and styling customers and aiding them in the selection of clothing or shoes. Their responsibilities may include displaying merchandise in windows or on counters and shelves, recommending and promoting products to store patrons, taking inventory of and stocking merchandise, maintaining sales records, operating the cash register and collecting payments, and packaging purchased items. All retail salespersons must learn, understand, and follow store policies and procedures regarding hours, the handling of money, theft, security risks, customer service, and damaged merchandise.
In larger department stores, retail salespersons often assume numerous responsibilities and must be able to change priorities quickly. In many cases, they must know how to run a variety of stations or departments, which may include layaway, fitting rooms, purchases and returns, price-tag adjustment, recovery (the act of cleaning and reorganizing the store upon closing), customer service, and stocking and inventory.
Some of the most experienced retail salespersons take on managerial duties, supervising other store employees and making sure that the store operates properly. Other experienced salespersons are occasionally responsible for making financial deposits at a bank or cash office during the day.
It is customary for patrons to ask salespersons detailed questions related to merchandise as they consider purchases. Therefore, retail salespersons are expected to be able to offer extensive information about the demonstrated function, value, and features of the items they sell.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Most retail salespersons work inside a small or large retail store that is well-ventilated and comfortable. They spend a great deal of time on their feet and usually must obtain permission from a supervisor or manager to leave the store or take a scheduled break.
Human Environment. Retail salespersons work closely and regularly with retail workers, managers, security guards, and janitorial staff. They also interact with outside vendors, delivery people, and postal workers. They constantly assist and advise store patrons and must be polite and respectful during all interactions, even when they are unable to please a customer.
Technological Environment. Retail salespersons use numerous tools in their daily activities. Most importantly, they must learn the proper use of a cash register or specialized retail computer for purchases and financial transactions. They also use weight scales, catalogs, calculators, order forms, sales receipts, price-tag machines, speaker systems, and telephones in the course of their work. Some may arrange mannequins and other display equipment. If retail salespeople are employed in a smaller store, they may need to be familiar with small business software or use a tablet for point-of-sale purchases.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students who wish to become retail salespersons can best prepare by studying business, communications, and economics at the secondary level. They should enroll in basic mathematics courses to prepare themselves for the financial aspects of working in retail. Independently, students can visit local retail establishments to become familiar with retail processes and procedures. They can also apply for entry-level retail positions during the summer and holiday seasons when retail establishments are at their busiest. Those students interested in selling specialty merchandise, such as electronics or automobiles, can research products on their own to gain more detailed knowledge of specific merchandise.
Postsecondary. Retail salespersons usually have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Those individuals planning to apply for management positions in the future may find it helpful to have studied aspects of business, marketing, and sales after high school. They can enroll in vocational education or undergraduate programs that teach students about distribution, merchandising, promotion, and management. Such programs often offer work-study opportunities for students, which allows them a method of entry into their desired field. If an individual is seeking a position in a specialized retail area, studying the market for products and understanding the product to be sold is of key importance.
Related Occupations
− Customer Service Representative
− Manufacturers Representative
− Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
− Services Sales Representative
− Technical Sales Representative
− Wholesale Sales Representative
Bibliography
“Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: 41-2031 Retail Salespersons.” Occupational Employment Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes412031.htm. Accessed 24 Aug. 2024.
“Retail Sales Workers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/retail-sales-workers.htm. Accessed 24 Aug. 2024.