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Becoming a Fashion Retail Manager |
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A retail manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of a department or store in accordance with overall company policy.
The main focus of any retail manager's job is to improve the commercial performance of the store by increasing its turnover and maximising profitability. Achieving performance objectives will require action in one of the main areas of retail activity: store operations; human resources; finance; buying; customer care; marketing; logistics; information technology; and administration.
Major parts of the job on a day-to-day basis include managing staff, finding new ways to improve sales, and meeting customer demand.
Typical work activities will vary depending on the specific area of retail and whether the store is independent or part of a chain, but may include:
- managing and motivating a team to increase sales and ensure efficiency;
- managing stock levels and making key decisions about stock control;
- analysing sales figures and forecasting future sales volumes to maximise profits;
- analysing and interpreting trends to facilitate planning;
- using information technology to record sales figures and for data analysis and forward planning;
- dealing with staffing issues: interviewing potential staff; conducting appraisals and performance reviews; and providing or organising training and development;
- ensuring standards for quality, customer service and health and safety are met;
- resolving health and safety, legal and security issues;
- responding to customer complaints and comments;
- promoting the organisation locally by liaising with local schools, newspapers and the community in general;
- organising special promotions, displays and events;
- attending and chairing meetings;
- updating colleagues on business performance, new initiatives and other pertinent issues;
- touring the sales floor regularly, talking to colleagues and customers, and identifying or resolving urgent issues;
- maintaining awareness of market trends in the retail industry, understanding forthcoming customer initiatives, and monitoring what local competitors are doing;
- initiating changes to improve the business, e.g. revising opening hours to ensure the store can compete effectively in the local market;
- dealing with sales, as and when required.
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