The retail industry plays a vital role in the economy, and it encompasses a diverse range of businesses, including department stores and specialty retail stores. Department stores, such as Macy’s and Nordstrom, offer a wide variety of merchandise across multiple departments, including clothing, home goods, and electronics. But are they a good place to work?
Because of its vastness, retail can be a good career choice with great career prospect. However, the work hours can be demanding sometimes, and maintaining a balance between work and family or social life can get difficult at times.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about a career in retail, from job prospects to who’s it ideal for. Let’s begin.
How’s the Job Prospects and Growth Potential in Retail Stores?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the retail industry employed approximately 15.7 million people in the United States in 2022. While the growth of e-commerce has impacted brick-and-mortar retail stores, the industry is still expected to experience modest growth in the coming years. The BLS projects that employment in retail sales worker occupations will grow by 3% from 2021 to 2031, resulting in approximately 394,900 new jobs.
Career Paths within Department/Specialty Retail Stores
The retail industry offers a diverse range of career paths, from entry-level positions to management roles. Entry-level positions, such as sales associates, cashiers, and stock clerks, typically require minimal qualifications and provide an excellent opportunity for individuals to gain work experience.
At the upper management level, individuals may pursue positions like store managers, regional managers, or buyers. Store managers are responsible for the overall operations, staff management, and financial performance of a single retail location.
Retail Sales Salary Table
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary Range | Source |
| Retail Sales Associate | $24,000 – $32,000 | Indeed |
| Cashier | $22,000 – $28,000 | BLS |
| Customer Service Representative | $25,000 – $30,000 | NRF |
| Visual Merchandiser | $30,000 – $38,000 | Gyfted |
| Inventory Specialist | $28,000 – $35,000 | Indeed |
Highest Paying Positions in Department/Specialty Retail
While the salary table provides a general range for common retail positions, here’s a list of some of the highest-paying opportunities within department and specialty stores:
- Department Manager: Overseeing a specific department within a store, managing staff, inventory, and overall departmental performance. Salary Range: $50,000 – $70,000+ (Source: Indeed)
- Store Manager: Responsible for the entire store operation, including staff supervision, sales goals, budgeting, and customer satisfaction. Salary Range: $60,000 – $90,000+ (Source: NRF)
- Luxury Sales Associate: Specializing in high-end products and catering to affluent clientele in luxury retail stores. Salary Range (including commission): $70,000 – $100,000+ (Source: Glassdoor)
- Jewelry Sales Consultant: Selling high-value jewelry items and providing exceptional customer service in a luxury jewelry department. Salary Range (including commission): $60,000 – $80,000+ (Source: ZipRecruiter)
- Optician: Providing eye exams, fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses, and offering expert advice on vision care products. Salary Range: $55,000 – $75,000+ (Source: BLS) (Note: While some opticians may work in retail settings, some may also work in independent practices or healthcare facilities.)
- Loss Prevention Manager: Responsible for preventing theft, fraud, and other security risks within the store. Salary Range: $50,000 – $70,000+ (Source: Indeed)
- Visual Merchandising Manager: Creating visually appealing store displays and crafting a positive customer experience through store layout and product presentation. Salary Range: $45,000 – $60,000+ (Source: Indeed)
Important Note: Salary ranges are estimates and can vary depending on experience, location, employer, specific job duties, and commission structures (if applicable).
Pros of Working in Department/Specialty Retail Stores
1. Diverse Work Environment: Retail positions offer the opportunity to interact with a wide range of people and products, providing a dynamic and engaging work environment.
2. Entry-Level Opportunities: Many retail positions require minimal qualifications, often just a high school diploma or equivalent, making it an accessible starting point for gaining work experience or pursuing a college degree part-time.
3. Customer Interaction and Communication Skills Development: Retail roles involve frequent customer interactions, allowing employees to develop valuable interpersonal and communication skills that can be beneficial for future careers in sales, marketing, or customer service.
4. Potential for Advancement: Retail organizations often provide opportunities for career progression, with employees having the chance to move into supervisory roles, department management, or even store manager positions.
5. Employee Discounts and Benefits: Many retail stores offer employee discounts on merchandise, with some companies providing standard benefits packages (health insurance, paid time off) for full-time employees. According to a survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF), the average employee discount in the retail industry is around 30%.
Cons of Working in Department/Specialty Retail Stores
1. Wage and Commission Structure: While some retail positions offer competitive salaries, especially at the management level, entry-level roles may start at lower wages compared to other industries. Additionally, some positions may be commission-based, with earnings dependent on sales performance.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for retail salespersons was $27,380 in May 2021, while the median annual wage for first-line supervisors of retail sales workers was $41,490.
2. Unpredictable Schedules and Hours: Retail hours can be irregular, often including nights, weekends, and holidays, which may not be ideal for those seeking a traditional Monday-Friday, 9-to-5 schedule.
3. Fast-Paced and Demanding Environment: Retail positions can be fast-paced and demanding, with high customer traffic, and pressure to meet sales goals, and performance targets. This can be stressful for some individuals.
4. Limited Remote Work Opportunities: Most retail jobs require a physical presence in the store to interact with customers and manage inventory. Remote work opportunities in retail are typically limited to specific areas like e-commerce or corporate functions.
Here’s a pros and cons table for a quicker reading:
| Pros | Cons |
| Diverse work environment | Wage and commission structure |
| Entry-level opportunities | Unpredictable schedules and hours |
| Customer interaction and communication skills development | Fast-paced and demanding environment |
| Potential for advancement | Limited remote work opportunities |
| Employee discounts and benefits |
Who Should Consider a Career in Department/Specialty Retail?
A career in department or specialty retail stores can be a good fit for individuals with the following characteristics:
1. Strong People Skills and Enjoyment of Customer Interaction: If you thrive on interacting with people, providing excellent customer service, and building relationships, then retail could be a suitable career path.
2. Interest in Fashion or Specific Products: A passion for fashion trends or a strong knowledge of a particular product category can be an asset in specialty retail stores.
3. Strong Work Ethic and Ability to Work Independently: Retail positions often require initiative, the ability to manage multiple tasks, and a commitment to achieving sales goals.
4. Flexibility with Schedule and Hours: If you are adaptable and comfortable working evenings, weekends, and holidays, then retail can accommodate flexible scheduling needs for some positions.
Who May Want to Consider a Different Career Path?
While a career in department or specialty retail stores can be rewarding, it may not be the ideal choice for everyone. Individuals who fall into the following categories may want to consider alternative career paths:
1. Those Who Dislike Working Unpredictable Hours: If a consistent schedule is crucial for you, retail’s evening, weekend, and holiday hours might be a significant drawback.
2. Individuals Who Prefer Less Physically Demanding Jobs: Some retail positions require standing for long periods, lifting merchandise, or performing repetitive tasks, which can be physically demanding.
3. People with Low Tolerance for Stress: If you struggle in high-pressure environments with demanding sales goals and performance targets, retail might not be the best fit.
Final Words
A career in department or specialty retail stores can be a rewarding and dynamic path for individuals who possess strong people skills, a passion for specific products or fashion, and the flexibility to work non-traditional hours. While the industry offers entry-level opportunities and the potential for advancement, it’s essential to carefully consider the demands of the role, including the unpredictable schedules, physically demanding tasks, and pressure to meet sales goals.