Job Description for a Retail Sales Assistant
A retail sales assistant can sell anything from shoes to CDs, to computers and cars. Whatever product it is he may be working with, as the job title suggests--a retail sales assistant's main objective is to sell. They are the front of house driving force within a store, and generally the first person a customer comes into contact with when browsing. They must be friendly, approachable, and determined to provide an excellent service to the shopping public.
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General Description
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A retail sales assistant liaises with customers, typically on the shop floor, who are interested in purchasing goods. They provide advice on, and recommend products, answer any questions, and of course, attempt to sell goods--remembering that there are often sale targets to be reached in the retail industry. Upon purchase, a retail assistant has to work the cash register, and have the ability to deal with money or debit/credit card transactions. A retail sales assistant also has to keep the shop floor presentable, particularly during opening hours.
Further Roles
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A retail sales assistant may have to analyze the inventory, order stock and arrange delivery of products. They often have to price products and update the shelves in the store with new items. They may also have to arrange the shop's front window display. A retail assistant often has to gain a specialist's knowledge in the product area which they are selling, as well as offer demonstrations in order to provide the best service to incoming customers. A retail sales assistant must be prepared to deal with, and solve potential customer complaints. Additionally, they must be knowledgeable in security procedures of the store, and know what to do in case of theft.
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Skills Required
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A retail sales assistant must have excellent customer service skills. They must be able to listen and communicate well due to the high interactivity of the job, and be prepared to deal with difficult customers. A friendly nature and presentable appearance is necessary. They must also be driven and prepared to sell. A retail sales assistant would benefit in being interested, or having knowledge in the area of business they wish to work in, e.g fashion if working within a clothing store.
Location, Hours and Salary
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A retail sales assistant is based within a retail outlet - this could be within a mall, a department store, or a small, local village shop. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while some retail sales assistants work 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, many retail sales assistants work part-time evening or weekend shifts. A retail sales assistant's hours may boost during peak periods such as Christmas. The BLS additionally claim the average hourly wage in 2008 of a retail sales assistant is $9.86, including commission.
Prospects
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A large number of people leave the retail industry every year, meaning there will be a good stream of employment opportunities available. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for retail sales assistants is expected to rise approximately 8 percent between the period of 2008 and 2018--this is considered about as fast as average in context of other occupations. The BLS claim low-priced, general merchandise stores will provide the greatest rise in employment opportunities for sales assistants, and that a substantial number of openings will also occur in warehouse clubs and super centers.
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References
- Photo Credit shopping mall with stalls image by Heng kong Chen from Fotolia.com
