How to Be a Retail Manager

A retail manager has many responsibilities. They run the store; therefore, they are responsible for every facet of the business. To become a retail manager you should have either a college degree in business, management or some related field, or retail experience.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Get a position in a retail store. It doesn't have to be a management position to start. As a cashier or sales clerk, you will gain a lot of insight into the running of the store.

2. Observe the running of the store. You need to see how the store operates and the procedures for opening and closing the store. Follow what your manager is doing so you may someday do the same thing.

3. Ask to be put into different positions. As a manager, you will need to know all the areas of the store, try to learn as much as possible in your current position.

4. Consider working different hours. If your normal schedule is daytime, you could ask to be switched to nights so you can observe the closing of the store.

5. Apply for an assistant manager position. You will be able to learn even more about the retail manager's position as an assistant manager, because the assistant manager does everything the manager does.

6. Wait for a retail manager opening. Learn as much as you can before applying for the position because your chances will be better the more you know. Moreover, if you are working in the same store or at least for the same company, you will have a better shot at winning the retail manager's position.

7. Take another route. Work in a retail store part time while you get your college degree in management. This will increase your chances of obtaining a retail manager's position--it may take a longer or shorter amount of time--but it will improve your chances of that retail management position.

Tips & Warnings

• A college degree isn't a necessity, but it will improve your chances of getting a retail manager's job.

• Learn all you can about what the retail manager does; this will help you when you go for an interview.

Resources

• Retail manager: Job description and activities
• Retail store operations and management
• Retail management tips