How to Make More Than Minimum Wage in Retail

A career in retail is often ideal for many people. Positions are often low-paying, however, and sometimes making ends meet can be a challenge. There are ways to have a successful career in retail, and making more than minimum wage is a possibility.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Begin your career in retail at a young age. Get a job as a store clerk at the age of sixteen. At that point in life, making more money is usually not a necessity. Work hard for a couple of years at the bottom and get invaluable experience.

2. Get a job in an upscale boutique. Many upscale shops not only pay more, they often pay commissions, which can be very lucrative to someone who loves their job and is good and passionate about what they do.

3. Go into management. Retail management is not a very lucrative career, but it pays much more than minimum wage. In most cases it does not require a degree, just a lot of experience as a retail store clerk.

4. Become a fashion merchandiser. This usually requires a degree in fashion merchandising in addition to experience in retail. A fashion merchandiser works behind the scenes and makes decisions on what products a store features.

5. Be a dresser. This position is also behind the scenes. A dresser decides which clothing or products to feature in a store window or on mannequins. The position is usually part time during off-hours. It doesn't pay much, but usually more than minimum wage. A background in retail or even design is usually required.