Picking a Retail Environment
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Generally, you've got to decide whether you want to work under a mega-store's hot lights or in the unique atmosphere of a small-time retailer. You've seen or heard how the big retailers are emptying the storefronts on the High Street but is the corporate environment right for you, or do you prefer the specialty teashop on the corner?
Large Environments: Not Always a Bowl of Cherries
The Good: Want to experience retailing on a grand scale? Want to head a retail empire made up of a group of stores or an entire corporation? For ambitious people who have what it takes, larger retailers offer opportunities to take on ever-bigger challenges and larger and larger budgets. And they train qualified people to take on these challenges and provide financial and other resources to help them succeed. If you perform, the pay and benefits can be sweet.
The Bad: Expect to specialise and pay your dues. Positions are stratified. You'll work up the career ladder in a more orderly way. A greeter at Gap doesn't run the register. A sales associate at House of Fraser doesn't determine when a product will go on sale. A divisional manager at French Connection usually doesn't interact with customers on a daily basis.
Small Environments: Not Necessarily a Can of Worms
The Good: Small retailers aren't going away any time soon. Remember, a large percent of UK retailers have 10 or fewer employees. And little guys tend to offer employees the most variety. If you're eager to learn and prove yourself, you may find yourself with lots of responsibilities, sometimes very quickly. You may:
Sell and display the merchandise. Stock the shelves and recommend what to put on them. Supervise subordinates and mop the floor. Gift wrap a package and network the store computers.
The Bad: Training in this environment tends to be less formal; salaries and benefits tend to be lower.
