Listed below are colleges and universities that offer online degrees or certificates in Retail Management and a detailed list of the programs that are offered.
When Joyce Shoemaker started her job as a department store 'gift wrapper' she probably didn’t know that it would be the first step to becoming a successful retail operations manager years later. She began by simply taking advantages of opportunities in the store dressing mannequins and displays and worked her way up.
In retail management, many upper level managers started out their careers on the low-end of the totem pole. It started by getting their foot in the door and using their passions and talents to work their way up.
Becoming a Retail Manager
'[My job] requires that I stay informed about new product development and be up-to-date with all up-and-coming product research,' she said. Retail managers are responsible for how smoothly a store runs. They overlook payrolls, merchandise inventory, employees and customers. There are four specific areas managers need to excel and be educated in:
- planning
- organizing
- communicating
- monitoring
Managers need to be able to oversee every operation within the store, from keeping the store visually appealing to ensuring motivating employees, and look into the future to ensure smooth sailing.
Pros of the Position
Some pros of being a retail manager are that the pay is typically higher. You will be the decision maker for the stores decisions and strategies. Your job responsibilities will include many different aspects of the store, so your job is exciting and fresh every day. One day you may be brainstorming new products to bring into the store, and the next you may be planning a sale or a new store display.
Things to Consider
However, being at the top can have some stress. With more responsibility, you’re more legally more responsible for the well-being of the entire store. Also, since the position is so competitive, you’ll be constantly proving yourself to be fit for it. At the beginning of your career as a retail manager it may be difficult to catch on to the many different facets of the job. Since it is an all-encompassing position, you’ll have to quickly become an expert in every area, from managing store and employee finances to learning to communicate effectively with those below and above you. Since there are a lot of people in retail, keeping the job may be as competitive as it was to get it, but ultimately it’s worth the battle.
Climbing Your Way Up
To set yourself apart from your associates and coworkers, volunteer to learn more about the store and how it runs, and ask for more responsibilities. Get to know your customers and what they are looking for. Learn to market your store in a way that it attracts the business you want. Not only will your boss notice your interest in staying with the store in the long run, but you’ll have a head start on other manager candidates. Don’t be afraid to make your accomplishments and initiative known to your boss and coworkers; your training and hard work will be one of the biggest aids in moving up.