Retail
Retail is the selling of goods directly to the customer from food to fashion. Whilst the retail sector is undergoing significant change, it remains an area of large employment.
Facts and figures
Retail is the second largest sector in the West of England. Concentrations of retail can be found across the region focused on the City Centres of Bristol and Bath, and Cribbs Causeway shopping centre. These centres are supported by local shopping centres and retail parks.
Career progression
There are a wide range of entry level jobs across the retail sector these include:
- Sales and Retail Assistants – Minimum wage – Level 2
- Storage Occupations – Minimum wage – Level 1
- Cashiers or check-out operatives – Minimum wage – Level 2
- Shelf Fillers – Minimum wage – Level 1
- Customer Service – Minimum wage - Level 2
Learn more about career 'levels' in our FAQs.
With experience you can progress within retail, taking on more responsibility with higher earning potential:
- Business Sales Executive - £14.70 – Level 3
- Buyers and Procurement Officers - £15.85 – Level 3
- Customer service Managers - £13.44 – Level 3
Learn more about career 'levels' in our FAQs.
More advanced careers in retail relate to management or more specific roles related to the running of a business such as marketing, finance, and Human Resources.
- Marketing Executive - £13.31per hr – Degree level
- Product designer - £14.24per hr – degree level
- Financial Manager - £15.25 per hr – degree level
- Human Resources Manager - £12.68 per hr – degree level
Learn more about career 'levels' in our FAQs.
Top skills requested by retail employers
Skills for the retail jobs can be split between ‘general’ skills and ‘specialist’ skill. General are transferrable between sectors and sought by most employers, whilst specialist skills are more focused on the sector.
- Customer Service
- Communication
- Sales
- Management
- Detail Orientated
- Enthusiasm
- Warehousing
- Key Performance Indicators
- Product Knowledge
- Merchandising
- Selling Techniques
- Visual Merchandising
Green retail
Many retailers are working to become more sustainable with reduced packaging, zero waste stores and clothing swap shops. There has been a rise in ‘green jobs’ within retail including:
- Sustainability manager
- Green Marketing Lead
- Environment Policy Manager