Job Description -Retail Salesperson:
Retail salespeople help customers find what they are looking for in stores and other establishments. They try to interest them in buying the merchandise.
Employment Facts -Retail Salesperson:
Retail salespeople held about 4.5 million jobs in 2008.
Educational Requirements - Retail Salesperson:
Although there aren't any formal educational requirements for retail salespeople, many employers prefer a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Other Requirements - Retail Salesperson:
The following traits are necessary for a career in retail sales:
- tact and patience to deal with difficult customers;
- an interest in sales work;
- a neat appearance;
- the ability to communicate clearly and effectively;
Advancement Opportunities - Retail Salesperson:
Retail salespeople with experience and seniority usually move to positions of greater responsibility and may be given their choice of departments in which to work. They often move to areas with potentially higher earnings and commissions. In larger stores salespeople may move into managerial positions, first becoming assistant managers. In smaller stores these opportunities for advancement vary since store owners may handle all managerial responsibilities.
Job Outlook - Retail Salesperson:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that, of almost all occupations, retail sales will have the greatest number of job openings through 2018. It is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations during this period of time.
Earnings - Retail Salesperson:
Retail salespeople earned a median annual salary of $20,260 and median hourly wages of $9.74 in 2009.
Use the Salary Calculator at Salary.com to find out how much retail salespeople currently earn in your city.
A Day in a Retail Salesperson's Life:
On a typical day a retail salesperson will:
- describe a product's features;
- demonstrate its use;
- show various models and colors;
- explain the features of various models;
- provide information about warranties, the meaning of manufacturers' specifications, and the types of options and financing available;
- make out sales checks;
- receive cash, checks, and charge payments;
- bag or package purchases;
- give out change and receipts;
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Retail Salespersons, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos121.htm (visited May 13, 2010).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Retail Salespersons, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/41-2031.00 (visited December 6, 2010).
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