How to Work In Retail Fashion

Working in a retail clothing store is not just competitive but also stressful. The job opportunities in retail fashion range from working as a sales assistant to working in a warehouse. The jobs require working in shifts over the weekends as well. This sector is quite exciting to work because it’s always changing and is fast paced.

One requires to demonstrate a passion for fashion to survive in the retail industry. A basic education in fashion relevant industries can prove out to be beneficial. An enthusiasm in the sector is vital to make a positive impression on the employers. It is vital to demonstrate a team player attitude, possess good communication skills, be good at making decisions, should be creative, organized and practical.

The employees of a retail store are expected to make the shopping experience of their customers as enjoyable and easy as possible. They need to follow the rules of cooperation as well as those laid down by the store. They need to be aware of everything regarding the placement of merchandise. Offering honest advices to customers will help in establishing a bond with them and hence retaining them for a long time.

The retail industry is quite popular and it is vital to be aware of the key skills that the employers in this sector are looking for in the candidates. Specific skill sets are requested for few roles. Visual Merchandisers need to possess a flair for creativity. To woo the customers they need to possess the skill to translate the concepts of designs and also have an eye for 3D design.

Merchandisers and buyers need to be numerate, commercially astute and analytical. The store managers need to be all-rounders juggling numerous tasks such as team leaders, possess sales acumen and must be target driven. Most of these skills can be acquired while working for the position. Few already possess the skills acquired during placements or as a part of previous work experience.

Regardless of initiating the career line as a non graduate or graduate, the retail industry has set four key competencies which anybody serious about carving a career in this industry must possess:

• Critical Thinking

• Relationship Management

• Personal Effectiveness

• Business Focus

These include typical skills which the retail industry employers are looking for in candidates:

• Interpersonal skills and excellent communication

• Good standard of numeracy and IT

• Effective negotiation and influencing skills

• Strong customer focus

• Ability to adhere to tight deadlines and work under pressure

• Problem solving skills and analysing
  

• Flexibility

• Commercial awareness

• Strong time management skills

• Demonstrate management qualities and leadership

• Attention to detail

Above all, the employers are scouting for candidates who can utilize their initiating skills and bring about an improvement in the ways things are done and commit to the employers by being passionate about the industry. By enhancing the key skills, the candidates can go a long way in the world of retail fashion.