Looking to Get Promoted in the Retail Industry? Here are 6 Tips

    

You have met your sales targets, formed good relationships with customers and have regular clients asking for you.

Now is your chance for that big breakthrough – better pay, more responsibilities and a chance to lead.

Read on to find out additional tips to ensure that you get noticed for promotion.

 

1. Make your intentions known

There is no need to feel shy about wanting a promotion. If you wish to be promoted, you need to be honest and speak up to your managers about it.

“Believe it or not, there are dozens of internal promotions at almost every major company that are never advertised or posted,” says Jason Ewing in TIME. 

“These are direct recommendations/offers. If no one knows you’re interested in advancing, they rarely recommend you for unadvertised positions.”

Managers are not mind-readers or fortune-tellers, so it’s best to communicate your intentions clearly so that you can work together to take concrete steps for promotion.

It is not difficult to advance in the retail industry.

However, it does take hard work, the right attitude, and meeting the right people.

If you are not a part of the retail industry yet and enjoy meeting and conversing with different people, you should consider taking it up either as full-time or part-time job.

Take the first step to kickstart your full-time career in retail today!

 

2. Be clear about what is required

Formulate realistic goals

Have a discussion with your manager/supervisor and understand what is required for promotion. 

For example, monthly or quarterly sales targets, customer loyalty program, undertake projects to help boost customer traffic, or campaigns with special festivities.

If you are part of a big organisation, there are relevant training programs within the company which includes formal training and job rotation across different roles. You may consider to find out more about such opportunities. 

Getting referrals

In most retail jobs, performance is measured by sales results. The best way to get sales is through recommendations.

Besides having a good work ethic and the right attitude, being able to give customers a good experience on top of selling a product or service will help you make an impression.

The next time the customer comes again they will ask for you, or they will be more likely to recommend you to their friends, colleagues or family.

Always bear in mind to be personal, friendly and approachable, even if you’re having a bad day.

 

3. Set career goals and achieve them

Meet and exceed expectations

The next step is to formulate a career goal and take actions to achieve them. Actions speak louder than words.

Your manager will be looking to see that you ‘walk the talk’, so ensure that you do perform up to expectations.

One tip is to be proactive. Volunteer for additional roles or tasks without being asked. 

For example, helping out with opening and closing of the store, stock count, housekeeping. 

Suggestions can be given to put products on sale, or placement of popular merchandise on display.

Take initiative to understand customer’s needs by asking relevant questions on what they are looking for and get to know their preferences.

Feedback and improvement

Ask colleagues or managers for feedback and ways on how you can improve on your service or increase your sales figures. 

Be seen actively approaching customers and help them personally select the products they are looking for.

Don’t worry, you are not alone. Your manager will help you achieve these goals and ensure that you’re right on track.

Click here to read more on tips to do well in the service line!

 

4. Build good relationships

In retail, it’s not just all about sales figures. 

How you treat your colleagues, managers and those around you reflects how you will treat your customers.

It is beneficial to maintain good relations with the people you work with. 

Managers and co-workers are more inclined to mentor and guide you as you go along.

Be open to feedback and voice out solutions to improve the store condition, be it for sales or customer experience.

When it comes to making a purchase, research has shown that 64% of people find customer experience more important than the price.

 

6. Pay attention to the small details

Dress the part

 ‘When you look good, you feel good.’ - Maria Sharapova

Confidence you get from dressing well is important, especially in retail. 

Customers see you at first glance as a brand ambassador of the store. A representation of the brand, product and service.

Looking clean, polished and confident allows customers to trust you and the advice you provide, which makes them more inclined to buy from you.   

Be positive 

It is always important to show up to work with the right attitude.

Be punctual, and always show up to work wearing a smile. It shows managers that you are professional and serious about your job.

By having a positive presence, you can turn someone’s bad day into a good one. 

When they experience good vibes, customers are drawn to be loyal to your brand. With multiple visits, they are more likely to purchase more often.

 

In a nutshell

Contrary to popular belief, having a career in retail does not mean that you will be stuck in a shop forever. 

Many Singaporeans enter the retail industry full-time as a stepping stone to advance to other functions such as marketing, logistics or finance.

Students take up part-time jobs in most retail and service industries as their first job to gain working experience and manage customers. 

The skill sets gained from retail such as communication and customer management will be transferable to jobs in any industry.

In Singapore, employment in the services sector has increased by 4.8% over the last 9 years. 

This means that many companies are actively hiring throughout the year in the retail sector.

Anyone with a passion to serve and help others can do well in a retail job.

What are you waiting for? Click here to start your career in Retail today! It definitely is a very rewarding industry!