RETAIL & MERCHANDISING (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

About RETAIL & MERCHANDISING

Clothing, accessory, and general merchandise stores-one of the largest employers in the Nation-had about 4.1 million wage and salary jobs in 2002. Department stores accounted for most jobs in the industry, but only about 7 percent of establishments. In 2002, about 7 of 10 workers were employed in clothing, accessory, and general merchandise stores with more than 50 workers

Management and business and financial operations occupations accounted for 3 percent of industry employment. (Only managers located at the individual stores are counted in this industry. Higher level managers for national or regional chain stores with multiple locations are typically employed at headquarters establishments, which are classified in the management of companies and enterprises industry. Department managers oversee sales workers in a department or section of the store. They set the work schedule, supervise employee performance, and are responsible for the overall sales and profitability of their departments. They may also be called upon to settle a dispute between a customer and salesperson.

Merchandise managers are in charge of a group of buyers and department managers; they plan and supervise the purchase and marketing of merchandise in a broad area, such as women's apparel or appliances. In department store chains, with numerous stores, many of the buying and merchandising functions are centralized in one location. Some local managers might decide which merchandise, among that bought centrally, would be best for their own stores.

Traditionally, capable salespersons with good leadership skills, yet without a college degree, could advance to management positions; however, a college education is becoming increasingly important for managerial positions such as department manager, store manager, or buyer. Computer skills are extremely important in all parts of the industry, especially in areas such as inventory control, human resources, sales forecasting, and electronic commerce.


Occupation Highlights:

• Sales and administrative support jobs comprise 83 percent of industry employment.
• Most jobs do not require formal education; many people get their first jobs in this industry.
• Clothing, accessory, and general merchandise stores offer many part-time jobs with relatively low earnings.
• Despite relatively slow employment growth, turnover will produce numerous job openings in this large industry.
  
  

Earnings (Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook)