RETAIL SALES
Outlook
People need products; stores sell those products. That alone makes the outlook good for retail sales. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of Labor, in 2000 there were about 4.1 million jobs in retail sales. The growth rate of retail jobs is predicted to increase more slowly in the future, but the field has a high turnover rate, which means that new job opportunities are constantly opening up. The opportunities in independent retail stores may decline as competition from national chain stores increases.
A person who has the ability to get along with people, who is excited about the merchandise being offered, who does the homework to keep up with trends, and who is willing to start at the bottom has a great opportunity in retail sales
The Bad and the Good of Retail Sales
Retail is not a nine-to-five job. Stores are open when the nine-to-fivers aren't working, and that means evenings, weekends, and holidays. On the other hand, employees get days off during the week when the ski slopes aren't as crowded and lines at the bank aren't as long. Salespeople are on their feet all day; if you pursue this kind of work, invest in a couple of pairs of comfortable shoes.
Retail can also be a lot of fun. Every day is new and different. You never know who will come in, how much you'll sell, or what new product you get to highlight.
You can measure your progress by selling more each day and by satisfying more customers.
Additional topics
Job Descriptions and Careers, Career and Job Opportunities, Career Search, and Career Choices and ProfilesCool Careers Without CollegeRETAIL SALES - Education And Training, Salary, Outlook, The Bad And The Good Of Retail Sales, For More Information