Retail managers supervise, among others, chefs, cooks, and other kitchen workers, food and beverage service workers, retail sales workers, cashiers, customer service workers, stock and inventory clerks, and grocery clerks. Retail managers also are responsible for interviewing, hiring, and training employees, as well as preparing work schedules and assigning workers to their specific duties. Because the retail trade industry provides goods and services directly to customers, the retail manager is ultimately responsible for complete customer satisfaction. Answering customers' complaints and inquiries, and ensuring that customers receive prompt service and quality goods, is the primary duty of retail managers. As the size of the retail store and the types of goods and services increase, retail managers increasingly specialize in one department or one aspect of merchandising.
Larger organizations tend to have many layers of management.
Small stores and stores that carry specialized merchandise typically have fewer levels of management. Department managers commonly are found in large retail stores. They supervise employees who price and ticket goods and place them on display, clean and organize shelves, displays, and inventory in stockrooms, and inspect merchandise to ensure that none is outdated. Department managers also may greet and assist customers to improve customer services and promote sales and good public relations. Department managers also review inventory and sales records, develop merchandising techniques, and coordinate sales promotions.