These sales workers interest customers in merchandise by describing a product's features, demonstrating its use, or showing various models or colors. Those who sell complex or expensive items must have special knowledge or skills. Stand and move about Have use of arms, hands, and fingers Speak and hear well Lift and carry up to 20 lbs. A high school diploma is preferred, but not required, to enter this field. Career Ladder Opportunities for advancement are limited to jobs in the larger stores and retail chains.
Large chains do have programs to develop sales supervisors and managers.
Capable employees can advance to supervisory positions which may require a college degree. The career outlook for this field is average. Employment of retail sales workers is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005. Due to anticipated growth in retail sales there will continue to be many opportunities for part-time and temporary workers during peak selling periods. Numerous job openings will be created as sales workers transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force for other reasons.