They also answer customers' inquiries and handle complaints. Retail supervisors and managers oversee the work of sales associates and cashiers, and customer service, stock, inventory, and grocery clerks. They are responsible for interviewing, hiring, and training employees, as well as preparing work schedules and assigning workers to specific duties. The responsibilities of retail sales worker supervisors and managers vary, depending on the size and type of establishment, as well as the level of management. As the size of retail stores and the types of goods and services increase, these workers 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. Department managers also review inventory and sales records, develop merchandising techniques, coordinate sales promotions, and may greet and assist customers and promote sales and good public relations. In small or independent retail stores, retail sales worker supervisors and managers not only directly supervise sales associates, but are also responsible for the operation of the entire store. In these instances, they may be called store managers.