Also, they often must recognize possible security risks and know how to handle such situations. Consumers often form their impressions of a store by its sales force. The retail industry is very competitive and, increasingly, employers are stressing the importance of providing courteous and efficient service. When a customer wants an item that is not on the sales floor, for example, the sales worker may check the stockroom and, if there are none there, place a special order or call another store to locate the item. To provide better customer service, some firms employ personal shoppers.
Some personal shoppers assist consumers in purchasing a particular item.
For example, personal shoppers employed in department stores can assist customers in updating their wardrobes. Others actually choose the item for the client based on information provided. Those personal shoppers who work in food stores may buy groceries and arrange for their delivery for people confined to their homes. Although most sales workers have many duties and responsibilities, in jobs selling standardized articles such as food, hardware, linens, and housewares, they often do little more than take payments and wrap purchases. Employment Retail sales workers held about 4,261,000 jobs in 1994.