There are generalist and specialist recruiters, and both have advantages and drawbacks. Generalists range across a variety of industries and management levels. They use a network of contacts from a broad range of industries. They will consider candidates with transferable skills and complementary experience. Generalist firms rely on fresh research for each new position and welcome job seekers who want to look outside the box.
Specialists concentrate on a particular industry or area of expertise.
They have an in-depth familiarity of a specialty area and its trends, who's hiring, etc. The best way to find someone reputable is word of mouth. Get personal recommendations from other retail professionals, and ask your contacts if they have any experience finding jobs through a recruiter or know someone who does. Headhunters essentially set up interviews for qualified applicants at hiring companies. Some retailers use recruiters to prevent their HR departments from being flooded with job candidates.