In terms of the qualification levels for retail jobs, your job role and employer would decide the specifics. For example, marketing and sales related job roles would require a degree in marketing, management or communications. But, across all job roles, there are a number of interpersonal skills you would be expected to have.
Communication, customer service and interpersonal skills: If you are in the customer-facing field of retail jobs, communication and people skills are your most important assets. Interacting with customers in a pleasing, understanding and attentive manner is a given. You must be well aware of the latest trends in the market, suggest the best possible products as per the budget and other requirements of the customer and ensure a satisfactory experience for them. This also includes listening to customers, buyers, logistics workers and other employers and coordinating with them for various functions.
Business understanding: Having a good understanding of the existing and potential business aspects is not only useful in your own business but also in handling competition. Therefore, retail aspirants must cultivate a good business mindset to truly move ahead in their career.
Computer skills: A skillset necessary in almost every job role today, retail jobs also require you to have a basic knowledge of computer skills. Since everything has entered the online space, more often than not, you would be interacting with employers, customers and business partners on email. Additionally, you would manage and store business data on computers as well.
Apart from these primary skills, across various types of retail jobs, you need a comprehensive understanding of product performance, developing product specifications, analysing sales patterns, assessing customer preferences, brand identity, trade shows, supplier relations, determining product carryover, pricing strategy, disseminating product information, evaluating the competition, learning and utilising merchant data systems, key performance indicators, negotiating purchase agreements, obtaining quotes, inventory control, recommending in-season sales and liquidations, reviewing data on item returns, routing merchandise to retail outlets based on geography and demographics, vendor selection, timing the introduction of new lines, sales reports, creating incentives for sales staff, establishing theft prevention protocols, interviewing prospective staff members, learning and utilising retail management software, loss prevention, resolving customer complaints and staff retention.