FROM RETAIL THERAPY: AN INDEPENDENT EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHING MAGAZINE

In the shop window: Just where can that Saturday job lead?

Kate Hilpern looks at three fashionable options for a sales assistant

Published: 29 July 2006

PROFILE

NAME: Katy Bromige

AGE: 18

STUDIES: 10 GCSEs, A-levels in English language, history, film studies and media studies, an AS-level in critical thinking and a GNVQ in IT.

JOB: Sales assistant in the fashion department of Denners in Yeovil, Somerset (one of Beales department stores).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: "I deal with customers, sort out all the deliveries and deal with merchandising all the stock so that it looks good for the floor. Having got some previous work experience in a shoe shop and then in the fashion retailers Warehouse, I started working here in October as a Christmas temp. Then they put me on a permanent contract. When I first started, I was a bit nervous, but it's nice to work with the customers and I also like the freedom to be creative to do what I like with a whole wall, for example. And because I like fashion, it's a good place to be."

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS: "I've always been interested in the media and would love to work in that field, possibly in PR. I also love shopping, as well as travel. I have been to lots of countries to experience different cultures. In the evenings, I enjoy going to the cinema and theatre."

Job 1: Floor manager, Beales

What's that?

Managing 40 to 50 people across a floor of the department store. Good floor managers may have the dual role of deputy store director.

What qualifications do I need?

Beales supports employees through any qualifications required - for example, an NVQ in retail or an apprenticeship.

Where will I work?

One of 13 department stores.

What skills do I need?

You must have the confidence to lead, manage and motivate a team of sales people. It is important to understand customers. If your floor is fashion, it helps to have a flair for fashion. A strong awareness of financial targets.

How much will I earn?

As manager of a small department, £12,000+. A floor manager can earn £20,000 to £30,000.

Perks of the job...

Staff discount, nice facilities, lots of training and opportunities to learn more about fashion.

What's the catch?

You will probably have to work some weekends and evenings.

Where do I start?

If a sales assistant shows an aptitude for selling and is good with people, he or she gets to manage a small department of up to five people. The next step would be to manage a whole department such as cosmetics, with 20 or more people, then you get to floor manager.

Job 2: PR account executive in retail

What's that?

Plan, create and deliver publicity opportunities for a company or group of stores through close liaison with the media.

What qualifications do I need?

A degree - although, rarely, professionals can work their way up via the secretarial route or as a PR assistant.

Where will I work?

Either for a PR consultancy or an in-house communications department. Can be international or UK-based.

What skills do I need?

Enthusiasm, energy, motivation, persistence, commitment, creativity and confidence. This is not a job for wallflowers. Experience in selling and in retail will help. Copywriting skills will give you an advantage.

How much will I earn?

A PR account executive between £16,000 and £23,000. At senior level between £35,000 and £50,000. As a PR director, the sky's the limit.

Perks of the job...

Great fun and opportunities for travel. You get to work with celebrities. Potential high earnings.

What's the catch?

Can be tiring, highly pressurised and stressful, particularly when meeting tight deadlines on a launch or dealing with crisis management.

Where do I start?

A new entrant with no experience would start as a PR assistant or junior PR executive.

Job 3: Retail buyer

What's that?

Purchase merchandise for stores. Plan and select range, type and quantity according to demand, trends, store policy and budget.

What qualifications do I need?

A degree is preferable, although it is possible to become a retail buyer by working your way up. Pre-entry work experience will be advantageous.

Where will I work?

All retailers and manufacturers employ buyers. Department stores, mail order companies, online sellers, television shopping channels and clothing stores. Buyers usually based at head offices.

What skills do I need?

Creative flair and good ideas, ability to make decisions, influence people and get along with a range of people. Commercial awareness.

How much will I earn?

Starting salaries from £18,000 to £30,000. At senior level you could earn £40,000+.

Perks of the job...

If you perform well, then you are rewarded well. Some companies offer benefit packages. Lots of autonomy, a lively environment and plenty of opportunities for travel.

What's the catch?

Retail buyers have a high level of responsibility. This may lead to considerable stress.

Where do I start?

Buying is not usually a first job in retail. If you are unsuccessful in gaining entrance to a training scheme, it is possible to work elsewhere in retail, such as on the shop floor, and then gain an internal promotion to retail buying.