Supervisors Of Retail Sales Workers: Schools and Careers

About Supervisors Of Retail Sales Workers

Retail sales supervisors oversee the sales people, cashiers, stock clerks, order fillers, customer service representatives and other related employees. They create work schedules and assign duties to employees. Interviewing and hiring workers is also part of the job. They also ensure the workers have been properly trained. In addition, retail sales supervisors make sure that customers are satisfied with the products and services provided.

Some in the profession deal with budgeting, accounting and purchasing tasks. The responsibilities given to retail supervisors vary depending on the type and size of the business. In large stores, sales supervisors are typically given one department to oversee and are known as department supervisors. They create and implement objectives and policies for their specific department. In addition, they organize activities with other department supervisors. Regarding small or independently owned retail stores, retail sales supervisors often oversee the entire operation of the business or store.

Retail Sales Supervisor Responsibilities

• Make sure customers receive good service
• Ensure customers are satisfied with their purchased items
• Handle customer complaints
• Answer customer's questions
• Oversee the cleaning and organizing of shelves, displays and stockrooms
• Examine sales and inventory records
• Coordinate sales promotions
• Create good public relations
• Make sure goods are not outdated
• Create merchandising techniques

They typically have offices within the store. However, sales supervisors spend a large amount of time on the sales floor overseeing the activities of employees. They usually work at least 40 hours per week. Often working additional hours, especially during busy shopping seasons and during major sales is required. They're typically required to work some evening and weekends. Also, work schedules can change on a weekly basis. Occasionally they must fill in for other employees.

Important aspects of the profession include being decisive, being sales-oriented, having good communication and motivational skills and getting along well with all types of people. They also need patience and understanding when dealing with customers. Retail sales supervisors should have good computer skills since inventory control systems, cash registers, contracts and sales quotes are all computerized.

Employment Outlook

The employment of retail sales supervisors is projected to grow by 4% from 2006 to 2016, which is slower than the average for all occupations. Internet sales of goods may lower the demand for retail sales employees which will reduce the need for supervisors. The growth rate will also depend on the growth rate of each specific industry.

In 2006, there were approximately 1,676,000 retail sales supervisor/manager jobs. About 37% were self-employed and most of this group owned their own store. Approximately 44% earned wages and salaries. The salaries of retail sales supervisors depends on several factors such as the level of responsibility, the size and type of the company and the length of service.

The median annual earnings for salaried supervisors in 2006 was $33,960 which includes commissions. The highest 10 percent earned over $59,710 and the lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,420.

Retail Sales Supervisor Education, Certification, and Licensing

The educational requirements for the position depend on the preferences of the employer. Some retail supervisors begin their careers as salespersons, customer service representatives or cashiers. Some in the profession have bachelors's or associate degrees in subjects such as marketing, business, liberal arts or management. Useful college courses include accounting, business, sales, communications, management and marketing. A large number of college students seeking to enter the profession take internships at retail stores.

Typically, employers hire supervisors that have sales experience. Numerous retail chains provide training programs which include classroom learning and on-the-job training. Sometimes sales supervisors are provided with training for one particular department or in some cases, training is included for several different departments. Retail franchises typically offer comprehensive training in areas such as marketing, budgeting, purchasing, management and human resource management.

In addition, those with experience and good leadership and motivation skills have opportunities to become assistant managers and managers. A college degree also helps retail sales supervisors advance in their careers. Also, advancement typically occurs faster in large retail chains. However, sometimes supervisors in big retail chains need to relocate in order to advance in their careers. Retail sales supervisors also have opportunities to acquire marketing, advertising, public relations and promotion manager jobs.

Resources for Retail Sales Supervisors

• National Retail Federation
• National Automobile Dealers Association, Public Relations Dept.

Major Employers of Retail Sales Supervisors

The primary employers of retail sales supervisors are department stores, grocery stores, clothing and clothing accessory stores, motor vehicle and parts dealers and building materials and supplies centers.

Schools for Supervisors Of Retail Sales Workers are listed in the column to the left.

The Top Cities tab shows employment statistics for Supervisors Of Retail Sales Workers by major metro area.

The Top Industries tab shows which industries have the most jobs for Supervisors Of Retail Sales Workers, along with salary data by industry.

The Find Schools tab lets you search for schools by field of study, degree level, and location.