Building a career in retail: from shop floor to manager

Most people in retail start in the same place: on the shop floor. From there, you can work your way up into management or specialise in a particular area.

• Retail Sales Assistant: This is where it all begins. You’ll be the face of the business, helping customers, processing sales, and keeping the store looking great. It's the perfect place to learn the ropes.
• Team Leader/Supervisor: Once you’ve got some experience, you might step up to a supervisor role. You'll help manage the team, handle more complex customer queries, and take on more responsibility for the day-to-day running of the store.
• Assistant Store Manager: Working alongside the Store Manager, you’ll be involved in everything from stock ordering and merchandising to staff training and rosters.
• Store Manager: As the boss of the store, you’re responsible for everything – hitting sales targets, managing the budget, leading your team, and making sure the business is a success.

Pay in retail varies a lot depending on the company, your experience, and the level of responsibility you have.

• Retail Sales Assistants usually start around the minimum wage, with average salaries typically ranging from $55,000 to $60,000 per year.
• Team Leaders can expect to earn a little more as they take on more responsibility, with typical salaries between $58,000 and $65,000.
• Assistant Store Managers often earn between $60,000 and $70,000 a year as they get more involved in running the store.
• Store Managers have a much wider salary range. In a smaller store, you might earn around $65,000, while managers of large-format or high-end stores can earn well over $80,000.

You don’t need a formal qualification to get a job as a retail assistant. What’s more important is having a positive attitude, great communication skills, and a genuine desire to help people.

Once you’re in, the key to moving up is to show you’re keen and reliable.

• Learn everything you can: Pay attention to how the store runs, learn about the products, and ask questions.
• Be a great team player: Show that you can work well with your colleagues and are happy to help out.
• Take on extra responsibility: Put your hand up for new tasks. This shows your manager that you're ready for the next step.

While you don't need a degree, getting a formal qualification can help you progress faster. ServiceIQ and Retail NZ offer nationally recognised certificates in retail that can give your career a boost.