Skills Required To Manage a Successful Retail Store

Store managers have a wide range of professional responsibilities in the retail industry. Even if they aren't technically the owner, they'll still perform many of the same duties. This includes (but not limited to) handling returns and exchanges, making bank deposits, counting the drawer, locking up, ordering product from distributors, talking directly with customers, and training employees. Because retail managers perform so many different tasks, they typically have a varied skill set. In this post, we're going to reveal some of the top skills necessary for managing a retail store.

Skill #1) Customer Service

This should come as no surprise to most retail professionals, but customer service is a top skill required for retail store management. An experienced retail manager knows how to keep customers happy -- even if they are unruly or dissatisfied. Most customers will generally go about their business while shopping, but there are a select few who are there simply to cause trouble. A retail store manager must know how to deal with these customers in a polite way, without create a negative image for the company.

Skill #2) Math

A second skill that goes hand-in-hand with retail management is math. Basic math is necessary to count the drawer at the end of the night. Most retail store owners place the responsibility of counting money and making bank deposits on the shoulders of the manager; therefore, he or she must be able to count large sums of cash accurately. Mistakes are bound to be made when counting money, but keeping them to a minimum will help the store run more smoothly.

Skill #3) Leadership

Retail managers should set an example for other workers to follow. When an employee has a question or concern, they'll likely voice it to the manager on duty. This is where leadership skills come into play. Without acting as a leader and setting the right example, employees may start to slack off with their professional duties and responsibilities.

Skill #4) Time Management

One skill that's oftentimes overlooked in retail management is time management. There are only 24 hours in a day, and most retail stores are only open for 8-10 of those hours. A retail manager must learn to balance his or her workload to finish all of their duties. Focusing too much with returns and exchanges, for instance, may limit their time to place new orders with distributors.