RETAIL MANAGEMENT

Career Summary

The world is satiated with sales opportunities.  Every manufactured product regardless of where it’s produced is more likely to be sold.  Products are sold to wholesalers, retailers, or directly to consumers. Retailing is a process involved in selling goods and services directly to consumers for personal or household use.  Retail careers fall into two main categories: those involved in merchandizing, which means purchasing the goods offered for sale, and those involved in selling goods to the public.

Retail is one of the most vibrant parts of the world economy.  Careers in retail are fast-paced and stimulating.  Individuals, who are interested in a service-oriented, entrepreneurial profession should consider retailing. There are various career options, including store management, buying, merchandising, central management, and the booming area of e-tailing (online retail) which bridges the technology, marketing and retail sectors. Professional sales people are the essential part of any company.  With so many similar products on the market, it is the effective sales force that makes the difference.  There is always room for competent and hardworking sales professionals who are people oriented.  Promotional prospects for those seeking to move up into sales management are excellent.  Many four-year colleges and universities offer Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral programs in marketing and sales. A Bachelor’s degree in marketing and sales will lead to careers in areas such as retail and wholesale sales, marketing management, product planning, market research, small business management, and product display, promotion, and distribution.

Program Description

The GCC Retail Management program helps students develop the skills and abilities necessary for the fast-paced challenges in the competitive retail environment.  The coursework is intended for students who wish to prepare for employment and advancement in a variety of retail environments and it covers topics that include technology, accounting principles, human resources, personnel management, marketing practices, selling, inventory, merchandising policies, consumer behavior, plans for promotion, and clerical functions.  Special emphasis is placed on the fundamental principles of retailing, wholesaling, and specialty selling.  The methods of approaching a prospective customer, demonstrating the product, and closing the sale are discussed and reviewed. 

Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s degree should meet with an academic and/or transfer counselor to discuss transfer requirements.

Key Skills and Characteristics

	Knowledge of guidelines and methods for demonstrating, promoting, and selling products or services.
	Awareness of business and management principles.
	Knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping procedures.
	Familiarity with advertising and merchandising techniques.
	Enthusiasm, good attitudes, and a willingness to be flexible.
	Capability to move often from one task to another using different skills.
	Interest in coordinating data and resources.
	Enjoy retail trade and organizational culture.
	Strong communication, negotiating, and public speaking skills.
	Ability to work well with people.
	Orientation toward quality customer service and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Related Career Titles

Sales Management Trainee * Retail Sales Representatives * Assistant Buyers * Merchandise Managers * Sales Managers * Wholesale and Retail Buyers * Management Trainee

Please visit the GCC Career Center to research specific occupational information and learn more about your selected career path.