Retail Professions

Merchandise Buyer
A buyer chooses and orders what is going to be sold. It is important that he/she is very aware of market trends, as what is ordered will directly affect a store's sales.

Retail - Other
Those working in retail do a job similar to those working as Retail/Sales Associates. The ultimate goal is always to sell the product. In general, those working in retail sell from one location, although at some retailers will take their merchandise to conferences and expos. Retail pay varies; it can be commission-based, meaning the more you sell, the greater your pay, it can be hourly, or a combination of hourly and commission.

Retail Sales/Sales Associate
Sales Associates are responsible for selling their products and services and answering customers' questions. Whether a Sales Associate is working at a clothing store or at a company that sells tennis balls, his/her ultimate goal is to sell. Many Retail/Sales Associate positions are commission based, meaning that the more you sell, the greater your take home pay. Others, however, are simply based on hourly pay.

Store Manager
A store manager is responsible for everything that goes in within a retail store. Everyone else reports to the store manager. In general, store managers hire and train their employees, deal with payroll, and handle scheduling. In addition, the ordering and pricing of products and dealing with returns or exchanges may also be included in a store manager's job duties, although oftentimes are split amongst employees.

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