As high school and college students, we can't be too picky with where our first temporary jobs will be. Sometimes, we just need that job for a little extra pocket money, and retail is definitely a go-to job for full-time students.
I've been working in retail for 1 1/2 years now, and, from the get-go, you can see that some days are definitely better than others. Here are some of the ups and downs to getting a retail job.
1. The Ups
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1. Plenty of Retail Jobs: From big company stores like Macys, Gap, and Abercrombie, to the small boutique on your town's corner, retail jobs are overflowing. Most of these stores use part-time students or lose employees from season to season so they are always hiring.
2. Don't Need Experience!: There are no special skills to work in retail, except that you will show up and are willing to talk to people. Obviously, some stores have more requirements in terms of image and flexibility, but, in general, it is easy to find a job in a retail to store.
3. Discounts: Most retail stores pay their entry level positions minimum wage, and in order to combat the low income, they give you the best discounts you could get. Depending on the store, the discount can range from 10% to 50% off. Also, if it is a larger company with more than 1 branch, they can give you extra discounts to the other stores.
4. You see it first: Similar to the fashion industry, most collections come out a season early, so people can buy them ahead of time. However, you get to see all of the new clothes first. Because you will most likely being the one to put all the new clothes out and switching up the store's look for the new season, you can see the new trendy things and be the first to wear them... don't forget to use your discount!
5. You know when things go on sale or clearance first: You will probably be the person redlining the clothes from last season (meaning to put them on clearance), and that means you can get first dibs at that shirt or jacket you've been looking at but don't want to pay for. Also, usually your manager will want you to know the sales they are doing in store and online, so you can buy more with the extra sales.
6. Excuses to Dress Up: If you work on the floor of a retail store, each one has a certain look or style which you will get to promote. Working in retail gives you an excuse to wear something cute and trendy, because customers walking in will want what you're wearing.
2. The Downs
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1. Low Hours/Low Pay: Unfortunately, retail jobs are usually only part-time (not including managers and higher positions), The most you will probably get is 20 hours, if that, because companies are trying to cut more costs as time goes on. In addition, more store pay minimum wage, or very close to it for the same previous reason.
2. Random Schedule: Retail Jobs never have a 9-5 every day for you. Some weeks you'll work more than others, your days are random, and your hours are random, depending on your availability.
3. Impulse Buys: The discounts and perks of being in retail is definitely a plus, but all those awesome perks could cause you to buy things you might not need or will actually wear. Be mindful of how much you are actually making, and how much you put back into the store through buying the clothes.
4. Bad Days: Some days are harder than others, and in retail there's really no telling what kind of day it is. Maybe the store gets over 15 boxes of clothes to open up, sensor, and put away, or maybe it's a slow day and there's nothing to do. Grab a coffee before coming into work and listen to some jams in case it's a bad day.
5. Always Standing: If you work on the floor, you're almost never sitting down. Retail is definitely a standing and moving kind of job.
6. Rude Customers: Now, if you've never worked in retail, you still have seen that one difficult customer that is driving everyone crazy. If you get a retail job, there's at least one difficult or rude customer a day. You have to maintain composure around these situations, which could eventually teach you a lot of patience.
7. Beware of the Holidays: Retail on a day to day is great if it's your part-time job, for some extra cash, get some nice outfits, and build communication skills and customer service. However, Black Friday and Christmas seasons mean definitely working that day for a long period of time. Holidays will test your patience and your skills within the store every time.
Despite all the downs of getting a retail job, the opportunity for a part-time job never ceases in that field. I've worked in retail for over a year, and, of course, there are bad days, but I've met some of my best friends within the company. I have also helped others get jobs and built good communication and customer service skills. Plus, if you really like clothes, this is an amazing starting job.
