9 Things You'll Learn Working Retail
Start writing a post
Life Stages

9 Lessons Retail will teach you aside from folding clothes perfectly

I've worked in retail for five years and here's what I've learned.

102
9 Lessons Retail will teach you aside from folding clothes perfectly

Shopping is an experience for an average person. We shop for everything necessary to have in this world. These items include food, clothes, technology, shelter, cars, etc. However, there is no experience like shopping for clothes.

When you're clothes shopping, it's important you have the right person to help you with questions, opinions, and proper customer service. Trust me, I've worked in retail for five years and here's what I've learned.

1. Style

Giphy

Every clothing store has a unique style for their brand. As individuals, we are very set in our own style yet, so are the customers. This teaches you to accommodate your taste, depending on what they are looking for. From this, you learn new ideas to branch onto your own closet. Additionally, when the client notices how well you're dressed they are more likely to talk to you.

2. Quality customer service

Giphy

When working retail, you typically encounter a difficult customer on a daily basis. Personally, by dealing with various customer complaints and issues has improved my problem-solving skills.

3. Do NOT stalk the customers

Giphy

Many people have probably experienced the annoying associate from time to time. It's difficult especially because you are told to greet the customers, help the customers, make a sale, but be friendly. I've learned simply to LET THEM SHOP. Just let them know you're there when needed.

4. Learn people skills

Giphy

If you struggle socially, working in retail is the perfect way to get out of that shell. Working in retail gets you so comfortable with talking to a diverse number of people. Even so, by the time you're done helping customers with their entire experience, you're best friends This even benefits you when negotiating and explaining information to customers.

5. How to work under pressure

Giphy

The weekends are always the busiest in retail. It's nerve wrecking when you are in high demand with a stampede surrounding you. During this, you have to do everything with a smile on your face. However, I believe it's the quickest way to really learn how to work under pressure and get the job done.

6. Multitasking is key

Giphy

A sales associate really has five jobs. Typically, you will have one or more tasks to do during your shift. This means paying attention to clients/customers, steaming, working the register, helping clients/customers, checking sizes, making a sale, and watching merchandise.

7. It's simple. Be honest

Giphy

In sales, honesty is essential in order to create and close any sale. Customers want your honest opinion about your products and how they look. Customers always tell me "I want an honest opinion; how does this look?" Keep in mind, this also helps you with your people skills as well because they learn to trust you.

8. Responsibility

Giphy

Your work and service depict how well you as a sales associate can manage the job. This includes punctuality, appearance, knowledge, sales goals, etc. No one else affects your work, which teaches you responsibility with individual tasks.

9. Know your brand

Giphy

Tell me, who is going to want to buy from you if you do not have confidence or knowledge of your brand. Try the clothing on to make personal impressions for yourself, which you can pass on to customers.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

92357
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

70928
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments