If you’ve ever talked to someone who works retail, chances are that they’ve told you about all the crazy things they’ve seen or experienced at their jobs. From rude customers to swollen feet, a lot of the time it can seem like retail is the worst job to work and yet, people keep applying for them. That’s because, despite all of its short comings, working retail isn’t actually so bad, and I’m going to prove it to you in no less than 5 reasons why working retail is the best.
1. Can You Say, “Employee Discount”?!
Arguably the best part of any retail job. There is nothing better than scoring a job at your favorite store just to realize that not only do you get to work around all your favorite clothes, you get to purchase them at a serious discount. Even better? When that discount works on sale items.
2. You Lose Weight
Another great perk of working retail is that, if you’ve never experienced being on your feet all day, chances are you’re going to shed a few pounds in your first couple of weeks. Your feet may swell up occasionally but your waist will shrink permanently.
3. No Food Smell
In my opinion, the best part about working retail is that you don’t leave work smelling like food. As someone who has worked in restaurants before, I feel like this was the thing that really made me want to leave my previous job. Nothing makes you want to go job hunting like having to regulate a pile of clothes to a permanent hamper because you can’t get rid of the rotten food smell. Ew.
4. Commission Is Where It's At
Don’t let non-commission makers fool you: working off what you sell is the best way to make money if you want lots of it. Sometimes a base pay below minimum wage can put people off from a job, but in reality, commission-based pay is probably the most exciting thing you can hear in a job interview. That means that there is no cap on what you can make an hour. Work hard and sell your booty off? Congrats pal, you’re making over $17 an hour at your part-time job.
5. Resume Gains
Working retail is a fantastic resume builder. Why? Because no matter what career path you chose to pursue later on in life, your time working retail will always provide you with valuable skills that every potential employer is looking for. Working retail hones your people skills, your teamwork and building skills, your leadership abilities, tests your initiative and ability to remember important information, and all around makes you a more desirable candidate. You’re welcome.
So, no matter what path you decide to go down in life, always remember that working retail is a totally viable option, and not something to be scared about pursuing. Even if it’s just a stepping stone in your professional life, working retail is a valuable learning experience, and I, personally, wouldn’t trade all the amazing people I’ve met or things I’ve learned at my own retail job for anything in this world.
