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Retail manager : Salary and conditions

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Case studies

  • Typical starting salaries range between £21,000 - £28,000 but depending on the organisation can vary significantly.
  • With experience, salaries can rise to £34,000 - £60,000 or even up to £70,000 in supermarkets.
  • Some retailers offer bonuses or share offers, which can increase the amount payable, as well as other benefits such as pension schemes, company car, staff discount, private healthcare, professional qualifications training, gym membership and travel subsidies.
  • Some companies provide lower salaries but offer commission on sales. This tends to occur in recruitment consultant and telecommunications roles and can, on occasions, double your basic salary.
  • Within retail, the normal working week can exceed 40 hours. However, during peak periods such as Christmas, sales and other seasonal holidays many managers may work longer than 40 hours.
  • Many retail stores operate in out-of-town sites and open seven days a week. This means that there is a requirement to work irregular hours including late nights, weekends and bank holidays.
  • Many organisations offer competitive annual leave entitlement. In addition, career breaks or job-sharing opportunities are also available for store managers.
  • Many companies require their managers to be flexible with their mobility, however this tends to be done on a regional basis and relocation will always be discussed.
  • There is an approximate split of 61:39 women to men within the retail sector, which has remained fairly constant in the last ten years. (Skillsmart Key Facts and Figures, 2011).  
  • Approximately 11% of the retail workforces is from an ethnic minority background. (The national industry average is 8%.)
  • Self-employment and franchising are possible. However, in spite of support from trade organisations such as The Retail Academy  or The UK Franchise Directory , small traders can find the competition very tough. There is also support from local agencies for individuals considering self-employment such as Business Link , business.wales.gov.uk  or Business Gateway .
  • Retail is a fast-paced environment and mangers have to react to consumer’s demands and industry trends. Because of this, there is an element of pressure.
  • Working hours tend to be long and can impact on your personal life. However, it is rare for a retail manager to have to travel away from their store base, except for meetings and training events.
  • Overseas travel is uncommon.
  • Most companies have a dress code, with fashion retailers offering employees a substantial discount to wear their merchandise on a seasonal basis.
 
AGCAS
Written by AGCAS editors
Date: 
August 2011
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