A4 Job Roles in Retail
A cashier is a person who handles payments from customers in a store. This is usually through a cash register which the cashier needs to know how to navigate. When receiving cash payments, accurate change often needs to be provided and currency may need to be checked for fraud. When receiving card payments, cashiers need to know how to operate the card readers and at times may need to check customer signatures. Cashiers need to know when and how they can issue refunds and when they need to pass a query on to a more senior member of staff.
Sales associates work in stores to support customers in making purchases. Responsibilities include greeting customers, helping customers locate items or the cash register in store, retrieving different sizes from the store room and keeping the store tidy and well stocked.
Customer services representatives deal with queries and issues from customers related to their purchases. This may be online, via telephone or in store. Representatives may provide further information about products, manage returns and deal with complaints.
Visual merchandisers are responsible for displaying products in store to appeal to customers. This includes window displays, in store displays, signage, lighting and the layout of the store.
Buyers are responsible for purchasing the stock to be sold in a store. This involves reviewing the existing product lines and emerging trends to ensure appropriate quantities of popular goods are available to meet demand without overstocked.
Store managers are responsible for overseeing the day to day activities in a retail outlet. This involves leading teams of staff through training, motivation and feedback. The store manager may need to undertake administrative tasks such as managing a budget as well as being able to step into any store role where cover is required.
Cleaners maintain the cleanliness of the store, including storerooms, warehouses, carparks and shop fronts. Keeping the store clean helps to create and conserve a good brand image and protects stock from dirt. Cleaners may perform the majority of their duties before the store opens and after it closes so they do not create a disruption to customers.
Inventory control managers oversee stock levels available to a retail outlet. This includes the shop floor, storeroom, warehouses and in transit either from suppliers to to customers. This involves managing a stock control system to keep track of stock, checking deliveries, developing good working relationships with suppliers and devising strategies to improve efficiency in the supply chain. The inventory control manager may manage a team of staff who will perform stock checks to uncover any issues with the stock system such as stolen items that would not be recorded.
Warehouse assistants support in the receiving, storing and retrieval of stock in the warehouse. When receiving stock, warehouse assistants may check the contents against the delivery note to ensure the correct quantity of items ordered are received in good condition. Organizing stock may involve heavy lifting or the use of machinery such as a forklift truck. A good organisation system should be used for easy retrieval later. When stock is required either by the store or directly by customers, assistants must be able to locate the items quickly, package and send them. Appropriate paperwork should be completed to inform the stock control system.
Security guards protect a store from criminal damage. During opening hours, a key role is to observe people in the store either in person or using cameras to identify thieves before intercepting them. When the store is closed, security guards secure and monitor the building to prevent, intercept and report break-ins. Security guards may support the movement of cash to and from the bank by acting as a chaperone to staff, taking the cash themselves or supporting external agencies such as Securicor.
