What Work Leicestershire What Work Leicestershire 2017 singles | Page 15

What Work Leicestershire
RETAIL
Retail is the largest private sector employer in the UK – that’s big business! Almost
a third of retail employees are under 25 years old. As well as sales roles, there
are many behind-the-scenes jobs such as buying, merchandising, stock control,
logistics and store operations – all important links in the chain. Some of these jobs
demand a creative streak, others need IT skills. What’s more, if you have the drive,
it’s easy to move quickly up the career ladder to a management position.
What is happening?
Skills & qualities
• Employing 43,900, retail is a significant sector here with
a mix of large shopping centres such as the Highcross
and Fosse, smaller boutique areas like St Martins and
many excellent market towns with attractive shopping
offers.
• The famous ‘Golden Mile’ in this area is home to the
largest selection of Indian jewellery shops outside of
India, and a range of Saree houses and Indian sweets,
along with other retail offers.
• Several key retailers have their headquarters here,
including Next, Joules and Dunelm.
• Online retail sales are vastly increasing, hence many
physical stores are looking at ways to enhance the in
store shopping experience. Increasing instore technology
will also offer a seamless shopping experience.
• In this dynamic and fast paced industry, there are skills
shortages that include planning and organisation,
strategic management and customer service skills.
• Online selling, ‘cafe culture’, local produce and ‘niche’
shops are popular ideas with those wanting to set up
their own retail business.
Local employers include
• Next
• Dunelm Group • Thurmaston
Retail Park
• John Lewis • Joules
• Highcross • Topps Tiles
• George • Goldsmiths
(jewellery)
• Shoe Zone
• Fosse
Shopping Park
• Supermarkets
• Brantano UK
• Tylers
• A Jones and
Sons
Useful subjects
• Many high street retailers have their own careers Twitter
feed posting news and vacancies daily. There are many
opportunities for young people to enter the sector and
then advance their careers through on the job training.
• The Fosse Shopping
Park is expanding,
bringing more retail
and other related
opportunities.
On the web
www.inretail.co.uk
www.highcrossleicester.com/jobs
www.fosseshoppingpark.co.uk
www.leicestermarket.co.uk
www.fashionretailacademy.ac.uk
What could you earn?
Visual merchandiser £12K-£50K
Sales assistant £12K-£25K
Retail manager £21K-£70K
Buyer £22K-£40K
Car sales person £12K-£40K
Personal shopper £14K-£25K
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