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Find a Job You Really Want In
Considering a career in clothing, shoe, and accessory stores is a smart choice. The apparel retail industry remains a significant sector that cannot be easily outsourced.
Even with the increasing popularity of online shopping, brick-and-mortar clothing stores continue to attract customers due to the expertise of their staff. Many shoppers prefer the tactile experience of trying on clothes and the enjoyment of browsing in person.
Retailers often combine clothing, shoes, and accessories, while others specialize in a particular category. Regardless of your focus, possessing in-depth product knowledge is essential for success in this field.
While retail positions may not offer the highest salaries, they require a unique set of skills and training. Furthermore, the experience gained in these roles can be valuable and transferable to various other industries.
10 of the Best Paying Jobs in Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores
Although many jobs in this sector do not necessitate a college degree, several higher-paying positions still provide competitive salaries.
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Average Annual Salary: $70,000
General managers oversee store operations, requiring a broad knowledge of all products and the ability to manage staff effectively. They handle personnel issues, customer complaints, and directives from upper management.
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Average Annual Salary: $45,000
The assistant store manager acts as the general manager’s right hand, stepping in when the latter is unavailable. Their responsibilities include overseeing store operations, managing employees, and ensuring a seamless shopping experience.
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Clothier
Average Annual Salary: N/A
Clothiers require strong customer service skills and extensive knowledge of fabrics and clothing styles. They may provide custom alterations or create bespoke garments.
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Average Annual Salary: $80,000
Inventory managers track stock levels and ensure the alignment of physical inventory with digital records. They play a crucial role in supply chain management and inventory replenishment.
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Average Annual Salary: $52,000
Goldsmiths work primarily with jewelry, requiring knowledge of various precious metals and gemstones. Their skills can vary based on their specific workplace and expertise level.
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Average Annual Salary: $48,000
Jewelers design and create jewelry, requiring knowledge of metalworking, gem setting, and design techniques. Salaries may vary based on experience and location.
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Average Annual Salary: $85,000
Shoe designers create footwear, requiring a blend of creativity, material knowledge, and an understanding of fashion trends. They may work independently or for established brands.
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Average Annual Salary: $80,000
Clothes designers require creativity and knowledge of textiles and garment construction. They may work in various sectors, from high fashion to everyday apparel.
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Average Annual Salary: $78,000
Merchandise coordinators oversee inventory levels and product displays, ensuring that items are presented appealingly to customers.
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Average Annual Salary: $55,000
Jewelry designers conceptualize and create jewelry pieces, requiring a high level of creativity and design skills. They can work independently or for larger companies.
While some of these positions may require degrees or apprenticeships, most opportunities in the industry are available through experience. Designer roles typically necessitate formal education, but gaining relevant experience is key to securing these positions.
If you’re interested in entering the industry, consider the following entry-level positions.
10 Entry-Level Jobs in Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores
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Average Annual Salary: $30,000
Retail cashiers are responsible for operating cash registers and assisting customers with transactions. Familiarity with the store’s inventory and pricing is essential.
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Average Annual Salary: $55,000
Assistant merchandise buyers focus on procuring merchandise for retail operations. They must monitor inventory levels and establish good relationships with suppliers.
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Jewelry Polisher
Average Annual Salary: N/A
Jewelry polishers collaborate with jewelers to prepare and restore jewelry pieces, ensuring the highest quality finish.
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Average Annual Salary: $33,000
Apparel associates assist with clothing displays, restocking items, and providing customer service. They should be knowledgeable about the store’s products and layout.
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Shoe Repairer
Average Annual Salary: N/A
Shoe repairers fix and maintain footwear, often working with high-quality materials to ensure durability and comfort.
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Boot Maker
Average Annual Salary: N/A
Boot makers craft and repair various types of boots, with opportunities in both mass production and bespoke services.
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Average Annual Salary: $28,000
Footwear associates assist customers in selecting shoes and managing inventory in shoe departments or specialty stores.
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Average Annual Salary: $45,000
Alterations tailors specialize in modifying garments to fit customers perfectly, often working with specialty retailers.
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Average Annual Salary: $34,000
Jewelry sales associates engage with customers, assisting them in selecting jewelry pieces and processing sales transactions.
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Average Annual Salary: $42,000
Apparel merchandisers manage clothing inventory, ensuring products are correctly displayed and accessible to customers.
Most of these roles do not require a college degree, although vocational training or community college education is beneficial for certain positions. Most roles provide on-the-job training, making them accessible to high school graduates eager to start their careers.
Why Choose a Career in Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores?
A career in clothing, shoe, and accessory stores involves extensive interaction with customers and products. Clothing is a fundamental necessity, which helps stabilize the retail sector even during economic fluctuations. While the specifics of each job may differ, certain skills apply universally across the industry.
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Passion for Apparel. A genuine interest in clothing, shoes, or accessories is vital. Staying current with industry trends enhances job satisfaction and effectiveness.
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Enjoy Working with the Public. Retail is inherently a service-oriented field. Being patient, friendly, and attentive to customer needs is crucial for success.
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No Four-Year Degree Required. Most roles do not necessitate a college education, allowing those who prefer not to pursue traditional schooling to enter the workforce immediately.
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Employee Discounts. Retail positions often come with employee discounts, making it easier to build a wardrobe at reduced rates.
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Flexible Scheduling. Many retail jobs offer part-time hours, providing flexibility for those balancing other commitments.
While retail positions may not be the highest-paying roles, genuine interest in the work can lead to fulfilling career paths. If this resonates with you, exploring a career in specialty retail could be a great fit.
Education and Certification Requirements for a Career in Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores
Most positions in this field do not require a college degree, with experience being the primary avenue for advancement. However, certain roles benefit from specialized education.
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Apparel and Textiles. A degree in this field provides knowledge of fabrics and garment construction.
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Retail Management. This degree can enhance your qualifications for management roles within retail operations.
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Design. While not widely available, design programs teach crucial skills for those interested in creative positions within the industry.
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Design Technology. Focuses on the technological aspects of design and production.
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Fashion Design. Provides specific training for designing clothing, shoes, and accessories.
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Some roles greatly benefit from vocational training or apprenticeships.
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Goldsmiths. Typically learn through apprenticeships or trade schools.
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Jewelers. Often gain skills through apprenticeships or vocational education.
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Tailors. Commonly learn through apprenticeships and on-the-job training.
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Jewelry Polishers. While formal education isn’t required, vocational training is encouraged.
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Shoe Repair Specialists. Apprenticeships are the primary training method for this craft.
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Boot Makers. Typically learn through apprenticeships to acquire necessary skills.
While certifications exist for certain roles, hands-on experience is the most effective way to progress in your career.
What Do People Working In Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores Do?
Individuals in this sector primarily sell apparel to customers, which involves product design, inventory management, and customer service.
The majority of jobs are retail-focused, where employees assist customers, maintain store organization, and process transactions.
Others are engaged in product design, creating merchandise for retail. Specialized roles like jewelers, goldsmiths, boot makers, and clothiers involve both craftsmanship and customer interaction.
If a passion for apparel and customer service resonates with you, this industry presents numerous opportunities for growth and satisfaction.
- Good Career Path
- Is Life Insurance A Good Career Path
- Is Medical Specialties A Good Career Path
- Is Other Specialty Stores A Good Career Path
- Is Water Supply A Good Career Path
- Is Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries A Good Career Path
- Is Paper A Good Career Path
- Is Environmental Services A Good Career Path
- Is Specialty Chemicals A Good Career Path
- Is Retail Building Materials A Good Career Path
- Is Investment Bankers/Brokers/Service A Good Career Path
- Is Apparel A Good Career Path
- Is Fluid Controls A Good Career Path
- Is Television Services A Good Career Path
- Is Steel/Iron Ore A Good Career Path
- Is Advertising A Good Career Path
- Is Public Utilities A Good Career Path
- Is Food Chains A Good Career Path
- Is Savings Institutions A Good Career Path
- Is Medical/Dental Instruments A Good Career Path
- Is Military/Government/Technical A Good Career Path
- Is Clothing/Shoe/Accessory Stores A Good Career Path
- Is Ordnance And Accessories A Good Career Path
- Is Other Pharmaceuticals A Good Career Path
- Is Wholesale Distributors A Good Career Path
- Is Building Products A Good Career Path
- Is Electronic Components A Good Career Path
Author
Di has been a writer for more than half her life. Most of her writing so far has been fiction, and she’s gotten short stories published in online magazines Kzine and Silver Blade, as well as a flash fiction piece in the Bookends review. Di graduated from Mary Baldwin College (now University) with a degree in Psychology and Sociology.
