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Find a Job You Really Want In
Yes, specialty retail is indeed a promising career path. The retail sector remains expansive and resilient, with a unique advantage: its inability to be outsourced. Despite the continued growth of online shopping, specialty retailers attract customers thanks to their knowledgeable staff who provide personalized service and expertise.
Specialty retailers focus on specific product categories, which can range from cosmetics and beauty products to pet supplies, electronics, and apparel. Employees in these stores are expected to possess a strong understanding and passion for the products, assisting both enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Most positions in retail do not necessitate higher education. Career advancement is usually achieved through experience and performance. Retail work often involves non-traditional hours, which can be beneficial for those with flexible schedules but may also present challenges.
Here are 20 excellent jobs in specialty retail:
10 of the Best Paying Jobs in Specialty Retail
While retail positions are often perceived as low-paying, specialty retail can offer rewarding opportunities to work with like-minded individuals and enjoy discounts on products you love. Aside from the retail pharmacist, many of these roles don’t require a college degree.
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Average Annual Salary: $65,000
General managers oversee the entire store, requiring broad knowledge of products and a keen focus on employee management. They address customer complaints and ensure smooth store operations.
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Average Annual Salary: $76,000
This role involves managing and reconciling the store’s inventory, ensuring that physical stock aligns with digital records, which is crucial for effective operations in a just-in-time supply chain.
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Average Annual Salary: $31,000
Although not strictly a retail position, many pet stores employ groomers. Responsibilities include bathing, trimming, and maintaining dogs’ hygiene, often earning tips in addition to salary.
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Average Annual Salary: $40,000
This second-in-command role is critical for store operations, stepping in for the general manager when needed and ensuring staff coverage and customer satisfaction.
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Average Annual Salary: $127,000
Retail pharmacists must be licensed and are responsible for filling prescriptions, administering vaccines, and providing customer consultations.
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Electronics Department Manager
Average Annual Salary: $60,000
Managers in this role oversee electronics departments, assisting customers with inquiries and ensuring the department is well-stocked and organized.
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Average Annual Salary: $34,000
Dog trainers at pet stores teach classes using positive reinforcement techniques and may also sell training sessions, earning commissions alongside their base pay.
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Average Annual Salary: $38,000
This manager oversees the dairy and often the frozen food sections, ensuring product freshness and stock levels meet sales targets.
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Average Annual Salary: $33,000
This role, typically found in larger stores, involves greater responsibility and a full-time schedule, requiring strong communication and customer service skills.
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Average Annual Salary: $123,000
This role oversees pharmacy operations within a store, requiring a strong knowledge of medications and customer interaction.
Career advancement in these roles primarily comes from experience and performance. Salary levels are influenced by store size and the specific responsibilities of the position. For those looking to enter specialty retail, the following entry-level opportunities are great starting points.
10 Entry-Level Jobs in Specialty Retail
Retail jobs are typically accessible, even for those without prior experience, making them ideal “starter jobs.” If your interests align with any of the following positions, your chances of being hired will increase significantly.
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Average Annual Salary: $28,000
Game Advisors at GameStop assist customers with gaming inquiries, providing recommendations and support based on product knowledge.
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Average Annual Salary: $30,000
Apparel associates manage clothing displays, assist customers, and maintain inventory organization.
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Average Annual Salary: $33,000
Beauty advisors provide insights on cosmetics and skincare products, primarily in specialty beauty stores.
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Average Annual Salary: $27,000
Cashiers manage transactions and assist customers at the register, requiring familiarity with store products and checkout software.
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Average Annual Salary: $28,000
Overnight stockers work to restock shelves during non-business hours, engaging in physical labor to manage inventory placement.
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Average Annual Salary: $32,000
Pharmacist clerks handle customer inquiries and administrative tasks within the pharmacy without needing a pharmacy degree.
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Average Annual Salary: $32,000
Pet care associates provide care and information about pets and pet products, assisting customers in their purchasing decisions.
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Average Annual Salary: $33,000
Electronics associates assist customers with their electronics inquiries and maintain product displays.
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Average Annual Salary: $40,000
Apparel merchandisers ensure that clothing items are properly displayed and stocked, often in larger retail settings.
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Average Annual Salary: $30,000
Geek Squad agents at Best Buy provide technical support and help customers with electronics installations and repairs.
Many of these entry-level positions offer pathways for advancement, especially to management roles, while also providing valuable experience in areas of personal interest.
Why Choose a Career in Specialty Retail?
Specialty retail presents diverse options based on product interests, including electronics, video games, beauty products, pets, food, or apparel. Most positions share common skill requirements.
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You enjoy engaging with the public. Retail work is centered around customer interaction, requiring patience and a friendly demeanor to ensure a positive shopping experience.
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A four-year degree isn’t necessary for you. Most roles in specialty retail don’t require formal education, making it accessible for those eager to enter the workforce without incurring student debt.
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You appreciate employee discounts. Retail positions often come with discounts on store products, making them appealing for those passionate about specific categories.
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You have a passion for a specific hobby. Working in a field you love enhances your knowledge and ability to assist customers effectively.
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You prefer a flexible schedule. Many retail roles are part-time, offering schedule flexibility, though full availability may be preferred by employers.
While retail roles may not offer high salaries, pursuing a career in specialty retail is worthwhile for those with genuine interest in the products and services offered.
Education and Certification Requirements for a Career in Specialty Retail
Retail jobs typically have minimal requirements, with most offering on-the-job training. The notable exception is the retail pharmacist role.
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Retail pharmacists must be licensed. This entails completing a pharmacy degree and passing the required licensing examinations.
For specialized roles, additional training or experience can be beneficial:
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Dog trainers receive training from their employers. Previous experience as a dog trainer increases your chances of being hired.
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Dog groomers undergo extensive training. This role is highly sought after and offers potential for higher earnings.
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Geek Squad members participate in a training program.
While certifications in retail exist, practical experience and opportunistic timing are often more valuable in securing a position.
What Do People Working in Specialty Retail Do?
Specialty retail stores concentrate on specific product types, such as electronics at Best Buy, video games at GameStop, pet supplies at Petsmart, and beauty products at Ulta Beauty. Employees are primarily customer-facing, with responsibilities including stocking shelves, assisting customers, operating cash registers, and ensuring the store environment is clean and welcoming.
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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.
