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Retail sales manager vs retail sales specialist

The differences between retail sales managers and retail sales specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a retail sales manager has an average salary of $48,678, which is higher than the $45,756 average annual salary of a retail sales specialist.

The top three skills for a retail sales manager include retail sales, store operations and store sales. The most important skills for a retail sales specialist are retail sales, POS, and store management.

Retail sales manager vs retail sales specialist overview

Retail Sales ManagerRetail Sales Specialist
Yearly salary$48,678$45,756
Hourly rate$23.40$22.00
Growth rate5%-
Number of jobs353,765480,721
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age4641
Years of experience8-

What does a retail sales manager do?

A retail sales manager is responsible for managing the retail sales department's operations, ensuring the highest customer satisfaction with the staff's efficiency and performance. Retail sales managers develop sales strategies and marketing campaigns to boost revenues, increasing the company's profitability. They also conduct training and programs for staff to maximize their productivity and provide the best customer service for their clients. A retail sales manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills, respond to the customers' inquiries and concerns, and resolve their complaints.

What does a retail sales specialist do?

A retail sales specialist is responsible for selling goods and services and providing the best customer service for the consumers. Retail sales specialists assist the customers on the floor, directing them to the area of their needs, and recommending them products according to their budget limitations. They also ensure the adequacy of stock levels, remove outdated products, and refill items as necessary. A retail sales specialist also supports in resolving complaints, such as replacing items and processing refunds as necessary.

Retail sales manager vs retail sales specialist salary

Retail sales managers and retail sales specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Retail Sales ManagerRetail Sales Specialist
Average salary$48,678$45,756
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $66,000Between $38,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CityReno, NVWashington, DC
Highest paying statePennsylvaniaHawaii
Best paying companyTalbotsAnastasia Beverly Hills
Best paying industryManufacturingManufacturing

Differences between retail sales manager and retail sales specialist education

There are a few differences between a retail sales manager and a retail sales specialist in terms of educational background:

Retail Sales ManagerRetail Sales Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern California-

Retail sales manager vs retail sales specialist demographics

Here are the differences between retail sales managers' and retail sales specialists' demographics:

Retail Sales ManagerRetail Sales Specialist
Average age4641
Gender ratioMale, 61.2% Female, 38.8%Male, 56.7% Female, 43.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 4.1% White, 78.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 6.7% White, 56.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between retail sales manager and retail sales specialist duties and responsibilities

Retail sales manager example responsibilities.

  • Create and lead staff development sessions on solution selling techniques/running effective promotions/POS execution/trade math.
  • Receive and count new products, reconcile delivery invoices, tickets, and enter new products into POS system.
  • Complete customer transactions using POS register system.
  • Deliver consistently strong results in identifying and capitalizing on cross-selling opportunities to advance corporate-define marketing campaigns and effectively increase revenue streams.
  • Oversee floor day to day operations by obtaining the acquisition of customer accounts and provide superior leadership to team members.
  • Provide leadership training and coaching with a proven record of accountability
  • Show more

Retail sales specialist example responsibilities.

  • Master delivering technical product information to doctors on training and teaching proper injection technique to achieve optimal results for patients.
  • Store inventories and cataloging of auto parts.
  • Maintain cleanliness and presentation of stock room and retail floor.
  • Assist customers in finding products, while cross-selling other products.
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the store, snack area and bathroom.
  • Mentor team - introducing apple culture to new employees and training for new product launches.
  • Show more

Retail sales manager vs retail sales specialist skills

Common retail sales manager skills
  • Retail Sales, 13%
  • Store Operations, 7%
  • Store Sales, 6%
  • Retail Store, 5%
  • Product Knowledge, 5%
  • Sales Associates, 5%
Common retail sales specialist skills
  • Retail Sales, 19%
  • POS, 11%
  • Store Management, 9%
  • Retail Store, 7%
  • Inventory Management, 6%
  • Brand Awareness, 5%

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