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What is a retail sales supervisor and how to become one
A retail sales supervisor oversees the sales team and ensures they meet sales targets. They manage schedules, handle complaints, and organize merchandise. They also train and motivate staff to improve their sales skills and provide excellent customer service. A retail sales supervisor must have strong leadership and communication skills while working under pressure. They should also have an understanding of retail operations and analyze sales data to make informed decisions.
What general advice would you give to a retail sales supervisor?
Ken Corbit Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in Marketing, Texas Christian University
Company Selection:
Focus on joining companies with robust sales training programs, emphasizing consultative selling. Look for organizations that invest in your development, providing live calling experiences, quota-driven sales processes, and exposure to tools like Salesforce.
Tech
Proficiency and Sales Tools Mastery:
Familiarize yourself with cutting-edge sales technologies, including CRM tools like Salesforce. Your proficiency in these tools will not only streamline your sales processes but also position you as a tech-savvy professional in the competitive sales landscape.
Hands-On
Experience:
Actively engage in live calling, take ownership of sales funnels, and work with senior hiring authorities during your training. This hands-on experience will not only build your confidence but also prepare you for the challenges of consultative selling.
Research
and Decision-Making Skills:
Develop strong research skills to evaluate companies based on fit, growth opportunities, compensation structures, and overall potential. This informed decision-making approach will set you apart and empower you to navigate the sales landscape strategically.
Mentorship
and Networking:
Seek mentorship both within and outside your organization. Building relationships with mentors who invest in your sales skills and knowledge will provide valuable insights. Additionally, actively participate in online forums to connect with practical sales
knowledge and best practices.
Avg. Salary $33,983
Avg. Salary $59,228
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.65%
Asian 6.89%
Black or African American 8.54%
Hispanic or Latino 18.10%
Unknown 4.65%
White 61.16%
Genderfemale 48.87%
male 51.13%
Age - 42American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 42Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
What are the pros and cons of being a retail sales supervisor?
Pros
Opportunities for career advancement
Potential for bonuses and commissions
Opportunity to learn new skills such as inventory management and visual merchandising
Discounts on store merchandise
Ability to make a positive impact on customer experience
Cons
Long hours including nights, weekends, and holidays
Limited control over inventory and pricing decisions
Physical demands such as standing for long periods of time or lifting heavy objects
Lack of work-life balance due to irregular schedules
Potential for job insecurity due to fluctuating sales or company restructuring
Retail sales supervisor career paths
Key steps to become a retail sales supervisor
Explore retail sales supervisor education requirements
Start to develop specific retail sales supervisor skills
Skills Percentages Sales Floor 21.44% Store Operations 20.43% Store Management 9.66% Customer Satisfaction 8.77% Sales Associates 8.75% Complete relevant retail sales supervisor training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New retail sales supervisors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a retail sales supervisor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real retail sales supervisor resumes.Research retail sales supervisor duties and responsibilities
- Manage the day-to-day operation of tourist boutique merchandising and selling jewelry, souvenirs and eclectic artwork.
- Maintain store's cleanliness and health and safety measures.
- Manage the day-to-day operation of tourist boutique merchandising and selling jewelry, souvenirs and eclectic artwork.
- Demonstrate strong leadership, communication and supervisory skills by providing coaching and feedback to maximize individual and store performance.
Apply for retail sales supervisor jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a retail sales supervisor job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first retail sales supervisor job
Are you a retail sales supervisor?
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Average retail sales supervisor salary
The average retail sales supervisor salary in the United States is $33,983 per year or $16 per hour. Retail sales supervisor salaries range between $28,000 and $40,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do retail sales supervisors rate their job?
Retail sales supervisor reviews
I like everything
I don't like Infiltration which is common in Asian countries.
Bad management is rampant in retail.
Updated January 8, 2025
