STORE MANAGER CAREER PATH

Store managers (also referred to as retail managers) are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of their assigned retail storefronts. They play pivotal roles in their stores’ successes by managing multiple priorities including staffing, customer service, inventory and store financials. The store manager career path can be fast-paced and exciting, rewarding on a personal level as well as financially. 

WHAT EDUCATION AND TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR STORE MANAGER CAREERS?

A college degree in business is not always a requirement to work as a store manager, but it can demonstrate to prospective employers that you have the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in your role. Retail store managers are generally expected to understand business concepts related to marketing and sales, human resource management, and business financial management.

Some organizations — particularly large retail businesses with multiple locations — have structured training programs for all management personnel. For store managers hired to oversee smaller businesses, management training is usually provided on the job.

WHAT DOES THE RETAIL MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION TYPICALLY ENTAIL?

Store manager responsibilities vary to a certain degree. They depend on the size of the store, the number of managers sharing responsibility (if applicable), and the specific industry (such as food service, apparel or electronic).

In general, store manager duties include these aspects:

• Hiring and managing the performance management process for staff
• Creating schedules for workers
• Training employees on the organization’s policies and procedures
• Establishing sales targets
• Managing marketing campaigns, which may include social media
• Customer service
• Maintaining and monitoring store inventory
• Managing timecards and payroll
• Financial management and reporting

WHY CONSIDER STORE MANAGER CAREERS?

Working as a retail store manager may be stressful at times, but it can also be personally and professionally rewarding. People who are drawn to this career often thrive on the variety the job provides every day. They also enjoy the satisfaction that comes from seeing the results of effective management — whether those results are related to people management/employee satisfaction, store sales goals or something else.

Store managers who perform well may be able to rise in the ranks of their organizations — becoming regional managers who oversee multiple stores or taking on other store manager duties at a macro level.

Store manager salary expectations can vary from one industry to the next. The 2020 median annual salary for retail managers across industries was $47,705. 

A BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DEGREE IS THE FIRST STEP ON THE STORE MANAGER CAREER PATH

Generations College’s Business Administration degree program prepares students to effectively handle store manager responsibilities for any size organization, in any industry. Students in this two-year accredited degree program learn the following:

• Fundamental concepts related to business management
• Sales and marketing
• Human resources
• Accounting
• Business ethics
• Economics and finance
• Skills tied directly to entrepreneurship, business communication and information technology used in business settings

Program enrollees can choose to complete course requirements on our Chicago campus or entirely online. Regardless of which path they choose, graduates can be confident they are well-prepared to take on store manager roles.

Are you ready to take your career in business to the next level? Contact us today and apply online for program admission.