Retail Store Manager

Retail store managers oversee the operation of retail outlets such as department stores, supermarkets, car dealerships and specialty boutiques. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that their businesses make a profit.

Specific duties vary depending on the size and nature of the business but, in general, store managers:

• supervise the day to day operations of the store
• supervise department managers or directly supervise staff, set up work schedules and assign duties
• determine staffing requirements, hire or oversee the hiring of staff and, when necessary, dismiss employees
• train new employees or arrange for training
• administer budgets and authorize financial transactions
• monitor product inventories and trends in consumer buying to anticipate which products will be in demand
• implement or administer price and credit policies
• monitor anti-theft procedures and policies, and take appropriate action when thefts occur
• oversee security measures including ensuring that doors and safes are locked and alarms are set, and answering calls from security companies and the police when break-ins occur
• monitor the outside of the building and make sure safety hazards such as hanging ice are removed
• provide assistance when employees are unusually busy
• deal with customer complaints and recommendations.

Store managers also may:

• organize staff safety programs
• locate and select merchandise for resale
• meet with manufacturers' sales representatives to discuss product lines
• co-ordinate activities in various store departments
• develop and implement marketing strategies
• decide how merchandise should be displayed
• meet other store managers or shopping mall managers to discuss issues of common concern (for example, mall policies)
• write and authorize reports to head office.

Store managers work indoors in pleasant surroundings. They are on their feet most of the time and often work long hours, evenings and weekends, particularly if they are self-employed. Managers employed by chain stores may be required to move frequently, especially during their initial years with the company.

Retail store managers need the following characteristics:

• good oral and written communication skills
• strong organizational skills
• the ability to motivate and lead staff
• good business sense
• the ability to work well under pressure and deal with unexpected situations calmly and effectively
• the ability to get along with all kinds of people.

They should enjoy taking charge of situations, having clear rules and guidelines for their work and negotiating with people.

Above-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.

Retail store managers work in communities and retail organizations of all sizes. Competition for entry level management positions often is keen.

Managers of retail chain stores may be promoted to larger stores, regional management positions or management positions in specific areas such as materials acquisition. Advancement opportunities are best for those who have related post-secondary education.

Retail store managers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 0621: Retail and wholesale trade managers. In Alberta, 83% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Retail Trade (PDF)
• Wholesale Trade (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 29,900 Albertans are employed in the Retail trade managers occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 1.8% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 538 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As retail store managers form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for retail store managers. 

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Retail Council of Canada'a Canadian Retail Institute (CRI) website: www.retailcouncil.org

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.