Retail

The retail sector sells products to customers in shops, supermarkets, and online. It helps people find what they need and provides an important service to local communities.

Careers in Retail

The retail sector includes a wide range of careers, from customer-facing roles to behind-the-scenes business and planning jobs. It is a great place to work, offering opportunities to build skills and progress your career. You could work as a sales assistant, store manager, buyer, market researcher, stock controller, warehouse operative, or marketing assistant. Whatever role you choose, you can make a real difference by helping businesses provide products and services that people use every day.

People purchasing goods in a shop.
Image credit: Pexels
Salary Information

How much can you earn working in Retail

Retail offers a range of entry-level jobs that can help you gain experience and build new skills. As you learn and develop, you may have the chance to move into more senior roles with greater responsibility and higher pay.

Salary ranges are based on job adverts from August 2026 and can vary depending on experience, qualifications, employer, and location. It may take time to gain the skills and experience needed to progress to the next career level and salary range.

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Entry Level roles may range from £23,000 to £26,500 a year.
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Intermediate roles may range from £30,000 to £42,000 a year.
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Advanced roles may range from £43,000 to £75,000 a year.
Careers in Retail

View a variety of jobs

Discover the different careers available in retail, from customer-facing roles, to market research, and managerial jobs. Click on the job profiles below to find out what each role involves, the skills you need, and the steps you can take to progress.

Entry Level
Sales Assistant

Salary: £19,000 to £27,000

Entry Level
Stock Control Assistant

Salary: £21,000 to £30,000

Intermediate
Market Researcher

Salary: £24,000 to £28,000

Intermediate
Retail Buyer

Salary: £26,000 to £50,000

Intermediate
Advertising Account Planner

Salary: £27,000 to £55,000

Advanced
E-Commerce Manager

Salary: £25,000 to £60,000

Advanced
Retail Manager

Salary: £26,000 to £60,000

Self-Employed
Market Trader

Salary: Variable

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Local Learning Opportunities

Find Your Next Step

Check out our Skills Connect Directory for a list of opportunities and places to train in your region to help you kick start your career in retail.

View Opportunities

Top Skills

  • Customer Service: Helping customers to have a positive shopping experience.
  • Communication: Sharing information clearly with customers and colleagues.
  • Teamwork: Working well with others to keep the business running smoothly.
  • Attention to Detail: Checking products, prices and displays carefully.
  • Active Listening: Understanding customer needs and responding appropriately.
  • Problem-solving: Finding solutions to customer queries and day-to-day challenges.
  • Numeracy: Working confidently with prices, payments and stock figures.
  • Persuading skills: Helping customers make informed decisions about products and services.
  • Negotiation: Reaching agreements with customers, suppliers or business partners.
  • Merchandising: Creating attractive product displays to encourage sales.
  • E-commerce Operations: Supporting online sales, orders and customer enquiries.
  • Stock Management: Monitoring stock levels and organising deliveries.
  • Friendly: Making customers feel welcome and valued.
  • Approachable: Being easy to talk to and willing to help others.
  • Professional: Representing the business positively through your behaviour and appearance.
  • Adaptable: Responding well to changing priorities and busy environments.
  • Patient: Remaining calm and helpful when assisting customers.
  • Confident: Feeling comfortable speaking with customers and promoting products.
Green jobs

Green Retail

Many retailers are working to become more sustainable with reduced packaging, zero waste stores and clothing swap shops.  There has been a rise in ‘green jobs’ within retail including:

Street Art in Bristol that says 'Planet Local'
Resources

Sector Insights Information Sheet

Use this downloadable poster to share and explore key data and insights on education, training and employment opportunities featured on this page. Designed to support informed discussions and decision-making, this summary poster can be used by students, parents, educators and careers advisers. 

View Poster

Explore More

Careers that use similar skills

If you are interested in a career in retail, you may also want to explore other careers that require similar skills. If you like working with customers, being creative, and making a difference, you may also enjoy some of these opportunities:

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