The news pages are awash with examples of how the retail industry is managing to fight back in the struggle against the recession.

The industry continues to create more graduate jobs than any other. In the last few months, the top supermarket chains have announced store openings for 2009, along with thousands more job opportunities. Some 7,000 jobs are estimated to have been created with the opening of London's biggest shopping centre, Westfield, encompassing 265 shops, 50 restaurants and a 14-screen cinema.

And it's not just about more jobs being created to boost the industry. The quality of roles has improved too, with employers offering the chance to gain retail qualifications while they work. Sainsbury's now offers all employees the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications.

In spite of the current economic downturn, a recent report commissioned by Skillsmart Retail, the skills council for the retail industry, has shown that many careers advisers considered retail to be a better place to work today compared to five years ago, when the economy was booming. They explained the reason for the sector improving was due to three main factors; better career structure and opportunities, increased training and qualifications, and better pay.

Myth busting
The scope for learning a life-long set of skills, is a great pulling factor for graduates, however, misconceptions still exist in the industry. "Often graduates perceive retail to be just about stacking shelves, this really isn't the case," says Lucy Hoyle, Graduate Recruitment Manager at Tesco Stores. "Our head-office graduates get involved in shaping strategy, while a key focus for graduates on store and distribution programmes is development of their leadership skills."

Retail is a unique industry and has its own set of USP's - unique selling points! "The industry is really dynamic and fast paced," explains Linda Summerell, Resourcing Manager at Arcadia. No single day is ever the same. "It's an industry where it's possible to see the impact of what you're doing everyday," says Linda. You can see the sales you're driving or the influence you have had on a product. People in retail show creativity and passion: "You're working with people who are vibrant and passionate about the industry," adds Linda.

So what is it that retail employers look for when recruiting graduates?
"We look for enthusiasm both for the products we work with and for the industry we work in," states Marie Lewins, Recruitment Manager at Majestic Wines.
Retail employers are looking for candidates that can show creativity, passion, drive, ability to make sound decisions, to think commercially, and to be able to build a rapport with other people. "Graduates need to have good communication skills and understand what great customer service looks like," adds Lucy Hoyle.

"Retail is a career choice that offers so many possibilities to progress in various directions," says Marie Levins. There is a huge range of job roles to suit your taste and ensure customer demand is met.
A role in retail
• Buying: selecting and buying products at the best prices. The department plays a crucial role within retail.
• Merchandising: responsible for forecasting market trends, monitoring stock performance, analysing sales and statistics stock information.
• Marketing and PR: responsible for the development and promotion of brands.
• Technical and production: ensure products meet all legal, safety and technical specifications.
• IT: crucial for stock management, point of sale systems, internal networks and web stores.
• Logistics and distribution: responsible for the movement, handling and storing of products, ensuring the right goods go to the right place at the right time.
• Management: a senior position in a store, or in a department within a larger store or even within a specialised department at head office.
• Other head office and corporate
work: other specialist and support
roles, including finance and accountancy, human resources, property management, law and admin.



Many retailers offer good starting salaries around the £20,000 mark, often with some great perks such as company car, pension, subsidised canteen, and a large staff discount on the company's product range.

Getting a foot in the shop door

Many large retailers offer graduate training schemes that allow you to work in different departments to gain an overview before specialising. You can also work your way up the ranks. Experience of working in retail and knowledge of the industry will certainly work in your favour.

Many retailers don't require a degree in a specific subject however, depending on the position you apply for will depend on the type of degree a retailer may be looking for. For example, an employer may stipulate a fashion-related degree for a buying role, while a merchandising role may require you to have a more analytical type of degree. It seems to be that your individual personality behaviours will count for more than simply a high classification degree.

With an increased pressure for graduates to get their first role or get onto a graduate scheme, retail employers are now pointing out how you can make sure you get noticed. "We want to see people demonstrate that retail is for them," explains Linda Summerell.
 

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