Typical Roles in a Retail Enterprise

In addition to the opportunity for positive societal impact, retailing careers can provide significant personal and professional growth opportunities. National Retail Federation research indicates that retail salaries typically grow faster than inflation, and total annual compensation for a number of key roles in a retail enterprise provide a compelling story, based on the following analysis from LinkedIn:

• Store Managers – $36,000 to $87,000
• District Managers – $58,000 to $150,000
• Buyers – $30,000 to $116,000
• Divisional Merchandise Managers – $92,000 to $248,000
• Marketing Managers – $42,000 to $129,000
• Supply Chain Specialists – $38,000 to $93,000
• Retail Directors – $58,200 to $181,000
• Retail Vice Presidents – $73,500 to $289,000

In summary, the Retailing Industry remains one the largest, fastest growing, most dynamic industries in the U.S. economy, and indeed around the world. Careers in Retailing remain a compelling choice for professionals in terms of career growth opportunities, compelling compensation potential, and for positive community and societal impact.

That said, there are some emerging trends in talent development that are reflective of a changing market:

• Working across functional teams, not in silos
• Gaining a working knowledge of other functions, beyond your own
• eCommerce is not a “fad”
• Stores are not going away
• Career paths – not a straight line anymore
• Exposure to other areas of the business is critical to building future “leaders”