Personal shopper

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a personal shopping manager, in charge of a team, or move into retail buying and merchandising.

You could also start your own business and work freelance on behalf of a number of stores, or shop for individual clients.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to sell products and services
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to use your initiative
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Art and Design - Personal shoppers need a strong eye for colour, style, and visual composition when putting together outfits or selecting products for clients. Understanding design principles like proportion, texture, and colour coordination helps them make recommendations that look great together.
• Business - Personal shoppers work within retail environments where they need to meet sales targets and understand customer needs. Those who go freelance or start their own styling business also need to manage finances, market their services, and build a client base.
• English Language - Personal shoppers rely heavily on clear, persuasive communication – whether they're building rapport with clients, understanding their preferences, or explaining why a particular product suits them. Strong verbal and written skills also help when maintaining customer records and following up with clients.

Also relevant

• Design and Technology - Personal shoppers benefit from understanding how garments and products are constructed, including fabric types, quality indicators, and how different materials wear over time. This knowledge helps them advise clients on value for money and suitability.
• Psychology - Personal shoppers need to quickly read people – understanding their personality, confidence levels, and unspoken preferences to make them feel comfortable. Knowledge of how people make decisions and what influences their choices helps when guiding clients towards products they'll genuinely love.
• Mathematics - Personal shoppers work with client budgets, calculate discounts, and keep track of spending across multiple items. Being confident with numbers helps them put together selections that meet a client's financial limits while maximising value.