Shopkeeper
Shopkeepers manage their own independent stores or run shops that are part of a retail chain.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a shopkeeper, you'll:
- keep shop displays and pricing up to date
- take card and cash payments, and deal with returns
- answer customer questions and give advice about products
- manage stock control and place orders with wholesalers
- process online sales and market your products
- recruit, train and supervise shop assistants
- calculate takings, process wages and manage accounts
Working environment
You could work at a store.
Your working environment may be physically demanding.
Career path and progression
With experience, you may be able to run your own shop, take on a franchise or manage a store for a retail chain.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- customer service skills
- the ability to sell products and services
- leadership skills
- to enjoy working with other people
- maths knowledge
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- excellent verbal communication skills
- business management skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- be over 18 to sell alcohol and other restricted goods
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- setting up your own business
You could do a college course, which may help if you want to open your own store.
Courses include:
- business start up
- preparing to set up in a new business
- retail skills
- business essentials
- retail skills sales professional
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
More Information
You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a retail chain to learn the skills needed in this job.
Apprenticeships include:
- Retailer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Retail Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Retail Leadership Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
You can get retail experience through volunteering with charities that operate high street shops. The skills you pick up can help when applying for paid jobs.
You can become a shopkeeper by taking over an existing business or opening a franchise. You can also set up your own retail outlet on the high street, at a market or online.
It'll help if you've got some experience in retail, sales, administration or business management.
You can find advice online about setting up and running your own business and through organisations like the King's Trust.
Career tips
If you're looking to run your own store, online selling is a good way to start. You could sell products from your own website or through other established trading sites.
This can be a useful way to gain experience and research your market, before opening a physical shop of your own.
Professional and industry bodies
You may find it useful to join the British Independent Retailers Association, for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can get advice about starting out in retail from the British Independent Retailers Association.
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External links
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