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Sales & Retail

The Oxford English Dictionary describes retail as ‘the sale of goods to the public for use or consumption, rather than for resale.’ It encompasses shops, department stores, supermarkets, market stalls, door-to-door salespeople and internet retailers.

Whether you’re aiming for a career in a customer-facing role or a position in head office, the sector has plenty of opportunities, from dealing with day-to-day customer care and generating sales to influencing trends and making strategic business decisions.

A fast paced sector that is all about relationships, targets and being rewarded financially.

What does it entail?

A varied working environment. Work settings can include local retail branches, head offices and distribution warehouses.

The retail sector pays some of the highest graduate starting salaries, many roles based on shift work. This can mean unsociable hours and weekend work, as retailers are often open seven days a week – some operate 24 hours a day.

A fast-paced, pressured work environment, which will be focused on generating sales and making profit.