If you’re interested in becoming a store manager, there are a few things you should know.
First, you should be sure that this is the right career path for you. Store managers are responsible for managing all aspects of a business and must be able to multitask and work well under pressure. If this doesn’t appeal to you, then becoming a store manager might not be the best move for you.
Second, it’s important to understand what being a store manager entails. As a store manager, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations at one location or many locations. This means that you’ll have to hire employees, train them on company policies and procedures, oversee their performance on the job, review inventory counts regularly, keep track of sales numbers and customer feedback (in order to improve customer service), make sure that everything runs smoothly at all times—and much more!
If this sounds like something that interests you then keep reading! We’ve compiled some tips below that will help guide your way through the process:
How To Become A Store Manager
1. Earn a high school diploma or an equivalent.
You can start an entry-level career in retail without a diploma or an equivalent, but becoming a retail store manager usually requires one. For those without a high school diploma, the General Education Development test (GED) can be taken to earn a nationally recognized credential equivalent to a high school degree.
2. Work in retail.
Consider accepting an entry-level position in a retail store, and if possible, for the company you’re interested in becoming a store manager for. This experience can allow you to practice customer service skills and learn about how a store organizes and sells its products.
3. Earn a business degree.
If you pursue post-secondary education, an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field can make you a much more competitive candidate for retail store management positions, and provide you with much of the fundamental knowledge required to effectively manage a retail store. During this time, you may wish to also earn your RMC certification.
4. Become a department manager.
After you’ve completed your education and started working in the retail field, you may advance to working as a department manager within a store. This role can help you earn management experience and help you transition from working at the associate level to having greater responsibilities within your store.
5. Advance to a store manager.
If your retail experience is with a larger chain of retail stores, you may transfer locations to secure a retail store management position. If your retail experience is with a smaller company without many locations, or if you’re not able to find a position to transfer into, you may opt to search for retail store management positions in other stores
