Top 10 Most Popular Retail Job Titles
This article is part of a larger series on Hiring.
Retail is the second most popular job category in the United States, according to Indeed Job Trends, with a total 422,340 job postings on the site. In this post, we break down the most popular retail job titles. Choosing the right title for your retail employees will help you attract enough candidates for each job opening. If you’re a retailer, this list will also help you anticipate demand for different types of jobs in the retail sector.
10 Most Popular Retail Job Titles
1. Retail Sales Associate
What they do
Retail sales associates have various responsibilities that help keep retail stores operational. They maintain the store’s appearance and assist customers with any sales or product query. Retail associates are also in charge of restocking inventory and manning the register if necessary.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
Candidates must possess good communication skills and must be able to learn quickly and think on their feet to sufficiently address customer concerns about products, discounts, and loyalty programs.
Number of clicks on Indeed
10.3 million
2. Cashier
What they do
Although some stores use the titles retail sales associate and cashier interchangeably, there’s a difference between the two jobs. The former works on the sales floor while the latter mans the cash register. The cashier’s primary job is to take customers’ orders and handle payment and receipts. If you’re hiring cashiers, make sure you have an efficient POS system setup for them to use.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
A cashier must possess good organization skills to keep track of receipts. Most importantly, the candidate must have an eye for detail to make sure total bill and payment always match.
Number of clicks on Indeed
3.4 million clicks
3. Teller
What they do
Tellers assist bank customers in many ways such as account transactions, personalized banking suggestions, and maintenance of account balances.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
Tellers must possess strong customer service skills and must pay attention to details since they are dealing with clients and money throughout their shift.
Number of clicks on Indeed
2.08 million
4. Store Manager
What they do
Store managers are in charge of employee management and day-to-day operations at a retail shop. In addition, they perform various functions to keep the store operational such as recruitment, inventory management, training, and customer assistance.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The candidate must have prior sales management experience in leading a team, preferably in the same line of business. Strong communication skills and problem-solving skills are also required.
Number of clicks on Indeed
1.4 million
5. Merchandiser
What they do
Merchandisers are responsible for developing strategies to make sure that the right products appear at the correct section of the store in appropriate quantities. The merchandiser looks at trends and monitors product performance to optimize stock levels and increase profitability. Invest in inventory management software to help merchandisers do their job well.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The candidate must have the ability to handle physical workload and must be able to multi-task and meet deadlines. Also, the person must have an active driver’s license for location assignments. Lastly, the ideal merchandiser possesses good communication and interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with store management and associates.
Number of clicks on Indeed
1.3 million clicks
6. Stocking Associate
What they do
Stocking associates are primarily focused on organizing and restocking shelves with products to be sold. The stocking associate follows company procedure to efficiently rotate products as items are sold throughout the shift.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
A stocking associate must be able to lift heavy objects and must be willing to stand for long periods. In addition, the person must be able to use receiving equipment. Basic reading, comprehension, and mathematical skills are also required.
Number of clicks on Indeed
921,506 clicks
7. Assistant Store Manager
What they do
Assistant store managers juggle multiple tasks to provide day-to-day operations support. Some of the duties typically performed by the assistant store manager include employee management, merchandising, employee scheduling, and customer management.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
An ideal candidate must have prior experience in team leading, management, and training, preferably in retail management. Moreover, the candidate must be able to effectively address a variety of HR and labor issues. Lastly, the person must have experience in visual merchandising and stock management.
Number of clicks on Indeed
834,954 clicks
8. Customer Service Associate
What they do
If retail sales associates assist customers on the sales floor, customer service associates usually perform the same job but they do it over the phone or via email. They address customer concerns in compliance with company procedure.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal customer service associate must have previous experience using customer service software and must display proficiency in using web-based tools. In addition, they have strong written and/or verbal communication skills to effectively address customer concerns. More importantly, they must be able to stay composed and keep emotions under control to effectively handle stressful situations.
Number of clicks on Indeed
691,373 clicks
9. Grocery Associate/Grocery Store Stock Clerks
What they do
Grocery Associates are primarily involved in monitoring the supermarket or grocery store’s stock order. They are responsible for every step involved in stocking grocery shelves from receiving up to product display. A grocery store should have a well structured SKU number system to keep shelves organized.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
A grocery store associate must able to lift heavy loads and must be willing to be on the move throughout the shift. Candidates must possess good communication and comprehension skills in addition to excellent cleaning skills to maintain visual standards.
Number of clicks on Indeed
678,861 clicks
10. Retail Assistant Manager
What they do
The retail assistant manager’s responsibilities are similar to that of an assistant store manager. The person performs various duties to support the retail manager such as customer assistance, employee management, recruitment, and sales.
Characteristics of an ideal candidate
The ideal retail assistant manager must have prior experience in leading and managing teams, preferably in the retail industry. The candidate must also possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal skills to be able to motivate team members and resolve employee and customer issues.
Number of clicks on Indeed
558,959 clicks
Bottom Line: Most Popular Retail Job Titles
Frontline roles and first-line management positions are popular among job seekers looking for work in the retail industry. What are your thoughts about the most popular retail job titles? Feel free to write your comments below.
