At Love Success, we specialise in finding talent for office support roles, but many of the skills needed for those jobs are also key to managing a fast-paced retail environment, and as such, retail is an area we recruit for too. Retail managers need a variety of abilities, from leadership and customer service to multitasking and problem-solving.
Here’s an inside look at a typical day in the life of one retail manager, Louise, who shares her experience managing a busy London store.
8:00 AM
“My day starts early, often before the shop opens. I arrive before the staff, so I can get a handle on the day ahead. The first thing I do is check the sales figures from the previous day and compare them to our targets. I also look at any staffing changes for the day – maybe someone’s called in sick or we have new hires starting. Recruitment agencies in London are really helpful for finding temporary staff when we’re short, especially during busy times like Christmas.”
9:00 AM
“Once the staff arrive and the shop floor is generally quiet, I gather everyone for a quick team meeting. We go over the day’s goals, any promotions or special events we need to focus on, and assign tasks. Being a retail manager means wearing many hats – sometimes I’m a leader, sometimes a coach, and other times a bit of a cheerleader!”
10:00 AM
“As it gets busier, it’s all about the customers. I’ll often be on the shop floor for the first part of the morning, making sure everything is running smoothly. If a customer has an issue, it’s my job to resolve it quickly. This can range from handling a complaint to helping someone find exactly what they’re looking for. My role requires excellent people skills, which is something recruitment agencies in London often look for in candidates applying for these types of roles.”
12:30 PM
“Midday is a good time to check stock levels and make sure everything looks great whilst grabbing a bite to eat in the back office. If something is running low, I’ll place an order or adjust displays to ensure we’re showcasing the right products. Visual merchandising is key to driving sales, so it’s something I monitor closely throughout the day. I also work closely with suppliers to keep track of deliveries and special orders.”
2:00 PM
“One of the most important aspects of my job is developing my team. If I’m not dealing with customers or stock, I’m training new employees or giving feedback to the team. It’s my responsibility to make sure they have the skills and support to excel. I love watching my staff grow in confidence and ability.”
4:00 PM
“Later in the day, I focus on the paperwork. This includes cashing up, reviewing sales performance, and preparing reports for head office. I also take time to debrief with the team – what went well, what we could improve on tomorrow. It’s a good chance to make sure everyone’s on the same page before we close up for the day.”
6:00 PM
“It’s standard closing today, so it’s not a late one. By the time I leave the store, I’ve had a busy but rewarding day. I love my job, being part of London’s busy retail scene.”
Looking for retail roles?
Find out more about retail roles in London, and get in touch on 020 7870 7177 if you’re considering this option.