By: Ryan
Some love it, some hate it, but Retail Sales is a vastly common job. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says there are almost 8 million people working in retail across the country, or around 5% of all workers. We can imagine that that’s because it’s a relatively simple job to do (easy to learn, little training needed) and it’s needed to help companies sell more goods face to face. Retail workers are assets though who gain valuable skills in customer service, communication, and problem-solving. If someone has decided to move on from such a role, what do they do?
Well we found the data to help you figure this out on LinkedIn and on Indeed. LinkedIn has a large database of job titles and related skills, so we can match the skills to the new jobs, and Indeed has salary data. If you’re looking for an alternative career beyond retail (so excluding any where you are only selling one on one), you probably want to find something that can use your existing skills (although you may still need a few additional skills) and you want a job that pays well, and ideally that has a future! We assume you’re not looking for customer service jobs too. We’ve done all the work to find these for you, and ordered them by closest fit to your existing retail skills. Enjoy!
Brand Representative - Average Base Salary: $36,714
In the role of a Brand Representative, you go beyond the typical responsibilities of a Retail Sales job. While both positions involve engaging customers and driving sales, a Brand Representative serves as a direct reflection of the brand's identity. This means not only promoting products but embodying the brand's values and participating in community engagement. In contrast to a conventional Retail Sales role, a Brand Representative actively contributes to events, gathers valuable customer insights, and plays a key part in maintaining the brand's visual identity. While the core involves customer interaction and sales, the Brand Representative role adds an extra layer of brand ambassadorship and community involvement, making it a dynamic and multifaceted position in comparison to the traditional Retail Sales job.
Office Assistant - Average Base Salary: $67,013
While both Office Assistants and Retail Sales roles share common administrative tasks, the nuances of each position distinguish them. As an Office Assistant, your focus is on supporting the smooth functioning of an office environment. This involves tasks like organizing schedules, managing communication, and handling clerical duties. In contrast, Retail Sales positions revolve around customer interactions, sales, and maintaining store operations. Office Assistants contribute to an efficient work setting. The primary difference lies in the nature of the environment – one within an office setting, emphasizing organizational efficiency, and the other centered around the retail floor, prioritizing customer satisfaction and salesmanship.
Food Server - Average Base Salary: $39,231
Food Servers and Retail Sales roles, although both customer-facing, involve distinct responsibilities shaped by the nature of their environments. As a Food Server, your focus is on providing a positive dining experience by taking orders, serving food, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Interpersonal skills and an understanding of menu items are key. In contrast, Retail Sales professionals excel in product knowledge, assisting customers in finding and purchasing items, and maintaining the visual appeal of merchandise. While both positions require effective communication and a customer-centric approach, the Food Server role centers on hospitality and immediate service. The difference lies in the type of experience each role aims to deliver – one centered around dining satisfaction and the other on product discovery and retail engagement.
Barista - Average Base Salary: $34,909
Baristas and Retail Sales professionals share customer interaction aspects, but their roles diverge in the specialized environments they serve. As a Barista, your expertise lies in crafting and serving beverages, maintaining a welcoming café atmosphere, and often engaging with patrons on a more personal level. In contrast, Retail Sales roles involve a broader array of products, requiring knowledge of inventory, assisting customers in making selections, and driving sales. While both demand strong interpersonal skills, Baristas focus on creating a unique coffee experience. The distinction lies in the specialization of the service – one centered on coffee culture and ambiance, the other on versatile product knowledge and retail engagement.
Delivery Driver - Average Base Salary: $69,062
Delivery Drivers and Retail Sales professionals, though both integral to customer service, operate in diverse capacities. As a Delivery Driver, your primary role involves transporting goods to customers efficiently, ensuring timely and accurate deliveries. This position demands strong organizational skills and a keen understanding of logistics. Conversely, Retail Sales roles emphasize product knowledge, customer engagement, and transactional interactions within a physical or online store. While both positions involve customer service, Delivery Drivers navigate transportation logistics, optimizing routes and ensuring on-time deliveries. The key distinction lies in the mode of service – one centered on efficient delivery logistics, the other on in-store or online customer engagement and sales.
Store Manager - Average Base Salary: $55,575
Store Managers and Retail Sales professionals play pivotal roles in the retail ecosystem, but their responsibilities and focus areas differ significantly. As a Store Manager, your overarching responsibility is to oversee the entire store's operations. This includes managing staff, optimizing inventory, and ensuring the store meets its financial goals. Leadership and strategic planning are crucial in this role. On the other hand, Retail Sales professionals concentrate on front-line interactions with customers. They provide assistance, drive sales, and maintain the visual appeal of merchandise. While both positions involve customer service, Store Managers are more concerned with the overall performance and success of the store. The distinction lies in the scope of responsibility – one centered on store-wide management, the other on direct customer engagement and sales execution.
Receptionist - Average Base Salary: $48,686
Receptionists and Retail Sales professionals, although both customer-facing roles, serve distinct functions within different organizational contexts. As a Receptionist, your primary responsibility is to manage the front desk, greet visitors, answer phones, and assist with administrative tasks. Effective communication and organizational skills are essential for creating a positive first impression. Conversely, Retail Sales professionals actively engage with customers in a retail environment, assisting them in finding products, processing transactions, and maintaining the store's visual appeal. While both roles require customer service acumen, Receptionists focus on office management and facilitating communication. The key distinction lies in the nature of the service – one centered on administrative support, the other on direct customer engagement and retail transactions.
Operational Specialist - Average Base Salary: $57,315
Operational Specialists and Retail Sales professionals contribute to the overall functionality of a business but engage in different aspects of its operations. As an Operational Specialist, your primary role is to streamline processes, optimize workflows, and ensure efficient day-to-day operations. This involves coordinating with various departments, managing inventory, and implementing organizational strategies. On the contrary, Retail Sales professionals actively engage with customers, offering product information, driving sales, and maintaining the visual appeal of merchandise. While both positions require a customer-oriented approach, Operational Specialists focus on the behind-the-scenes efficiency of the business. The distinction lies in the scope of influence – one centered on operational efficiency, the other on direct customer engagement and sales execution.
So go forth and multiply (your happiness and income) outside of that retail job. Millions change careers every year, and you don’t need to worry about making the shift if you plan it out a bit. You might want to spend a little time doing research, but just as important is to figure out why you want to leave retail in the first place and figure out where might make you happiest in the long run. Do what benefits you in the long run. Be a CareerWizard!
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