Essential Information
Individuals who plan to start their own retail businesses or who are currently majoring in marketing or information systems could benefit from earning a retail certificate. As an education prerequisite, schools may request that applicants possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some certificate programs also offer specializations or curriculum that focus on a certain aspect of retail, and practical experience could be required. After earning a retail certificate, graduates will have the knowledge necessary for certification exams and could be prepared for a variety of positions in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
Retail Certification and Certificate Program
The National Retail Federation offers retail certification in customer service, sales, retail management, and professional retail business. The retail management credential requires individuals to pass an exam that tests them on retail management techniques, warehousing, logistics, and marketing.
Students in a certificate program learn how to increase profits and how to recruit and properly train new employees. They could also be offered internships to supplement their education and gain work experience. Other coursework may include the following:
- Visual merchandising
- Supervision principles
- Spanish for retail
- Human relations
- Organizational behavior
- Management principles
Popular Career Options
Career options include store manager, assistant store manager, and managerial roles in retail loss prevention, retail operations, and retail human resources. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that first-line supervisors of retail salespersons earned a mean annual salary of $45,830 as of May 2019 (www.bls.gov). With more experience and education, individuals might even be prepared to work as store owners and retail buyers.
Continuing Education Information
There are also associate's and bachelor's degrees available for individuals looking to enter into the retail management field. Associate's degree programs could instruct students on accounting, e-tailing, sales, and public speaking. Bachelor's programs might concentrate more on liberal arts and allow individuals a glimpse into fashion merchandising in addition to retail management.
Students in retail certificate programs learn about sales and management in the retail environment. This can lead to certification and successful careers as store managers and owners.
