As eCommerce and online shopping have become increasingly popular all around the world, you might expect the retail industry to be taking a hit. But contrary to popular belief, brick-and-mortar stores continue to thrive among shoppers who prefer to try before they buy or enjoy the experience of shopping in person.
Like all types of work, there are certain pros and cons to working in retail that you should be aware of before applying to work at a store. While many retail employees enjoy working in the industry and appreciate the flexibility of retail shifts, others find it frustrating and stressful.
Some people who start in entry-level retail roles go on to grow their careers within the field, moving into roles in store management, operations, or even visual merchandising. However, there are also plenty of cases where retail employees experience burnout from the fast-paced work style that retail is infamous for. Others grow tired of the in-store sales environment and decide to leave the retail industry for good.
If you’re trying to make up your mind about working in the retail industry and whether or not it’s the right next move for your career, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll share the top pros and cons of working in retail.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Working in Retail?
If you’re trying to decide if retail is the right industry for you, there are a few important factors to consider. As with any type of work, there are pros and cons to retail jobs. Whether these are make or break for you depends on your personal priorities, career goals, and preferences.
Below, we’ll look at 10 things that everyone should know about retail before they enter the field, including 5 benefits and 5 drawbacks to working in retail roles.
Let’s start with 5 pros of working in retail.
The Benefits of Working in Retail
What are the best reasons to work in retail? Take a look at the five unique benefits listed below that you can enjoy at most retail jobs.
Pro #1: Working in Retail Requires You to Be Physically Active
One of the numerous advantages to consider about working in the retail sector is how physically active you can be at your job.
With the advancement of technology and a rise in computer-based jobs, more people are working in roles that require us to sit at a desk all day. But this is definitely not the case for anyone working in retail! Whether you’re looking for a part-time or full-time retail job, working in retail will help you stay active, fit, and on top of your daily step goal!
Pro #2: You Can Take Advantage of Steep Employee Discounts
Hands down, enjoying an employee discount is perhaps the biggest draw for many job seekers who are interested in the retail industry.
While the discount offers can vary vastly from one retailer to another, the norm revolves around 10-30% off the tag price! Now that’s a huge pro to working in the retail sector, especially if you’re lucky enough to land a role at your favorite store.
Pro #3: Retail Jobs Help Improve Your Social Skills
Like most customer service roles, retail jobs involve a ton of social interactions with different people, both face-to-face and on the phone. Many retail jobs are an extravert’s dream! But even for people who are less outgoing, retail work provides plenty of chances to improve your social skills.
Working in retail involves tons of social interactions with customers and coworkers, which makes it a great way to boost your communication skills. If you’re particularly shy, working in retail can help you develop social skills and force you out of your shell in a low-stakes environment.
So, if you’re looking for a way to work on improving your social skills, working in the retail industry could be a possible option!
Students are one of the largest groups of individuals who enjoy working in the retail industry. This is because of the flexible working hours that the job sector allows its employees!
If you’re looking to take on a part-time job or a temporary position, the retail industry can definitely allow you room to better fit your schedule.
Pro #5: There's Plenty of Room for Growth
The fifth pro of working in the retail industry is that it provides people with so much room for growth!
Whether you take on a short stint or a long-term position, every individual from the retail sector will agree that there are many soft skills to be picked up!
The Cons of Working in Retail
As amazing as some of the pros of working a retail job might sound, this isn’t an industry for the faint of heart. If you’re considering a career in retail, make sure you’re prepared to handle the challenges listed below. Here are 5 of the cons to retail jobs.
Con #1: Holidays and Busy Seasons Can Be Stressful
One of the cons of working in the retail sector is that it can get really busy during the weekends and holiday seasons.
Higher traffic usually demands more hands on deck and this can mean that you may be called in to work an extra shift or two. Your work-life balance could be affected when you decide to join the retail industry.
Con #2: Retail Jobs Tend to Have a Lower Pay Scale
As compared to other sectors, working in the retail industry may fall on the lower end of the pay scale. This is not necessarily true for every retail job position, though!
The lower pay scale could be attributed to the hourly pay rates that many companies offer as well as the inconsistent work schedules.
Con #3: Dealing with Difficult Customers is Inevitable
The retail industry is a sector that is heavily focused on its customers. As such, it is always important to put them first.
However, every retail staff also comes across difficult customers. On a bad day, communicating with them can eventually get to some of us!
Con #4: You Might Have an Inconsistent Work Schedule
Maybe, you agreed to work 20 hours a week at the interview. However, there are times when you just may not be able to clock enough hours.
The inconsistency in work schedule is quite a common issue that numerous part-time and temporary retail staff have previously experienced.
Con #5: Indoor Working Environment
Some individuals may prefer a change in their working space and this could be a possible con for those working in the retail industry.
Most of the time, employees have to return to the same working environment to clock their hours. This could be a problem for adventurous individuals as retail work usually comes with an indoor working space.
Carefully Consider the Pros and Cons of Working in Retail
And there you have it: the top 10 pros and cons of working in the retail industry. We hope this article has helped to provide you with some clarity as to what you can expect from taking on a retail job!
If you’re on the lookout for jobs within the retail sector, visit GrabJobs to take a look at some of the open retail positions now!
