Myths & Facts of the Retail Industry

Retail careers often get a bad rap because they are known as "bottom of the barrel" jobs for young college kids and people without degrees. In reality, the retail industry provides much-needed jobs for anyone who is looking for employment and there is no shortage of degreed professionals in retail. In some cases, retail can also be upwardly mobile as many large chains promote in-store workers to their corporate offices. If you've been put off by the idea of retail before, check out the following myths and facts of the retail industry.

Myth: Retail is a transitional career in which no one stays beyond one or two years.
Fact: Many career-oriented professionals get started in retail either during high school or during college and never leave it. In fact, career retail professionals can often make more money than those in clerical or administrative jobs, especially if they continue to climb the corporate ladder. The retail industry needs not only cashiers and clerks, but also buyers, managers, assistant managers, general managers and corporate employees to make the business flow more smoothly. If you have high aspirations in the retail industry, you can go far much more quickly than in other career paths.

Myth: College degrees do not apply to those in retail
Fact: According to a recent survey conducted by the National Retail Federation, 65% of retail managers are encouraged by their corporate superiors to hire more professionals with college degrees. In fact, many universities nationwide (more than 200) offer degree paths in retail management, retail merchandising, retail sales, retail marketing and others. If you have a college degree, your opportunities for advancement in the retail industry increase dramatically.