Retail Sector
What is the Retail Sector? The Retail sector covers all aspects of high-street and eCommerce shopping. Workers in the sector ensure that shops, services, and online outlets run smoothly.
Workplace trends
Average annual salary
£32,300 Percentage of GM workforce working in this sector
• The sector was heavily impacted by the pandemic with non-essential shops mostly closed.
• Increasing demand for warehouse space driven by eCommerce trends and online sales adoption.
• Environmental considerations have led some retailers to shorten supply chains and start exploring reusable packaging.
• Greater Manchester has both historic (like Bury Market) and modern (like The Trafford Centre) retail hubs.
Roles that GM employers are currently recruiting for
17.6%
What do I need to start my career?
• Customer Service
• Warehouse Worker
• Marketing Manager
Entry level roles often require no experience with training on the job available.
• Retail Sales Associate
• Shop Floor Manager
• eCommerce Specialist
Some apprenticeships are offered in both shop-floor and warehouse roles.
• Account Manager
• Merchandising Specialist
• Buyer / Purchasing
• Delivery Driver
Advanced roles in things like eCommerce or management sometimes recruit graduates.
Who might you work for?
Types of qualifications
Shortage and in demand roles
• The Hut Group
• ASDA
GCSEs grade 4 and above in maths, English, and science.
• Amazon
• JD Sports
• Tesco
• Estee Lauder
Some apprenticeship qualifications are available in roles like Retailer, Retail Team Leader, and Retail Manager.
• Warehouse Worker
• Pets At Home
• Specsavers
(232,000 employed)
Approximate number of GM employers
21,750
Warehousing qualifications from level 2–5.
• Selfridges
• Delivery Driver
• eCommerce Specialist
What does the future hold for this sector? • Digitalisation is impacting the sector more widely but particularly in warehouse management.
Soft skills
• Customer service
• Merchandising
• Patience
• Sales
• Budget management
• Digital skills
• eCommerce has accelerated over the course of the pandemic and more shops are selling online.
Want to know more? - Y ou can find out more and search for retail careers online or visit the
• Store experience – some shops are creating a more in-depth “experience” for shoppers, with bespoke customer service.
British Retail Consortium.
2022