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Highlights:
- The
Indian retail market, grew at a fast pace
in the period of 2005-2008
- Of
late, the sector has seen some consolidation
with players like Subhiksha going out of business
- However,
with the entry of global giants like Wal Mart
&; Metro, Retail sector remains an attractive
long term destination for managerial talent
The Indian retail market, which is the fifth largest
retail destination globally, has been ranked the
second most attractive emerging market for investment
after Vietnam in the retail sector by AT Kearney's
seventh annual Global Retail Development Index
(GRDI), in 2008. The share of retail trade in
the country's gross domestic product (GDP) was
between 8–10 per cent in 2007. It is currently
around 12 per cent. In 2009, the sector has seen
some consolidation.
According to Technopak Advisors’ ‘Career in Retail’
study, currently the retail sector employs over
50 million people in India. The study classifies
retail function and jobs into three broad category:
Front-end or point of contact, operations, and
back-end management. Let us learn more about various
job profiles in each of these categories.
FRONT END JOBS
Sales
Retail stores depend on its sales force to sell
their merchandise. Sales comprises of majority
of jobs in retail at the shop floor level. It
accounts for approximately 60-75 per cent of the
total jobs in retail. At an entry level the job
is that of a sales associate/customer associate.
The job involves direct interaction with customers
so it is important to have product knowledge and
a strong sales and service orientation.
Store Manager
Store managers manage sales and operations at
stores. Their primary responsibility is the day-to-day
operations of the store including sales, stocks,
cash management, operations and maintenance of
the stores.
OPERATIONS
Retail Design/ Visual Merchandizing
Visual merchandisers create window and
interior displays in shops and department stores
with the objective of attracting customers and
maximising sales. They are responsible for the
‘look’ of the store. Designers/visual merchandisers
ensure that the value displays in the store reflect
the corporate brand. A course in designing would
be a good way to launch into a career in visual
merchandising.
Supply chain – Logistics and Warehousing
This is amongst the most vital areas of organized
retailing and normally is the differentiator between
modern chains, more so when it comes to perishable
goods retailing. Delivering the right goods to
the right place at the right time is the main
task of supply chain managers. An MBA preferably
in operations with 3 to 5 years relevant experience
in managing supply channels is an ideal candidate.
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