With the rise of online shopping and increased competition, the retail industry in Australia is changing rapidly. Shifts in customer expectations are forcing businesses to adapt, with the Australian Retail Outlook 2020 report by KPMG finding that pressure on retailers to remain relevant in the eyes of consumers has never been stronger.
Whether you’re looking for retail courses to learn how to start your own business, or you want to get qualified for senior roles with leading retailers, having the relevant skills needed to navigate industry change will equip you for a successful career.
Keep reading to learn more about the kind of skills you’ll need as a retail professional in the future.
People Skills
There’s more to leading a retail team than delegating tasks and organising rosters. To reach a senior role in retail, you’ll also need strong people skills. This trait is essential for maintaining employee morale in an increasingly volatile retail market.
Employee turnover rates in retail are rising (the national average for annual employee turnover is 16%, while in retail it’s 41%), so motivating team members with employee incentives will be one of your key responsibilities as a retail manager. Having strong people skills will also enable you to effectively communicate with employees, encourage skill development, and provide constructive feedback.
Social Media Management
Now that such a significant part of customer service and sales take place online, social media management is becoming an increasingly vital skill for retail professionals. Including a social media strategy in your customer service model will allow you to establish trust with consumers by engaging with them on a more personal level.
By enhancing your social media management skills, you’ll have the opportunity to establish relationships with customers, build your brand, and widen your share of the market.
Personalised Customer Service
From Netflix algorithms and Facebook feeds, to Spotify playlists and Instagram ads, personalisation can be seen everywhere these days. Customers have come to expect a high standard of customisation from every business, making personalised customer service critical for success in the modern retail industry.
With 71%of consumers expressing some level of frustration when their shopping experience isn’t personal, knowing how to treat customers as individuals is fast becoming an essential skill. In addition to building loyalty among consumers, customisation can also differentiate your retail business in an increasingly crowded market.
If you’re eager to develop these skills and other relevant competencies, completing a training course will prepare you for the challenges of a rapidly evolving retail industry. Our SIR3021 Certificate III in Retail will teach you how to engage with customers, maintain daily store operations and deliver on organisational expectations, providing a pathway to a fulfilling career.
Want to learn more about the retail industry? Find out everything you need to know about Starting an Online Retail Store.