Retail and Wholesale Career Guide

The retail and wholesale industry involves selling goods directly to the end user or customer (retail) or to another supplier who will sell goods on to the end customer (wholesale). Retail and wholesale companies share some key business concepts, but they can take different approaches to business to suit their particular customer base.

This career guide will focus on three job roles in retail and wholesale: buyer, merchandiser and retail manager.

 

Potential Roles in Retail and Wholesale

---

The following job roles are similar for both the retail and wholesale sectors, although they may feel quite different in practice due to the nature of each business model and the items for sale. Commodities and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) require high sales quantities, whereas the luxury market relies on quality items, a pleasurable shopping experience, and creating an air of exclusivity around the brand.

Buyers are responsible for sourcing and purchasing suitable products for their company to sell. Buyer jobs can involve international travel as you search for unique, interesting or lower-cost items that generate a higher profit. In some companies, buyers work closely with procurement departments and merchandisers.

Merchandisers monitor and control the flow of stock through a retail or wholesale company and ensure that product lines are financially viable for the business. Merchandiser jobs can involve travel to explore potential suppliers and products from around the world. Merchandisers work closely with buyers and apply their business acumen and practical skills to determine whether a buyer’s suggestions make sense financially.

Retail or wholesale managers oversee the entire operation of buying and selling products to meet the business objectives. A retail or wholesale manager job involves working in a leadership role and understanding how the business works in-depth. Knowledge of business concepts, like profit and loss, marketing and procurement, is vital for retail and wholesale managers.

 

Salary and Career Progression

---

A retail and wholesale career can span various jobs and levels of seniority, from assistant roles to managerial positions. Although entry-level jobs are relatively low paid, there is scope for career progression and increased salaries with experience and promotions.

Buyers start on a salary of around £18,000 to £20,000, which can rise to £40,000 with experience. Senior buyers with substantial experience can earn significantly more, particularly if they work for a large, well-established company. The career path for a retail or wholesale buyer normally starts with a trainee or graduate buying position, moving up to an assistant or junior buyer before working as a senior buyer or buyer controller.

Merchandisers start in a training or graduate role and can move up to a senior merchandiser position within seven or eight years. Typical salaries start at around £18,000, rising to £50,000 and more for senior roles. In large organisations, a director of merchandising can earn upwards of £80,000.

Retail and wholesale managers have significant industry experience and have worked their way up to senior positions over time. In smaller companies, it may be possible to become a manager through experience alone, but some larger employers often prefer to hire graduates. You can expect to earn £20,000 or more as an assistant manager, rising to £60,000 or more as a retail store manager. Managers of larger organisations can make considerably more.

 

Qualifications, Education and Experience

---

Buyer roles can be highly competitive, and candidates typically need a university education to secure a job. The following can be beneficial:

• 4-5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A**-C)
• 2-3 A Levels to access a university course
• A Bachelor’s degree in any subject, although a relevant subject, like fashion or business, can be advantageous
• An industry-relevant diploma or foundation degree may be sufficient for some employers
• A good awareness of the industry, e.g. fashion, food or electronics

Merchandisers are usually educated to a degree level in a relevant subject, although in some cases, employers may accept other educational qualifications in a relevant subject. Merchandisers can benefit from the following:

• 4-5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A**-C)
• 2-3 A Levels to access a university course
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, like business, finance, maths or retail management
• An interest in a specific industry
• A diploma in a relevant subject may be acceptable in some cases, particularly if you also have industry experience

Retail or wholesale managers are usually required to hold a university degree. The following can be beneficial to secure a management job:

• 4-5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A**-C)
• 2-3 A Levels to access a university course
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, like business, marketing, fashion or retail management
• Diploma or apprenticeship in a retail-based subject
• Experience in junior retail or wholesale roles, like customer services assistant or department manager
• Completing a company graduate scheme or management training scheme

 

Skills

---

Buyer jobs rely on creativity, and a good buyer is always looking out for the ‘next big thing’. Valuable skills include:

• Attention to detail
• Good aesthetic taste and an understanding of different market preferences
• Ability to spot trends and stay ahead of the curve
• Excellent communication skills
• Friendliness and approachability
• Business acumen and an understanding of mathematical principles
• Negotiation skills
• Influential and persuasive personality
• Confidence and willingness to travel

Merchandisers must have a broad skill set, including sound mathematical reasoning and competence in analysing financial figures. Valuable skills include:

• Advanced understanding of mathematical concepts
• Analytical thinking
• Negotiation skills
• Logic and critical thinking
• Good written and verbal communication
• Business acumen
• Ability to work under pressure
• Time management skills and the ability to prioritise tasks
• IT skills
• Confidence and willingness to travel

Retail managers must have a combination of practical and soft skills to manage a team effectively. Key skills include:

• Excellent communication skills
• A pleasant and approachable nature
• Ability to work under pressure
• Leadership qualities
• Good organisation and time management
• IT skills
• Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment
• Customer service skills
• Patience
• Drive and motivation

 

Working Hours

---

A career in retail and wholesale often involves long days and unsociable hours. Job roles can be demanding, and weekends, evenings and public holidays are usually the busiest times for the retail and wholesale sector.

Part-time hours may be available in some junior positions, but senior roles typically expect full time work of 40 – 42 hours per week. Shift work is standard, mainly to cover retail opening hours, so you may have to work outside of regular office hours.

 

Notable Locations

---

Locations for work in the retail and wholesale sector can vary significantly depending on the employer and the job role. Many retail jobs are customer-facing and located in individual high-street stores. Senior and non-customer-facing positions, like buying and merchandising, are usually in the company head office.

Wholesale companies often have premises outside of city centres, where land for warehouses is less expensive, although their offices may still be in cities. The type of goods for sale also influences the location. For example, fashion brands favour visible locations in the world’s top cities with high footfall, whereas wholesale retailers might choose cheaper land to house their large warehouses and provide parking for customers.

Notable locations include:

• London
• Birmingham
• Liverpool
• Belfast
• Edinburgh

 

Notable Companies

---

• B&M: Homeware, food and FMCG retail store that employs store assistants, managers, buyers and merchandisers across the UK
• Marks and Spencer: UK retailer that employs over 70,000 people across the UK
• Booker Group: UK food and drink wholesaler supplying Budgens, Londis and other small outlets across the UK
• Costco: Wholesale supplier of a vast range of goods, hiring employees in warehouses, depots and its head office in Hertfordshire.

 

Next Steps

---

Sign up to JobLookup for the latest retail and wholesale jobs straight to your inbox. To start your job search today, read The Ultimate Jobseeker Guide for tips and advice on landing your next role.