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Unit 8: HR in Operations

One very important duty of the retail store manager relates to customer service responsibilities. Notes
From time to time, shoppers within the retail store will ask to speak with a manager whether to
issue a complaint regarding their shopping experience or provide a compliment to an employee
or the store itself. The retail store manager is the higher up individual in the retail ranks who
provides an ear to customers who wish to express either their pleasure or displeasure regarding
an aspect of the store. Therefore, the retail store manager must be extremely well versed in
matters of customer service.
The retail store manager is also the pertinent individual at a retail store who confers with the
higher up individuals on the corporate level. Since the retail store manager is on the premises
on a daily basis, they are the best individuals to let the corporate office know how that particular
store is doing. This relates not only to sales but to employer – employee relations as well. This
individual is also the one who handles occupational safety and employee relations within the
store and relates any issues back to the head office.

Lastly, the retail store manager is the person at a particular retail store who may handle
advertising and promotional displays. The retail store manager is one who must make their
individual store shine when it comes to presenting various promotions in a favourable and
enticing manner. Although they may not be responsible for drafting the advertising materials,
they should be knowledgeable in how to display the information so that it has the maximum
amount of potential possible.

8.3.2 What Makes the Perfect Retail Store Manager?

There are a few things which the perfect retail store manager will embody. One positive trait
which makes a wonderful retail store manager is an individual who has exceptional
conversational skills. Since a main component of a retail store manager’s daily duties is to
interact with customers and employees, it is very important that they know how to converse in
such a manner which is courteous yet effective. Looking for individuals with this trait will help
interviewers to find the best type of retail store manager.

Past experience is another important aspect which all retail store managers should have. Although
past employment may not be the only contributing factor to obtaining the best possible candidate
for the job, it still is a highly desirable one. Choosing a retail store manager who has some past
managerial experience will equate with less training that is needed and perhaps a more established
and useful manager overall.

Another trait to look for in a potential retail store manager is professionalism. A professional
store manager not only will benefit the customers who enter the store on a daily basis but will
be a good morale booster for other employees as well. A professional retail store manager does
not have to be stuffy yet must know when it is the right time for serious behaviour and when
he/she can take a lighter attitude with both the customers and employees.

A great retail store manager should also have excellent mathematical skills which may benefit
the store the most. Since efficient math skills are an important thing for retail store managers to
have since they will be working with money on a daily basis, it is good to have this particular
quality.
To sum up, these are just some of the many duties and responsibilities which retail store managers
must undertake on a daily basis. By understanding these roles one may be better able to tell if
the position of retail store manager is right for them.

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