Retail Associate Training: A Quick Overview of the World of Retail

Employers
Employers come in all shapes and sizes. Retail is not a one-size-fits-all business. Many retail organizations offer promotions to their front-line staff, because they realize these employees have learned the basics of the operation.

Retail sales opportunities can be found in large or small operations. A retail operation can be a kiosk in a mall, a department store chain, a franchise operation, a dollar store, or a specialty store. The products sold are too numerous to list. Pricing can also define a retail operation, for example discount stores, high-end stores, or low-end stores.

Slogans
Companies use slogans in order to build recognition. There are a number of companies that have slogans people recognize right away. Often a slogan appeals to a lifestyle we already have or want to have. Slogans are short statements that tell us about the company, the products they sell, and how they do business.

Slogan is a motto or phrase that a company feels speaks for its products and/or services.

Slogans are often included in job postings, so understanding the message could help you in your interview. It is important to know if the company you want to work for has a slogan. Why? It gives you important information about the company. Whatever the slogan talks about is something the company values. It could refer to something like quality, customer service, or innovation.

Slogans appeal to potential customers for different reasons…envy, lifestyle, fun, and safety, to name a few. 

Example of slogans from some big retail brands(Just search the internet!):

Help is close to home.
Your hometown proud supermarket.
Look smart. Payless.
For the many sides of you.
You’ll like what the future has in store.
Style. Selection. Service. Value.
Always low prices.

Types of retail businesses:

Retail operation is any business that sells to the public at retail prices.

Discount store sell goods that are priced at less than the retail price. Usually considered a low-end store.

Department store carries a wide range of goods in several departments. The goods are usually midrange in quality and price.

Kiosk is a very small retail operation usually found in the centre areas of shopping centres. They often look like wagons and can be easily moved.

Franchise is owned by an individual but products and marketing are done by the original company. Mcdonalds, for example.

Specialty store offers items that are one type. A store could offer sports equipment or plus-sized women’s clothing.