Retail

Retail is the selling of goods directly to the customer from food to fashion. Whilst the retail sector is undergoing significant change, it remains an area of large employment.

Picture of a shop assistant arranging a t-shirt rack
Retail sector

Facts and figures

Retail is the second largest sector in the West of England. Concentrations of retail can be found across the region focused on the City Centres of Bristol and Bath, and Cribbs Causeway shopping centre. These centres are supported by local shopping centres and retail parks.

0+
Businesses
0+
Employee jobs
£0
Average earnings
Careers in retail

Career progression

There are a wide range of entry level jobs across the retail sector these include:

 

Learn more about career 'levels' in our FAQs.

Top skills requested by retail employers

Skills for the retail jobs can be split between ‘general’ skills and ‘specialist’ skill. General are transferrable between sectors and sought by most employers, whilst specialist skills are more focused on the sector.

General skills
  • Sales
  • Customer Service
  • Communications
  • Management
  • Detail Oriented
Specialist skills
  • Marketing
  • Business Development
  • Selling Techniques
  • Procurement
  • Customer Relationship Management
Find training
Green jobs

Green retail

Many retailers are working to become more sustainable with reduced packaging, zero waste stores and clothing swap shops.  There has been a rise in ‘green jobs’ within retail including:

Shelves with coffee bags and plants
Image credit: Ceyda Ciftci, Unsplash
LMI & resources

Labour market information

All teachers, students and parents should have access to high-quality information about future study options and labour market opportunities both nationally and locally.

To access a downloadable copy of the data featured on this page please see link below.

Click here

Decorative interior items shown for sale in shop display
Image credit: WECA