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Sales & Marketing

How to become a Retail Store Manager

From retail associate: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there
2–5 years
Typical pay
$48k–$68k
Starting from
Retail associate

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from retail associate and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

See retail store manager jobs open now

The route

  1. Work the floor and the register

    Retail promotes from within almost exclusively.

    Course that covers thisProfessional Diploma in Customer Service ExcellenceUdemy · around $19.99
  2. Take a keyholder or supervisor role

    Opening, closing, cash handling and covering the store alone.

  3. Learn the numbers

    Sales per hour, shrink, conversion and labour scheduling.

    Course that covers thisUltimate Microsoft Excel Bundle from Beginner to AdvancedUdemy · around $19.99
  4. Run an assistant manager seat

    Hiring, scheduling and discipline before the store is yours.

  5. Destination

    Retail Store Manager

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