Talent Acquisition Leader @Arc'teryx | previously led teams @lululemon | DEI & wellness advocate
Retail employees are like diamonds in disguise, hidden gems of talent and potential. Many of the best leaders and specialists I have worked with, have come from Retail or another customer centric role. 👉 Picture this: Merchandising a holiday outerwear display with unwavering focus. It's not just retail, it's a stage for creativity, leadership, and problem-solving skills. 🔍 'Overqualified' takes a different hue here. It’s not about excess qualifications, but about untapped potential. Retail jobs are often seen as stepping stones, but let's not overlook the reservoir of talent! 🎩 The store manager skillfully juggles inventory, customer service, training, hiring... They're strategic planners, people developers, crisis handlers - much more than just a manager. 🤝 And the sales associate, they don't just sell. They're product whizzes, psychologists, diplomats - turning browsing customers into loyal ones. 👏 Retail employees, you're not overqualified - you're underestimated! It's time the industry recognizes your true value. 💎 💭 So next time you're in a retail store, look beyond the name tag. If you agree, share your thoughts or tag someone who needs to see this! #RetailHeroes #HiddenTalent #Underestimated
Ludovic BACQUE
10mo
Agree! and this is why new hire (even high executive leader) usually spend days/weeks in store training, the knowledge acquire from our stores partners are invaluable.
Geoffrey Hietpas
10mo
Agree, and to add… People on the retail floor see and hear first hand when someone likes what they try on (or not!) They see what messaging drives traffic into the store, what colors and styles are most wanted, and when returns occur, they also hear about it ( fit, durability, etc). For product developers, retail feedback can be an amazing source of what the unmet needs are, and that is what we are all trying to deliver on!
John K Rudinski
10mo
Retail applicants just need to be seen then heard! It’s retail which means image, personality and then skills. So many are being turned away or ignored because of key words through the resume scanning process. And many are being ghosted. Let’s not forget the applications that are rejected because they hired someone else?! Why bother! We are retailers.., strong, dependable, smart, have so much to offer, and we can do anything and everything that is asked of us.
Ashley Heinz
10mo
Never discount customer service experience. When you can stand and be lectured or yelled at for something that has nothing to do with you, give them a smile, and thank them when they leave, you can deal with any difficult customer, vendor, coworker, manager, etc. 100% translatable and vital skill for all industries. But also, please don't yell at a 16 year old cashier for ANY reason, they are not in control of a single thing going on in that store. Also, they are human beings, and children!
Thomas Franco
9mo
When looking for talent I have always believed that a Retail manager presents the absolute best option regardless of industry. The constant Demands, changes, requirements to successfully lead a retail team is incredibly complex and challenging. Those who can do it, can do anything ! Retail leaders “live” to overcome challenges thru leading and developing high caliber teams of associates and next gen leaders.
Kit Brown
10mo
This this this 👏 And it's also a good reminder how important it is for each and every corporate retail employee to spend more time in store so they don't lose touch with the heartbeat of any retail company!
Jordan Sitterud
10mo
I've been on the job hunt for a while now and it's blown me away by how many recruiters have asked for retail experience.
Celina D`Assumpçao
10mo
True value often lies in the details most overlook. The ability to see beyond the obvious is what sets the good apart from the exceptional.
Leah Hawke
9mo
I worked in Corporate America for 15 years. I took a break. I then needed an opportunity after a life changing event. I went into retail as a “stepping stone” and have stayed. The skill set required to manage and succeed in the current retail environment is as challenging - if not more so - than managing in a corporate environment! My salespeople are treasures - not to be underestimated. Thank you for your thoughts!
REGIONAL MANAGER MARC JACOBS - Southeast LVMH Brand Ambassador Experienced Regional Director | MBA | Multi-Unit Sales Driver | Customer Centric | Change Leader
10mo100% agree and thank you for saying it Alexa!The multitude of skills that retail managers bring to the table is astonishing. Merchandising, operational standards, sales forecasting, training, effective scheduling, labor controls, HR, asset protection, KPI analysis, customer engagement, and likely 10 other things minimally I haven’t listed make retail managers a special kind of often overlooked talent. They are the essential engine of every brand who is customer facing.