A MESSAGE TO RETAIL INDUSTRY JOB SEEKERS AND RECRUITERS:
The retail industry is undergoing significant changes. With the closure of over 2,000 stores-including Party City, Big Lots, Macy's, CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid-tens of thousands of employees, both in-store and corporate, are facing unemployment. These closures span department stores, big-box retailers, specialty stores, and pharmacies.
Looking at the retail industry more broadly, companies strive for three essential pillars:
1. A GREAT LOCATION
2. OUTSTANDING PRODUCT
3. WORLD-CLASS CUSTOMER SERVICE
These same pillars are fundamental to other industries that are hiring, especially HOSPITALITY (hotels) and FOOD AND BEVERAGE (quick-service restaurants, fast food, fine dining, and bars). While these sectors may seem different at first glance, they share an operational backbone that is strikingly familiar to retail professionals:
* FRONT OF THE HOUSE: Customer service, upselling, and delivering a great experience.
* BACK OF THE HOUSE: Inventory management, team scheduling, budgeting, performance tracking, and execution of strategic goals.
WHY RETAIL MANAGERS ARE PERFECT FOR HOSPITALITY AND FOOD SERVICE:
If you've been managing freight, planograms, sales goals and payroll in retail, you've already mastered the skills needed to transition. While restaurant back-of-house may focus on kitchen operations, most employers offer structured training and teach those specifics. What’s more, if you've worked in retail, you know what it means to put in long hours, work weekends, and adapt under pressure.
You are a RETAIL WARRIOR and that work ethic is invaluable.
ADVICE FOR JOB SEEKERS
* DON’t BE DETERRED BY JOB DESCRIPTIONS asking for specific experience. Apply anyway!
* Craft a COMPELLING COVER LETTER that highlights your transferable skills, like leadership, operational expertise, and customer service excellence.
* Emphasize your ability to manage both front-of-house (customer interactions) and back-of-house (operations and logistics).
A MESSAGE TO RECRUITERS.
Think outside the box! Retail professionals bring a wealth of experience, resilience, and adaptability. These are hard-working individuals who excel in fast-paced, customer-focused environments. Whether it's managing a team, hitting sales targets, or optimizing operations, they are prepared to step into leadership roles in hospitality and food service.
Retail professionals, you have what it takes. Recruiters, take notice. Together, we can turn these transitions into success stories.
Click here to apply: https://lnkd.in/gs5BcMYD