It is possible to become a storekeeper, whether you want to own or manage a retail store. The first requirement is that you have at least a few years of retail experience. Although retail experience is required, formal education or training may not be required. Although business courses or a certificate or degree in management are desirable, the ability to successfully manage all aspects of a retail shop is the most important skill required to become a storekeeper.
If you want to work as a storekeeper, you’ll need to hire and train employees. Department managers, as well as bookkeeping and accounting personnel, are likely to be required. If you want to get things done efficiently through others, you need to be a leader who can motivate and inspire your team to work together well. If you’re opening a grocery store, for example, you should hire a competent manager for each department who is willing to embrace your business vision and assistants who are eager to help. While you will be responsible for everything as the head storekeeper, you will be able to supervise rather than micromanage the shop if the rest of your team is performing well.
Micromanagement is defined as paying excessive attention to details or exerting tight control over employees. If you work as a store manager, you’ll quickly discover that there are simply too many things to keep track of. To handle the details in various departments, you’ll need to hire competent, responsible supervisors. It will be your responsibility to ensure that these employees meet the objectives you set for them. Compliance with any laws and safety requirements, as well as specifics you want to achieve in the areas of customer service, sales, and inventory, should all be included in these objectives.
Every type of store should have an inventory that caters to its customers’ needs and desires. When you have too much stock of something, it’s likely that it won’t sell quickly enough; as a result, you’ll have to discount it, lowering profits. However, having insufficient stock means you won’t be able to meet customer demand, which may drive customers to your competitors. If you want to work as a storekeeper, you must first learn about your customers and inventory. Working your way up in the retail industry, such as stocking shelves and cashiering before becoming a supervisor for a number of years, can provide you with a solid foundation for a future storekeeper position.