Retail

Retailing is an exciting, rapidly changing sector which offers a rich variety of career opportunities to suitably qualified graduates.

For graduates, entry into the retail industry is quite open – a good degree from any background will be a good start. However, gaining some retail sales experience in a similar kind of store will be popular with employers, as it shows that you have already had some insights into how retail functions at shop-floor level.

Retail careers available to university graduates, not in sales, include Assistant Production Officer, Planner, Assistant Merchandiser, Marketing Coordinator

 

Buying/ Merchandising/ Purchasing

The responsibilities of a buyer include selecting and purchasing the merchandise to be sold at stores as well as buying and stocking items for operational use. Depending on the organisation that you work for and your work scope, your job can involve buying for selected brands, a department, a store or an entire chain.

Positions/Job Titles Offered             

  • Purchasing Assistant, Assistant Purchasing Officer, Purchasing Officer, Buyer, Merchandiser

Job Nature/Typical Job Duties

  • Purchasing is about getting the right things, of the right quality, at the right time, in the right place and at a competitive price for the company
  • The work of purchasing is that of a middleman, dealing with both the vendor and the user
  • coordinating with agents, vendors and factories in mainland China or around the world to track goods
  • at senior level, to develop current and future plans for merchandise sales, markdowns and gross margin to support a merchandising strategy and identifying sales and inventory opportunities to maximize pre-season and in-season financial performance
  • work closely with all groups involved in the development and delivery of products: design, production, marketing, planning, distribution and stores. The goal is ensure the stores have the best selection of merchandise every season

General Requirements

  • A degree holder of any disciplines (degree of business related an advantage)
  • Good judgment and strong analytical skills
  • Strong negotiation skills
  • Integrity
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Enjoy frequent traveling/working abroad

 

Marketing

Marketing executives and managers are in an unending race to keep up with and predict the ever-changing needs, demands and preferences of the customers. They must keep track of buying trends and the demographic of the customers, and target them accordingly.

Positions/ Job Title Offered              

  • Marketing Assistant, Assistant Marketing Officer, Marketing Officer                                                   

Job Nature/Typical Job Duties                 

  • Brand building
  • Developing new market and business opportunities
  • Preparing and implementing marketing plan
  • Organizing marketing road shows/seminars
  • Liaising with advertising companies and media to implement advertising, marketing and promotion programs
  • Leading sales team to achieve sales target
  • Monitoring daily sales and distribution
  • Driving positive and progressive business result

General Requirements            

  • Degree holder of any disciplines
  • Marketing or business administration background and experience is an advantage
  • Creative, enthusiastic, self-motivated, visionary
  • Sales oriented
  • Excellent communication and people skills
  • Willing to work long hours

 

Retail Management

A retail manager will decide how to use resources and employees to best meet the aims of the organisation. Senior managers oversee the entire business, while their junior colleagues may be responsible for a certain aspect of the organisation’s work, a branch, a franchise or a region.

Positions/ Job Titles Offered

  • Retail Manager

Job Nature / Typical Job Duties

  • To lead a team who are fully responsible for the retail system in the company, from day to day operations to system enhancement etc.
  • managing and motivating a sales team at shop-floor level to increase sales and ensure efficiency;
  • managing stock levels and making key decisions about stock control;
  • analysing sales figures and forecasting future sales volumes to maximise profits;
  • analysing and interpreting market trends and customer satisfactory level, responding  to customer complaints and comments;
  • touring the sales floor regularly, talking to colleagues and customers, updating colleagues on business performance, new initiatives and identifying or resolving urgent issues;
  • organising special promotions, displays and events
  • dealing with sales, as and when required. 

General Requirements

  • Degree holder in any disciplines
  • Experience in business analysis or market research, specialized in retail/ channel management, and the related products/ FCMG market is a strong advantage
  • Strong in statistical and analytical skills
  • Good project management skill and strong market sense
  • Good communication and presentation skills

 

Visual Merchandising

The job of a visual merchandiser is to create striking store displays that draw customers in and maximise sales. They must consider factors such as space, lighting and store guidelines to produce effective window and floor displays.

Positions/ Job Titles Offered

  • Visual Merchandiser

Job Nature / Typical Job Duties

  • Create, update and maintain visual displays in the store windows and on the floor according to corporate branding & image
  • Responsible for graphic design
  • To responsible for window display and new store set up 

General Requirements

  • Diploma / Degree in Visual Merchandising or Graphic Design
  • Expert with design software applications such as Indesign, Illustrator, Photoshop
  • Have a good sense of aesthetic and creative in window / product display
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work in a fast paced environment and meet tight timelines

 

Customer Services

Positions/ Job Titles Offered

  • Customer Service Executive, Customer Relations Officer, Assistant Customer Services Manager                       

Job Nature / Typical Job Duties                  

  • Responsible for providing quality post-sales services
  • To co-ordinate the external and internal parties to handle customers¡¦ inquiries and complaints
  • To collect customer comments and feedback and take follow up actions

General Requirements                    

  • Degree holder in any disciplines
  • Good command of both spoken and written English
  • Good command of Cantonese
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Good command of PC
  • Customer-oriented working attitude

Related Association / Useful Links

(Source from The CUHK Careers Guide 2012)