What is a retail assistant?

As a retail assistant, you are the first and often primary point of contact for customers shopping at a retail establishment. Your job duties involve assisting customers, stocking products, organizing the floorspace, placing special orders, and completing shop transactions. Many retail assistants eventually move into the role of an assistant manager or team leader by supervising other employees, reporting to upper management, and performing basic administrative functions. You are often the first person a customer sees when they enter a retail store, and as such you are expected to convey a pleasant, attentive attitude. A retail assistant job requires you have excellent communication, customer service, and sales skills. Many retail assistants use the position as a way to gain experience in the industry before moving into a more senior role.