Ritesh Khurana’s Post

Did you know that retail skills are not just valuable in the retail industry? Check out this insightful blog on Upskilled to discover how the skills you've gained in retail can be transferred to various aspects of your life. From customer service and communication to problem-solving and teamwork, these skills are versatile and applicable across different areas of your life. Embrace the power of your #retail experience! What is one skill you learned in retail that you use outside of work as well?  Share below! https://lnkd.in/deYGYT76 #retailrecruiting  #retailjobs

In conversation with some friends, we discussed the challenges faced by someone with experience in furniture retail when applying for a job in fashion retail. Despite the commonalities in retail skills, his application was rejected due to field differences, is it true that customer engagement strategies can differ significantly between sectors? This highlights the importance of showcasing transferable skills and adapting to the nuances of each retail field. Here are two questions to consider: 1. **Does experience in retail vary significantly from one field to another, affecting employability?** 2. **In the retail industry, what holds greater value: the innate skill of assisting customers properly or product knowledge, which can be acquired over time?**

Thinking back to the beginning of my retail management career, I vividly remember how I cringed at hearing, "𝑵𝒐 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒅𝒂𝒚" or "𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆'𝒔 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒔." I couldn't accept that sales could be as unpredictable as the weather. 😅 At that time, due to a lack of retail trainers, the B2B trainers I invited couldn't adequately sharpen retail sales skills. Since sales prowess isn't something we're born with, my sales team's own experiences alone weren't enough. Clinging to the idea that training was the key to achieving stable revenue, I partnered with a friend who trained bankers. With my retail background, her training expertise, and several books on retail that I managed to get from the US in those pre-Amazon times, we crafted my first retail training program. My very first training was quite a contrast to my management activity: exercises, group dynamics, the psychology of it all. 😅 I didn't know back then that this would be the beginning of a new path in life that would lead to numerous courses in training, coaching, psychology, and many other topics related to the human factor. Recently, I trained staff at one of the 🇬🇧 oldest department stores. Here are my key takeaways: 🙏 Great respect for businesses that have stood the test of time like this place. I don't agree with the fixation on the disruption that drives us to look at companies with long histories as subjects to extinction rather than honour. 👉 They face the unique challenge of balancing loyal older customers' desire for familiarity with the need to cater to younger shoppers' radically different, tech-driven expectations. 💪 Human resources are their most powerful asset. Location matters, but highly skilled salespeople who can turn casual buyers into loyal store advocates are invaluable. ❤️ Even with Britain's reserved culture, shoppers crave genuine connection and expertise from salespeople. 𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀? #Fashion #FashionRetail #UKRetail #Innovation #LuxuryFashion

Excited to put my newly acquired retail knowledge into action! There’s nothing more rewarding than applying fresh insights and skills to real-world challenges. I am ready to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact in the retail space 💥 #RetailKnowledge #SkillsInAction #GrowthMindset”

If anyone is interested in developing their skills in Retail, a quick thought based on my experience that might be helpful. 💬 Here are some tips for developing this skill:

Here are 5 tips for retail front staff to prepare for their future: 1. *Develop Strong Communication Skills* Effective communication is key to success in retail. Focus on: - Active listening - Clear and concise speaking - Conflict resolution - Adaptability in communication style 2. *Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends and Knowledge* Invest in your product knowledge and stay informed about: - Latest fashion trends - New product launches - Brand stories and values - Emerging technologies in retail 3. *Focus on Customer Experience and Relationship Building* Deliver exceptional customer experiences by: - Being empathetic and understanding - Offering personalized recommendations - Providing timely and effective solutions - Building strong relationships with regular customers 4. *Develop Essential Skills for Career Growth* Acquire skills that are valuable in retail and beyond, such as: - Time management and organization - Leadership and teamwork - Problem-solving and adaptability - Basic technical skills, like operating a POS system 5. *Set Career Goals and Seek Opportunities for Growth* Define your career aspirations and: - Set specific, measurable, and achievable goals - Seek feedback and mentorship from supervisors or industry experts - Look for opportunities to take on new challenges and responsibilities - Consider pursuing certifications or further education to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Retail learning:- Today we learned how merchandise and operations are interlinked and goes hand in hand. It is not necessary if you are working in any field of retail these both things will eventually come around and having knowledge of these both is very essential. For this knowledge I would love to extend my gratitude towards SAURABH KALRA sir and hope to have more lectures with you.

It’s been two months as a Management Trainee in Store Operations at Louis Philippe, and the journey has been enriching. 😄 Currently, I’m going through the Customer Care Associate (CCA) stint, a role that has given me hands-on exposure to the heart of retail operations. 🛍️ Here are a few key takeaways from this experience: 1. Customer-Centric Approach: - Listening actively and understanding customer needs is essential for creating a personalized shopping experience. 🤔 2. Product Knowledge is Key: - Knowing fabrics, fits, and styles inside out not only builds customer confidence but also drives sales. ❓ 3. Sales and Value Creation: - Techniques like upselling and cross-selling help enhance the customer experience while contributing to the brand's growth. 💯 4. Building Brand Loyalty: - Small gestures, like remembering repeat customers' preferences, go a long way in turning shoppers into loyal patrons. 🤝 5. Handling Real-Time Challenges: - Managing customer complaints and resolving issues on the floor has sharpened my problem-solving skills. This stint is teaching me the fundamentals of customer engagement, team collaboration, and brand representation. Each day offers invaluable insights that are shaping my journey in retail with Louis Philippe and Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited.

Exploring Retail Excellence: My Visit to Shirdi D-Mart Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Shirdi D-Mart, and it turned out to be an enriching experience! Observing the seamless operations and customer-centric approach was truly inspiring. Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Efficient Store Layout: The well-organized aisles made shopping convenient and time-efficient. 2️⃣ Inventory Management: The availability of a wide range of products at competitive prices reflects exceptional supply chain strategies. 3️⃣ Customer Service: I admired how the staff maintained a welcoming and helpful attitude, ensuring a pleasant shopping experience for all. 4️⃣ Learning: This visit highlighted the importance of understanding customer preferences and adapting strategies to meet their expectations effectively. As a management student, these real-world insights have deepened my understanding of how successful retail businesses operate. It’s fascinating to see theory come alive in practice!

🌟 Are You Ready to Redefine Your Career in Retail? 🌟 The retail landscape is transforming faster than ever, and staying ahead requires more than just experience—it demands expertise, strategy, and innovation. 🚀 At Academy Of Retail Excellence, we empower retail professionals and freshers to: ✅ Master the art of customer engagement ✅ Navigate the complexities of omni-channel retail ✅ Build skills that drive growth in the modern retail world Whether you're managing the shop floor, crafting strategies behind the scenes, or just stepping into the exciting world of retail, we've got you covered with cutting-edge programs, like the Retail Aptitude Test (RAT) and advanced Retail Management Courses. 👉 It's time to invest in yourself and rise to the challenges of this dynamic industry. The future of retail is waiting for YOU—are you ready to claim your place? 📌 Let’s shape the future of retail together. Learn more #RetailExcellence #CareerInRetail #RetailManagement #ProfessionalGrowth #RetailSkills #AcademyOfRetail