Karen Gill and Maxine Benson explain why the retail sector needs to shop around for more senior female staff
The retail sector employs more than 2.8 million workers in the UK and nearly 60% are female. But, despite this, fewer women progress up the ranks to fulfil their potential and many senior positions in retail are still dominated by men.
With women estimated to be responsible for around 70% of household purchasing decisions, the inequality in the sector needs challenging. It is essential that the management of retail companies reflect the demographic of their customer base. The industry offers vastly diverse and rewarding roles, so bright, ambitious women should be encouraged to consider retail as a career option.
So why work in retail? Firstly, there's a huge opportunity to make your mark. Sainsbury's chief executive, Justin King, said: "Time and again we have heard the words 'shelf-stacking' used in a disparaging way. The retail sector is arguably one of Britain's most meritocratic industries. The vast majority of our store managers, and those in other retailers, started out shelf-stacking and they will tell you it was a vital part of their development."
Many of the finalists in the Specsavers everywoman in Retail Awards joined companies on the bottom rung and have gone on to achieve great things. Claire Barron joined Vodafone 18 years ago as a sales advisor and has risen to be customer experience manager, responsible for service in over 350 stores. She won leader of the year at the Specsavers everywoman awards.
With many young people contemplating the financial cost of further education, we may see a rise in those choosing to join the retail industry and climb the ladder.
A career in retail can also offer greater flexibility than other sectors, often allowing people to work around their family commitments or studies. Many companies introduced flexible working programmes as a response to the economic downturn in 2008, not only to manage costs, but also to retain existing talent, reducing the need for extensive recruitment costs to rehire.
Wendy Hallett, owner of Hallett Retail, said: "Flexible working is welcomed, not as a personal indulgence or an illustration of good will towards my staff, but because I believe it makes sound business sense. And with many women stepping off the career because they want to have a family, flexible working is often an attractive opportunity to do both."
There is a common misconception that retail may not offer the same financial reward as other sectors. It's no secret that sqeezed budgets in recent years has changed the retail landscape, but it has also brought opportunities of its own. Consumers are rethinking the way they shop, and those in the sector who have adjusted to meet these changes will reap the rewards.
The explosion of online retail has in many circumstances created more opportunities for retailers, not fewer. Last year, figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) showed that Britons are the biggest online shoppers in the developed world, with 60% of adults using the internet to buy products.
Many retail entrepreneurs have made the most of this and launched their enterprises from their kitchen table, meaning relatively little start-up costs are required. Jo Davies, for example, founded her boutique, Black White Denim, after having her first child, demonstrating just how accomodating working in the retail space can be.
Specsavers founder, Dame Mary Perkins, commented: "It is vital that we recognise the immeasurable contribution women make to the retail industry and adapt our working practices accordingly... Family friendly values, flexible working hours, clear personal development plans and life-long training that can be adapted to suit a woman's responsibilities and needs at varying stages of her life, are vital."
In a Skillsmart poll last year 29% of recent graduates working in management roles are in retail, attracted by the variety, flexibility and training schemes. We want to ensure that these individuals continue up the ladder – particularly the women – and that programmes such as ours help to raise the profile of the sector.
Karen Gill and Maxine Benson are the founders of everywoman
This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional. To get more content and advice like this direct to your inbox, sign up for our weekly Careers update.
Diversity
Retail careers
Career choices
guardian.co.uk © 2013 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds