Career Retraining Turns Retail Layoffs Into New Job Prospects

During a recession, it might seem like everyone you know starts shopping at discount department stores. However, pressures on commercial credit and on the real estate market have made it tough for many retail chains to keep all of their existing stores operating through a rough economy. Household names, like Goody's and Circuit City, liquidated their holdings. Remaining stores have cut back on hiring new staff, especially for entry-level positions. For laid-off cashiers, warehouse professionals, and other retail workers, career retraining can provide a path to some of the new jobs created by today's economy.

Common Job Skills Among Retail Professionals

• Cash Handling
• Customer Service
• Attention to Detail

Career Opportunities for Former Discount Department Store Workers

In many discount department stores, job skills often trump seniority when managers make layoff decisions. Earning a promotion to supervisor status or higher may turn a potential layoff into a relocation. Staffing managers at major chains use a slowing economy to review teams across multiple locations, focusing payroll on high performing, "promotable" team members. Developing leadership job skills and documenting your strong performance are essential to moving up within a retail company.

However, some laid-off workers may find themselves starting over after company shutdowns. Career retraining programs can help those workers translate existing skills to new jobs. For instance, negative feedback from the offshore customer service trend of the past decade has created demand for U.S.-based call center professionals. Likewise, many states have authorized construction of new casinos that require retail-trained cashiers who can pass rigorous background checks.

New Economy Careers for Retail Professionals

• Gaming Cashiers and Dealers
• Sales Supervisors
• Marketing Professionals

Benefits of Career Retraining

Many retail workers land their jobs because of relatively low training requirements. Few retail jobs require advanced degrees, and many employers may hire cashiers and other entry-level workers with high school diplomas. However, competition for quality jobs during a recession requires investing in job skills. Government agencies provide grants and low-cost loans for Americans who want to develop managerial skills or technical skills, enabling them to earn higher salaries in more specialized jobs. With career retraining programs offered online and at regional job skills centers, most Americans can find ways to become more competitive job seekers.

Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Mass Layoffs Summary
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Retail Salespersons
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Sales and related occupations
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