15 Common Retail Job Titles & Positions For Your Store (2025)

Are you a retail business owner ready to hire your first employee? If so, you’ve made it over the first hurdle. 

Next up? Knowing what position to fill. 

Consider what retail jobs would generate revenue while meeting your business’s specific needs.

For example, if you’re consistently facing long lines at the register, a cashier might be your top priority. If you have more customers on the floor than you can help by yourself, a sales associate could be a better choice. 

Understanding your business needs—while focusing on revenue-generating roles—will help you make the right decision. But before posting your job listing, get clear on which position to hire for—and when. 

In this guide, you’ll learn about the most common jobs in retail, their job descriptions and required retail skills, and when to add those positions to your team. 

How to think about building your team

Retail hiring is an ongoing process that increases with foot traffic peaks, multichannel demand, and rising service expectations. The more popular you get, the more people you might need to hire. 

But hiring the right folks is critical—one bad employee can be costly. 

In PwC’s global CX survey, 32% of customers say they’ll abandon a brand they love after a single bad experience. Front-line staff like cashiers and sales associates keep lines moving, shelves tidy, and shoppers happy. 

When volume climbs, capacity alone won’t cut it. Data from Shopify POS’s Total sales over time reports pinpoint your busiest hours and days, so you can schedule the right number of staff precisely when conversions are most likely. Team leaders and store managers add structure by setting goals, coaching staff, and managing operations. 

Once your systems are in place, specialists can scale and optimize your processes. Visual merchandisers, buyers, marketers, and operations managers refine everything from product assortment to omnichannel loyalty programs. Hiring strategically ensures each new role builds on the last, so your store scales with a cohesive, confident team. 

15 retail job titles and positions

There’s no single job hierarchy that works for every retail business. However, following this general order will help you hire the right employees as you grow.

1. In-store customer-facing roles
2. Store management and leadership roles
3. Specialized operational and growth roles

In-store customer-facing roles

• Retail sales associates
• Cashiers
• Customer service representatives

These roles are often the first step in a retail career, giving new hires a foundation in customer service and sales.

1. Retail sales associates

Retail sales associate pay range: $33,913–$69,669 per year (Indeed)

A retail sales associate ensures customers know someone’s available to help if they need anything, from answering product questions to showing them items that meet their needs— helping increase sales. If your retail business offers perks like appointment shopping or local pickup, a sales associate can also help manage those experiences.

Sales associates are also often responsible for maintaining your store’s clean and organized appearance, setting up product displays, restocking items, and checking out customers (if you don’t have a separate cashier position). They also help you hit monthly sales targets. 

Some businesses, like larger apparel stores and department stores, have separate positions for stock associates who handle stocking and related duties.

Retail sales associate skills:

• Clear and effective communication with customers
• Collaboration with other associates and team members
• Quick and effective problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills
• Ability to adapt and learn quickly
• Organization and attention to detail
• Experience with POS systems
• Basic math and financial knowledge

When to hire a retail sales associate

If you notice customers in your store seeking help that isn’t readily available, and you’re stretched too thin to fill the role yourself, you’re likely ready to hire a sales associate.

2. Cashiers

Cashier pay range: $24,972–$48,284 per year (Indeed)

A cashier might seem like a simple job title, but it can add significant value to your retail business if you’re experiencing an influx of customers each day. A well-trained cashier speeds up the purchasing process, making it quick and seamless for your customers.

Cashiers are responsible for processing purchases and transactions, welcoming customers upon arrival, assisting with returns and exchanges, answering the phone, and promoting any add-ons (like point-of-purchase displays or rewards program sign-ups) right before the customer checks out.

Cashier skills:

• Excellent customer service
• Experience with point-of-sale systems and cash handling
• Organizational skills and attention to detail
• Quick and effective problem-solving and conflict-resolution 
• Basic math and financial knowledge

When to hire a cashier

Naturally, you want to avoid making it difficult for customers to purchase products they want—and for you to make money—so hiring a cashier can help improve your customer experience and revenue.

3. Customer service representatives

Customer service representative pay range: $36,026–$134,809 per year (Indeed)

A customer service representative (CSR) might sound similar to a sales associate, but both jobs have distinct duties. Sales associates typically work on the floor, while CSRs handle inquiries over the phone or email.

A CSR is responsible for answering all customer inquiries, such as purchase concerns and product questions, and even responding to negative reviews. Following company policies, CSRs resolve complaints, handle difficult customers, and build customer loyalty.

Customer service representative skills:

• Excellent people and communication skills
• Quick and effective problem-solving 
• Great energy and infectious enthusiasm
• Organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work as a team player and independently
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with POS systems and customer service technology

When to hire a customer service representative

Some retail stores may never need a customer service representative, but if you’re seeing an influx of emails and calls, especially if you sell products both online and offline, it’s worthwhile to look into hiring a CSR.

Store management and leadership roles

• Team leaders
• Assistant store managers
• Store managers

This category includes a range of retail management positions that keep operations running smoothly and staff working toward shared goals.

4. Team leaders

Team leader pay range: $44,057–$89,179 per year (Indeed)

Introducing team leaders into your retail workforce can streamline operations and improve efficiency, especially as your team grows larger. They oversee specific departments or teams, ensuring tasks are completed correctly while keeping staff engaged and motivated.

Responsibilities include supervising team members, delegating tasks, providing employee training and guidance to department managers, and maintaining productivity and morale within the team. They also serve as a bridge between employees and upper management, addressing concerns and fostering a positive work environment.

With Shopify POS, team leaders can also streamline supervisor duties through retail staff management features like:

• Manage staff schedules
• Monitor cash handling and register assignments 
• Access staff activity logs to identify training opportunities
• Set customer permission for different team roles 

Team leader skills:

• Leadership experience in retail or a similar setting
• Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively
• Knowledge of retail operations and customer service principles
• Adaptability and resilience in fast-paced environments

When to hire a team leader

When your retail team becomes too large for direct management oversight, or when specific departments require focused leadership, it’s time to consider adding team leaders to your organizational structure.

5. Assistant store managers

Assistant store manager pay range: $28,309–$50,763 per year (Indeed)

An assistant store manager shares some duties with the store manager, but mainly supports day-to-day operations. They often handle staff management responsibilities like team huddles, scheduling, and opening and closing procedures. 

An assistant store manager is also likely to address elevated customer concerns or questions before involving the store manager, when needed.

Assistant store manager skills:

• Experience managing a team within a retail setting
• Problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills
• Experience in achieving financial and business objectives
• Experience enforcing and maintaining company policies and procedures
• Excellent customer service skills
• Experience creating and maintaining employee schedules

When to hire an assistant store manager

If your store manager needs help with their tasks and your retail team continues to grow, you’re ready to add an assistant store manager to the team.

6. Store managers

Store manager pay range: $38,604–$87,042 per year (Indeed)

 A retail store manager’s responsibilities should be tailored to your business’s needs, but generally, they handle a lot of what you may have done yourself as a business owner. This can include maintaining day-to-day tasks, managing employee schedules, training new employees, analyzing sales trends, and marketing your store.

Your store manager may also be in charge of budgeting, payroll, store requirements (such as safety and other operational needs), implementing company policies and procedures, providing customer service, and more. All in all, your store manager needs to be responsible for filling your day-to-day role and improving revenue per employee, so it’s important to find someone you trust with the necessary skills and experience.

Shopify POS helps store managers simplify store management tasks with features like:

• Staff scheduling and time tracking
• Employee performance tracking
• Custom permissions and role management
• Real-time sales reporting by staff members

Store manager skills:

• Experience leading a team within a retail setting
• Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills
• Proven ability to set and achieve financial and business objectives
• Experience enforcing and maintaining company policies and procedures
• Firm understanding of sales, promotions, trends, retail markets, and merchandising
• Excellent customer service skills
• Experience creating and maintaining employee schedules

When to hire a store manager

Once you’ve hired a few employees to handle a variety of tasks, you might find yourself ready to have a manager step in to oversee day-to-day operations. This can free up your schedule to focus on other areas, such as opening a popup store in a new location.

Specialized operational and growth roles

• Visual merchandisers
• Buyers
• Inventory control specialists
• Marketing and advertising specialist
• Human resources manager
• Loss prevention or security guard
• Retail operations manager
• Customer experience manager
• Logistics and supply chain coordinator

These roles go beyond standard daily operations, utilizing specialized expertise in areas to help stores scale efficiently and support retail management positions.

7. Visual merchandisers

Visual merchandiser pay range: $52,895–$77,095 per year (Indeed)

If you’ve ever admired an eye-catching product or window display, a visual merchandiser was likely responsible. Their job is to showcase products strategically to boost sales and enhance the customer experience. They know where products belong andwhy, and how to use design and buyer psychology to prompt sales across your entire store.

A great visual merchandiser can also help with new product launches, promotions, and other marketing campaigns by staging product photos and encouraging user-generated content via content creation studios. They can also help build relationships with your suppliers (if you don’t have a buyer). There are also different types of visual merchandisers for different needs, such as events or retail.

Visual merchandiser skills:

• Previous experience with visual merchandising
• Experience developing floor display strategies and planograms
• Ability to think creatively and strategically
• Ability to meet deadlines and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Experience working with suppliers and manufacturers
• Ability to handle a physical workload
• Ability to work as a team player and independently
• Experience applying sales numbers to floor layout plans

When to hire a visual merchandiser

If you usually don’t have an eye for design and/or don’t see your store living up to its full potential, invest in a visual merchandiser to help give your store the facelift it deserves. Similarly, if you’re moving into a new retail store location, consider chatting with a visual merchandiser to understand how to adapt to your new space.

8. Buyers

Buyer pay range: $66,000–$117,000 per year (Glassdoor)

A buyer does much more than just purchase retail products. They research which items should go on your shelves—or online—and secure the best possible price for your business. 

Buyers also establish relationships with vendors, manufacturers, and other companies to get the best deals for your store and your customers.

Buyer skills:

• Experience negotiating and managing contracts
• Ability to effectively research, evaluate, and analyze products based on a variety of factors such as price and quality
• Experience working with suppliers and vendors
• Organizational skills and attention to detail
• Experience maintaining and tracking purchase orders and inventory levels

When to hire a buyer

If you lack the resources to find the best deals on products or need help revamping the products you’re offering in-store, look to a buyer to help you save money and provide the best products to your customers.

9. Inventory control specialists 

Inventory control specialist pay range: $35,453–$63,157 per year (Indeed)

An inventory specialist is a great addition to your retail management team. This retail position’s responsibilities include preventing loss, tracking and maintaining inventory, and implementing cost-control procedures. They also monitor inventory flow, creating reports on defects and stock levels, and ensuring received products meet company standards.

Like other roles on this list, the duties of an inventory control specialist should be tailored to your retail business’s needs. The scope of this job can be as little or as much as your company structure demands.

Inventory control specialist skills:

• Proven experience controlling inventory within a retail setting
• Experience creating, analyzing, and maintaining reports
• Experience creating and maintaining inventory procedures
• Proven ability to increase or maintain a company’s profits through inventory control
• Experience in a management role
• Ability to think strategically and analytically
• Familiarity and experience working with inventory management and control software

When to hire an inventory control specialist

An inventory control specialist may be the last missing piece to your scaling retail business, especially if the inventory tasks become more than what your buyer can handle with their other day-to-day responsibilities.

10. Marketing and advertising specialist

Marketing and advertising specialist pay range: $41,223–$99,711 per year (Indeed)

As your retail business expands, bringing in a marketing and advertising specialist can boost brand visibility and sales. This role is pivotal for crafting and executing promotional campaigns, both online and offline, to attract and retain customers.

Responsibilities include developing marketing strategies, managing advertising budgets, analyzing market trends, and coordinating promotional events. They also collaborate with other departments to ensure brand consistency and effectiveness across all channels. You can choose a general marketing role or get specialized depending on your needs. 

Marketing and advertising specialist skills:

• Proven experience in marketing or advertising, preferably within the retail industry
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data-driven decision-making
• Creativity and innovation in developing compelling campaigns
• Proficiency in digital marketing tools and platforms
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

When to hire a marketing and advertising specialist

Consider hiring a marketing and advertising specialist when you’re looking to expand your customer base, launch new products, or enhance your brand presence in competitive markets.

11. Human resources manager

Human resources manager pay range: $56,675–$126,037 per year (Indeed)

As your retail business expands, effective human resource management becomes essential for maintaining employee satisfaction and complying with labor laws. A human resources manager plays a big role in recruiting, training management, retaining talent, managing employee relations, and ensuring legal compliance.

Responsibilities include developing HR policies and procedures, managing recruitment and onboarding processes, administering employee benefits and payroll, handling disciplinary actions, and fostering a positive work culture.

Human resources manager skills:

• Extensive experience in human resources management, preferably in the retail industry
• In-depth knowledge of employment laws and regulations
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in HR software and systems

When to hire a human resources manager

Consider hiring a human resources manager when your workforce expands beyond a size you can manage, or when you encounter HR-related challenges that require specialized expertise and attention.

12. Loss prevention or security guard 

Loss prevention or security guard pay range: $38,210–$110,808 per year (Indeed)

Protecting your retail assets and ensuring a safe shopping environment for customers and employees is important. Hiring a loss prevention officer or security guard can help mitigate risks such as theft, vandalism, and safety incidents.

Responsibilities include monitoring surveillance systems, conducting patrols, deterring theft and fraudulent activities, and responding to security incidents. They also collaborate with law enforcement agencies and implement security protocols to minimize risks.

Loss prevention or security guard skills:

• Experience in security or law enforcement, preferably in retail or a similar environment
• Strong observation and surveillance skills
• Ability to remain calm and act decisively in stressful situations
• Knowledge of security systems and protocols
• Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills

When to hire a loss prevention or security guard 

Consider hiring a loss prevention or security guard when your store experiences increasing incidents of theft or security breaches, or when you expand into larger premises that require enhanced security measures.

13. Retail operations manager

Retail operations manager pay range: $74,000–$122,000 per year (Glassdoor)

A retail operations manager oversees front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) operations at multiple retail locations, ensuring smooth operations and clear communication with the central office. They implement and optimize operational procedures, manage budgets, and coordinate between different departments and locations to improve efficiency. 

On any given day, your retail operations manager might manage inventory discrepancies, perform store audits, create store directives, or partner with managers to determine retail store personnel allotment. 

Retail operations manager skills:

• Proven experience in retail operations management
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Experience with budget management and financial planning
• Knowledge of retail software and systems
• Excellence in team leadership and cross-departmental collaboration
• Understanding of retail metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Experience in process optimization

When to hire a retail operations manager

A good time to hire a retail operations manager is when you have multiple store locations and need dedicated operational oversight. You’ll need someone to standardize processes across locations and report to you about business performance.

14. Customer experience manager

Customer experience manager pay range: $89,000–$163,000 per year (Glassdoor)

The customer experience manager creates a seamless journey across all sales channels. Instead of managing separate channels, they unify customer experiences across brick-and-mortar operations, websites, social commerce, marketplaces, and popup locations. This role is increasingly important as retailers centralize their customer-facing shopping experiences and back-end operations.

Their responsibilities are data-heavy. These folks are analyzing customer feedback and behavior data, implementing seamless data flows, coordinating with different departments to improve service delivery, and ensuring consistency across all customer touchpoints. The goal is to build and excel with an omnichannel sales strategy.

A modern customer experience manager will be savvy with utilizing the unified commerce approach for retail. They also work on creating and maintaining customer loyalty programs, implementing clienteling tools, and developing retail activation strategies to improve customer satisfaction and retention.

Customer experience manager skills:

• Strong understanding of customer journey mapping across physical and digital touchpoints
• Proficiency in customer relationship management (CRM) systems and retail business intelligence tools
• Experience with integrated POS and ecommerce platforms
• Data analysis and reporting capabilities
• Knowledge of current retail technology trends
• Experience with clienteling and endless-aisle implementation
• Understanding of both front-end customer experience and back-end operations

When to hire a customer experience manager 

When your retail business expands into multiple sales channels or when you notice a need to better coordinate the customer experience across different touchpoints, it’s time to hire a customer experience manager. They create innovative shopping experiences that drive revenue and boost in-store conversions through omnichannel selling. 

15. Logistics and supply chain coordinator 

Logistics and supply chain coordinator pay range: $62,000–$92,000 per year (Glassdoor)

A logistics and supply chain coordinator manages the flow of products from suppliers to stores and customers. They make sure products are available and inventory stays efficient across all sales channels. Coordinators work with suppliers, warehouses, and shipping partners to improve supply chain efficiency. 

They are responsible for optimizing your retail warehouse, streamlining delivery schedules, and managing carrier relationships. The coordinator also plays a big role in solving supply chain challenges, from handling unexpected delays to implementing solutions for smoother returns processing.

Logistics and supply chain coordinator skills:

• Experience in retail logistics and supply chain management
• Knowledge of inventory management systems and practices
• Proficiency in supply chain management software
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Experience with shipping and transportation management
• Ability to analyze and optimize logistics costs
• Knowledge of warehouse management practices

When to hire a logistics and supply chain coordinator

Add this position when your retail business experiences more complex inventory management demands. Maybe you’re dealing with multiple suppliers or warehouses, or shipping and logistics costs are becoming too high. A supply chain coordinator can get everything under control and help you expand sustainably. 

Start hiring for these retail jobs today

We’ve covered the common retail positions, their responsibilities, key skills, and the best times to hire them. Now it’s time to create your job listing and hiring plan. 

Bookmark this guide on retail jobs and reference it as your retail business grows. You’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect applicant in no time.