Retail industry requires upskilling in order to stay competitive

The retail industry has undergone a major shift, which began before the pandemic.

Retail is being revolutionised by new technologies and changing consumer habits. The consumer is more price-conscious than ever and wants to get the best value for their money. People are also shopping more carefully and with greater intention.

Traditional brick-and mortar stores are not only facing these changes but also the challenge of attracting people back into their stores. High streets in all parts of the country are shrinking.

In order to meet these challenges and maintain consumer satisfaction, it is important that the staff are upskilled. In the midst all this, there is also a skills shortage as well as a struggle to retain and attract retail workers.


Why is it important to upgrade your skills?

It is important to ensure that retail staff are prepared to adapt to the changes. Poundland recently took action on this issue.

Poundland is a popular chain of variety stores that recognizes the need for their employees to have a broad range of technical abilities to stay competitive. They must be able provide excellent customer service, be aware of emerging trends, and adapt quickly to changes in consumer preferences.

Poundland can differentiate itself by providing their employees with up-to-date knowledge and skills. It is not only a way to attract new employees, but also keep those already working there and help them grow.

Dean Barker Rogers, Leadership Development manager at Poundland explains that it’s a win/win situation. The business benefits from upskilling, as well as the staff’s morale, their knowledge, and their purpose.


Flexibility

Dean explains that all employees at Poundland are given the chance to upgrade their skills. Some of them have been accepted onto the Arden University Level 7 Senior Leadership apprenticeship plus MBA.

Dean says: “My best advice to other retailers is that they partner with a credible organization. Arden University was the best choice for us – their courses are highly regarded in the industry, especially those for senior leadership.

The blended and flexible learning approach of Arden University suits our fast-paced work environment.

Flexible learning is essential in the retail sector. This allows employees to balance their studies with other commitments. Stacey Hayes Allen, Director of Corporate Partnerships, Arden University says that learning as an adult helps learners maintain a sense of purpose and improves overall happiness. This, in turn, enhances engagement and retention. Offering personal development is therefore a crucial factor to employee well-being.

But managing work, education and family commitments can be difficult. Flexible learning is important. You will have a greater chance of success if you can work at your own pace.


Employee Impact

Dillon Heffernan explains that he has spent his entire career in retail operations. He began his degree apprenticeship when his role changed.

“The synergies between learning and my role coincided almost perfectly,” Dillon says.

“I have grown both academically and professionally. Graduating with an MBA and this degree is a major milestone in my life.

When you become accustomed to your daily routine, and realize that you are not going to be able to get this time allotted to you, you develop your own time-management skills. This also helps to improve your professional development. “And those hours I dedicate to studying and improving myself, naturally give back to the company.”

Georgie is another employee who, after nine years as a Poundland Store Manager and having worked in retail most of her life, studies for a Level Six Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (Business Management) at Arden University. She noticed changes in her as she continued to study.

During a Chartered Manager degree apprenticeship (Business Management), the employee continues to perform their current job while gaining knowledge and skills across important business and management disciplines. It helps them develop and build the skills needed to be a good manager.

Georgie said, “I enjoy working in a shop. I love the fast-paced environment and the interaction with customers, my team members, and my staff.

“I think that as a manager of a shop, you become very attached to your store. You may not realise the reasons behind decisions. This course helped me to understand why we do the things we do.

“Previously, I would just have done what was asked of me – but I now understand that we have a different source of revenue. Before, it was just money in my till.

Dean says: “Learning is contagious.” When other employees see how much they benefit, we’ve seen more people wanting to join in.

We’re excited to offer this benefit for our staff – not only for the improvement of Poundland, but also for their own development.

Stacey concludes, “Degree Apprenticeship Programmes, delivered by a flexible partner can play an essential role in ensuring that employees have access to tailored learning and development for both their roles and industries.

Employees will be able to learn new skills and find solutions to changing consumer behaviour, as well as applying their knowledge to their organisation.

The original version of this article Upskilling in Retail Industry appeared first on Human Resources News.

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