Retail features some of the most common low-wage work in America. It is no surprise that many workers have concerns when discussing the future workforce of retail trade.
These concerns are not unwarranted, but they do lack a sense of understanding about retail trade and its growth as an industry in recent years. Many believe that automation will remove the need for a human element in retail trade, but that is not necessarily true.
As technology continues to excel and improve most markets, it is becoming more and more apparent that it cannot replace the benefits of personal interaction in customer service jobs.
Furthermore, as technology is implemented, there seems to be a growing need for human infrastructure surrounding that technology. Indeed, most technology improvements will only enhance the capabilities of employees, not replace them.
Retail trade is certainly not a job that will be disappearing anytime soon. Even with the increase in online shopping, people still find preference in shopping in physical stores.
And after a year of COVID-19, it is clear that people need this interaction.
It is for these reasons it becomes important for individuals working in the retail trade industry to understand what the road ahead looks like.
Retail Automation
First and foremost in retail trade is the growing trend of automation.
Many have concerns over its effects on retail workers and the industry as a whole. It is said that businesses which are not implementing automation processes (or are making no plans to do so) are already falling behind.
Automation of retail businesses includes anything that can be set to auto-pilot such as order placement systems and inventory management. The efficiency of these types of systems meets growing demands in today’s market.
Although these systems automate tasks normally reserved for employees, it does not mean that these systems will replace employees. In fact, most of these automated tasks actually allow current workers to be more effective in their positions.
Customer service is key to successful retail. When employees are bogged down with mundane tasks, they become less effective in areas where their presence actually makes a difference.
By automating menial tasks, businesses not only improve their operations, but also their employee effectiveness.
This is good news for future workers. These systems also guarantee that workers have accurate and accessible data to work with, often alleviating the pressure of not having the right information available.
What retail trade workers can expect is a growing expectation to learn and train themselves on these systems. Career education will become a growing interest as businesses switch to newer systems.
Positive Growth
Retail is expected to grow in the coming years. In fact, even in 2020, retail trade still saw overall positive growth, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This means stable employment for those working in retail trade positions. It also means that those looking for career advancement opportunities could find it in management and corporate positions.
Wages are also expected to increase over the next few years as workers demand greater compensation for the services they provide.
Factors may include location and experience, but overall retail trade employees should expect to see some increase.
Digital Retail
As retail trade continues to grow as an industry, future workers can expect to see a high increase in digital retail jobs as well.
Digital markets have flooded the industry, and the need for support in these unique operations has continued to grow.
The benefits of working for a digital retail position include things like working from home and providing more stability overall, in light of recent events.
Opportunity is also greater as more retail companies move to online operations. Especially because of 2020, the demand for businesses to be accessible online is extraordinary.
This trend is only likely to continue as more and more non-retail businesses find themselves employing remote workers as well. Within the next decade retail stores could find that their customer base is more spread out rather than being grouped in cities.
Retail workers may also find that they can go into business for themselves more easily because of the resources available for online retailers.
With sites like Etsy and Facebook Marketplace, social media sites are making it easier and easier to sell your own merchandise directly to consumers.
Local or Global?
With accessibility to so many resources, and so much growth requiring more efficient accommodations, the retail trade industry is experiencing a smaller gap between local and global business.
With the automation of so many processes, businesses are readily available to focus on reaching out to wider markets. Likewise, those that go into business for themselves are experiencing a similar trend.
This is important to note, because it begs the question for future retail workers: what kind of impact would you like to make?
Taking into account the size of the business and their target markets will inform future workers about the kind of impact they will have as an employee with that company.
While certain businesses operate on a local level, providing retail services to nearby communities, others may spend more time reaching out to broader areas.
It is important to note the scope of the business as it informs the scope of the work. But with the retail trade markets continually growing, it is not unlikely that any retail worker will become part of a massive operation to include global production.
Those seeking more of a local impact or a communal aspect in their work may find respite in locally-owned business and online companies. These paths tend to provide a more unique experience and don’t allow for getting lost in the crowd.
Making It All Happen
We understand that in this world of growing convenience, sometimes the most inconvenient thing can be finding the right people to support your business.
What makes a business successful is the reliability and creativity of their workers, and Newman’s International Associates knows how to find the talent you need.
Newman’s International Associates (NIA) is a group of international IT experts with decades of experience. We know what’s in store for the future, and we want to help you be prepared.
With growing trends and developing technologies, you have enough on your plate to worry about. Let NIA discover the people you need to bring success to your business.
