Connecticut Retail Sales Jobs to Grow
Posted on August 12, 2008
There should be several available retail sales jobs in Connecticut throughout the foreseeable future.
The State of Connecticut currently employs 53,750 retail salespersons, and that number is expected to reach 58,720 by 2014, according to the Connecticut Department of Labor. There are projected to be 2,590 job openings per year.
The state as a whole employed a total of 1,705,800 people in June 2008, an increase of .3 percent from last year, according to United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Connecticut’s unemployment rate that same month was 5.4 percent.
Retail salespersons, a position that requires little outside job training, assist customers in finding what they are looking for and try to interest them in buying merchandise. Most retail salespersons are able to describe a product’s features, demonstrate its use and show various models and colors. In addition to selling, most retail salespersons, particularly those who work in apparel stores, make out sales checks, receive cash, checks, debit and charge payments, bag or package purchases and give change and receipts. Salespersons also are often responsible for opening or closing cash registers.
According to the CDL, people with sales jobs in Connecticut make an average beginning hourly wage of $8.50 and an average hourly wage of $13.50. Retail salespersons may make up to $22.50 per hour. It is noted most retail salespersons have to work nights and weekends, and employers usually look for job candidates who enjoy working with others and who have tact, patience, an interest in sales work, a neat appearance and the ability to communicate clearly.
Retail salespersons usually work in department and apparel stores, auto dealerships, specialty shops and boutiques, beauty supply stores and other retail outlets. Most stores and retailers offer on-the-job training.
Some basic skills most retail salespersons are required to have include: high school diploma or equivalent, good interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to complete on-the-job training. A college degree may be required for some management trainee positions and the ability to speak more than one language may be helpful.
