9 hard skills or competencies (industry competencies) for Retail Store Manager
Skill definition-Applying comprehensive knowledge of retail principles, inventory management, pricing strategies, and consumer behavior to effectively manage and operate retail businesses.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Names commonly used tools and systems for processing transactions and managing retail inventory levels.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Supports the implementation of standard procedures and store protocols to ensure smooth retail operations.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Works closely with merchandising teams to create visually appealing displays and maximize product visibility.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Supervises the team in conducting market analysis and competitor research to gain a competitive advantage.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Promotes the use of e-commerce platforms and retail channels to drive online sales and customer engagement.
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Skill definition-Strategically planning, executing, and managing product merchandising, pricing, and promotions to increase customer engagement and maximize revenue.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Lists the factors to consider for determining and setting appropriate pricing for merchandise.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Supports the planning and execution of promotional campaigns to drive customer engagement and sales.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Works closely with the marketing and other retail teams to develop promotional campaigns for various product lines.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Oversees the development and implementation of store layouts to ensure product visibility and increase sales.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Recommends advanced retail layout and design systems to maximize merchandising results across sales locations.
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4 general skills or competencies (Job family competencies) for Retail Store Manager
Skill definition-Developing and managing compliance tools and processes to ensure employees and operations adhered to laws, regulations, and requirements.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Compiles a list of departmental goals, standards, policies, and compliance management procedures.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Collects risk management information in compliance with all department protocols.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Handles the preparation and documentation of compliance reports to maintain timely review for the management.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Coordinates with senior management to identify and resolve emerging compliance management issues.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Creates training programs for employees to keep abreast with compliance programs and regulatory changes.
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Skill definition-Developing and implementing promotional activities to attract and increase the awareness of customers in buying products.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Describes the significance of brand image development to promotion efforts.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Documents information needed for promotional activities such as product details and features.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Generates reports that outline customers’ interest levels and questions asked at various events.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Leads market research studies and evaluates findings to understand customer and market opportunities.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Creates engaging promotions including deals to encourage target market purchases.
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12 soft skills or competencies (core competencies) for Retail Store Manager
Skill definition-Obtaining financial information and applying financial understanding to foster sound judgment and correct business decisions.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Describes the differences between bookkeeping and accounting.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Applies techniques to maximize profit and minimize losses that affect our business's financial status.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Handles challenges and unexpected budgetary issues and adheres to corporate policies.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Develops clear financial vision to guide employees in achieving organizational purpose and goals.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Creates strategies to reach critical financial goals and business objectives.
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Skill definition-Applying specific policies, tools and practices to plan and prepare projected revenues, expenses, cash flows, and capital expenditures.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Describes the concepts and principles of budgeting operations.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Assists in developing and improving budgeting models, plans, and strategies.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Compares planned budgets vs. actual expenditures, identifies, reports, and explains variances.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Determines system capabilities and needs to improve the process for financial budgeting.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Develops financial models to support the strategic improvement of our budgeting processes.
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Summary of Retail Store Manager skills and competencies
There are 9 hard skills for Retail Store Manager, Retail Industry, Merchandising, Retail Operations, etc.
4 general skills for Retail Store Manager, Compliance Management, Promotion, Sales Management, etc.
12 soft skills for Retail Store Manager, Financial Acumen, Budgeting, Planning and Organizing, etc.
While the list totals 25 distinct skills, it's important to note that not all are required to be mastered to the same degree. Some skills may only need a basic understanding, whereas others demand a higher level of expertise.
For instance, as a Retail Store Manager, he or she needs to be skilled in Financial Acumen, be proficient in Budgeting, and be skilled in Planning and Organizing.