Tips for Tomorrow's Fashion Retail Managers
pic_fashion-retail-managers.jpg
by Sarah Faulkner
Fashion School Review Columnist

May 9, 2007

Send Article to Friend Send to a friend | Printable Version

Launch Your
Fashion Career
from
The Art Institutes
The Art Institute
If you want to become a fashion retail manager, know that it can't be strappy Jimmy Choos, fur wraps and DF wrap dresses all the time! As a fashion retail manager, you have to oversee all stock, buy merchandise, and call on all your marketing skills to create an attractive store layout. Most importantly, your duties as a manager require you to supervise employees. Here are some tips for running a smooth, positive, fabulously fashionable operation.

Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Fewer problems arise in the workplace when you are forthright and honest with your employees.

  • To keep morale high, make a point to ask your employees for their opinions and advice.
  • Practice straightforward communication with all workers. In fashion retail, there's no room for favoritism.
  • When a problem arises, don't be afraid to confront it. Sweeping a problem under the rug only ensures that it will resurface later.

Curb the Complainers
Learn how to control your employees' complaints and negativity.

  • Advise your employees to practice creative ignoring, that is, remaining detached when surrounded by negative gossip and grievances. Agreeing with complainers often eggs them on.
  • If presented with an employee complaint, try to counter with a positive observation. Often, using this technique can stop a complainer in his tracks.
  • Ask the complainer what he or she would do in your position. This causes reflection and compassion.

The best retail managers predict problems before they arise. Predicative management means being able to identify why certain protocols failed, and how to correct negative patterns. Retail managers who wish to advance their fashion careers should never let urgency strip them of their diplomatic and analytical skills.



Source:

About the Author
Sarah Faulkner teaches composition at Texas State University, San Marcos. Her previous resume includes covering municipal politics for The San Francisco Bay Guardian, and news and features for various bi-weekly newspapers. Sarah holds a B.A. in English fr

Featured Schools
The Art Institutes

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.

See more facts about The Art Institutes

Program Offer:
Campus Locations:
American InterContinental University

Get the design and business skills you need to succeed. American InterContinental University - Buckhead's mission is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and practical work experience they need for success. Whether you're interested in Internati

See more facts about American InterContinental University

Program Offer:
Campus Locations:
International Academy of Design and Tech

Start planning for your future. No matter what you want to achieve in your career, the International Academy of Design & Technology in Chicago can help. The Academy offers diverse and comprehensive degree programs in numerous Design disciplines as wel

See more facts about International Academy of Design and Tech

Program Offer:
Campus Locations:
Visual College of Art and Design

Follow your passion! For over 35 years, the Visual College of Art and Design (VCAD) has taught artists and imaginative people just like you. VCAD's Fine Arts diploma program is highly regarded for providing a well-rounded arts education in an environment that emphasizes creativity and individuality. Which program is right for you? Choose from Graphic Design, Marketing & Merchandising for Fashion, 3D Modelling Animation Art & Design, Fashion Design, and Interior Design. We know that employers want graduates who are knowledgeable about their field and possess the most up-to-date technical skills. That's why our students receive focused and specialized training on the tools, techniques, and technology used in their chosen career field.

Visual College of Art and Design offers courses at one campus in Vancouver, British Columbia

Get started today by answering a few questions.>>>

See more facts about Visual College of Art and Design

Program Offer:
Campus Locations:
Stratford Career Institute

Earn Your Diploma from Home! Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

See more facts about Stratford Career Institute

Program Offer:
Collins College

Prepare yourself for the future. Collins College, located in Tempe, AZ, is your gateway to the world of design and technology. Get the education you need to start a new career in Visual Communication, Multimedia Production, Animation, Digital Video, or PC

See more facts about Collins College

Program Offer:
Campus Locations: