Shopkeepers may run a franchise store on behalf of a retail chain, or they may manage their own independent store. Unlike sales assistants or store managers who usually work for a large retailer, shopkeepers will normally have overall responsibility for a store.

Shopkeepers' day-to-day work involves serving and selling to customers, either at a counter or a checkout. Their main duties include:

• taking payments, giving change and wrapping purchases
• answering enquiries and giving advice about products to customers
• listening to customers’ needs and requests - which can indicate new sales opportunities
• calculating takings and wages
• depositing cash at the bank, book-keeping and stocktaking
• ordering stock from wholesalers, manufacturers, agents and importers.

Other tasks include remaining aware of competitors and their relevance to shop operations . It is important that shopkeepers understand the regulations covering trading and running a business, for example VAT and national insurance payments.

Hours and Environment

Shopkeepers work long hours, including evenings and weekends.

The work involves standing for long periods, and there is some lifting and carrying of stock.

Skills and Interests

To be a shopkeeper you should:

• be independent, energetic and self-motivated
• be prepared to work long and unsocial hours
• be able to work in an organised way
• have a good understanding of business and finance
• have numerical ability for handling cash and keeping accounts
• have the marketing skills to develop sales opportunities
• have good communication skills for dealing with staff and customers.

Entry

No academic qualifications are required although a good general education, an aptitude for figure work, people management, and business skills in general are needed. Experience in sales, administration or management is useful.

People thinking of becoming shopkeepers may take courses available at local colleges and through private training organisations. These might include part-time or short courses in sales or starting a business.

Prospective shopkeepers need capital of their own to buy the business, although part of the money can be borrowed from a bank.

The Business Link network offers a range of business support and development services, including information about finding and setting up premises, VAT and tax and becoming an employer. In Scotland, Scottish Enterprise offers similar services.

Training

Shopkeepers are responsible for there own development and may work towards relevant qualifications whilst running their shop. These could include:

• NVQ/SVQ levels 2 and 3 in Retail Operations
• City and Guilds (1006) Certificate in Retail Principles
• City and Guilds (4454) Higher Professional Diploma in Retail Management.

Opportunities

Independent shopkeepers include grocers, newsagents, dry cleaners, butchers, bakers, booksellers, florists, antique dealers and clothiers. Many run convenience stores, which open long hours and sell daily necessities.

Independent shopkeepers also run ‘concessions’ - shops within shops - in department stores. Some purchase a franchise (the right to trade under a particular name and business system) from a larger company. See the Self Employment Franchisee profile for details.

The number of independent shopkeepers in the UK has been reduced drastically in recent years as they face considerable competition from large, well-established stores. They also have to contend with rising overheads, such as rent and the increasing complexity of modern retailing.

Some shopkeepers may expand or improve their premises to do more business, or become owners of more than one shop.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Income depends on the nature and size of the business, the product or service, and the input of the shopkeeper into making the business work in its location.
Average earnings range from £15,000 to £30,000 a year. It may be possible to earn more.

Further information

Tel: 0845 607 8787 40 Duke Street
London
W1A 1AB
Tel: 0800 093 5001 Tel: 0845 600 9006 Thames View
Newtown Road
Henley-on-Thames
Oxfordshire
RG9 1HG
Tel: 01491 578050