A retail salesperson sells products, from clothing to cars, straight to the consumer. Working as a retail salesperson means having a great deal of flexibility in your life, thanks to the ability to work summers or part time as a student or for a second job.

Other appealing aspects include working with people and not having to be tied to a desk for those who prefer mobility while they work. It’s a good way to begin your life in the business world because you learn skills that can be used in other career paths you may choose. "It’s often a first job for many people," says Brian Dodge, spokesman for the Retail Industry Leaders Association, a Washington, D.C.-based trade association.

Many people begin working in retail part time during high school and continue to work in the field until they graduate, and maybe even longer. "Retail is where many Americans learn accountability, how to show up on time, how to follow through on tasks," Dodge says, adding that working as a retail salesperson means not having to work 9 to 5, and it can be a second job. "Flexibility is the No. 1 attraction."

While some retail salesperson jobs include the opportunity to earn a commission plus salary, this policy depends on the company. In addition, there are ways to move up, and some successful retail executives started as retail salespeople. "If you’re successful at the front-line level, you can find your way into the management training program," Dodge says. And you just might make it to the top. "Not everybody becomes a CEO, but people can move up the ranks," he says. An approachable, outgoing personality is important to facilitate contact with customers. You should also enjoy working with people and have a bit of patience, as every attempt doesn’t result in a sale.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects -2.1% employment growth for retail salespersons between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 79,100 jobs will be lost.

Retail workers don’t have formal education requirements and often receive on-the-job training. Training may vary by the employer’s size. In a small, resource-limited store, new hires may be trained by an experienced employee who is well-versed in the company’s practices. On the other hand, employees in large, well-established stores may participate in formal training programs that last several days.

Training topics covered typically include customer service, security, store policies and procedures, and how to operate any equipment needed to perform the job. For certain products, employees may be given additional specialized training. For example, salespeople who sell computers may be instructed on the technical differences between computer products. Employees might receive additional training throughout the duration of their employment to stay up to date on skills and procedures.