Purpose: This article sought to identify the skills gaps associated with retail employees in SME and multiple retail companies, and to investigate the potential training and business implications that arise from these skills gaps.
Methodology:Research was conducted within one geographical region and across five counties within the United Kingdom. Telephone and face-to-face interviews, focus group workshops and retail forums were conducted, resulting in responses from 121 retailers.
Findings:The key issues and areas of concern to emerge were: the industry image and impact on recruitment and retention; employee and management skills gaps; perception of retail qualifications and barriers to training.
Implications:The findings highlight the need for UK retail industry to raise the image of the sector, to promote the variety of career options; to clarify the retail qualifications and training available, and to work towards retail's earlier inclusion in school curriculum.