Christopher Cioffi, CFP®’s Post

Working in retail (during HS, undergrad, and after grad school) taught me a number of lessons I still lean on today. I’m also drawn to job candidates that have worked at some point in fast paced customer service jobs like restaurants or retail because they’ve had everything thrown at them - sometimes literally 🍝 Biggest takeaways from my time on the sales floor at Old Navy, The Gap, Pier 1, and J. Crew include: 🧘🏻♀️ Don’t take it home, sometimes a job is just a job (fortunately I love my current one at Cushman & Wakefield) 🤬 When people react in a less than delightful way it’s a reflection of them, it’s not about you 🥰 Customers can tell when you really care, provide customer service in a way that’s genuine 🏁 Know where to draw professional boundaries - the customer is not always right, especially in situations that are disrespectful or degrading 😁 Keep it kind, you never know how much your kindness impacted another person’s day 😑 Learn to keep your emotions in check, have them, but don’t let them dictate your reaction 🚗 Go that extra mile, even when it’s hard. It’s usually always appreciated, if not you know you did your best 💰 Hustle, keep a growth mindset, believe in yourself! I worked so hard for that 0.50% commission at J. Crew - added a mere $2/hr to my paycheck but I still tried. I’m still decent at “air folding” and “speed hanging”. I don’t miss the denim walls! Yes, I was dressed as a 🎯 Target basket this weekend. #safeforworkhalloween #womenincre #cushwake #lessonsfromretail #keeplearning #target #EQ #growingleaders #firstjobs

I honestly can’t think of many industries like retail. One of the happiest/most fun jobs I ever had was a casual uni summer gig in the Cellarmasters call centre and later at Dan Murphy’s. I could wear what I wanted, and because of the sheer volume of calls during that hectic period, none of us summer casuals had to deal with complaints — just happy people calling about their Christmas booze! I’ve taken a roundabout path, but I’ve found myself back in retail, albeit now on the tech/vendor side. When I speak with retailers and see their career journeys, I always love discovering those who started on the floor in casual roles and worked their way up to lead strategy, buying, or marketing at the same company 10 years later. This is true of some summer casuals I worked with as well. Retail is special. A casual uni job might seem like 'just a summer gig', but for many, it becomes the first step in a lasting career. It's pretty cool seeing someone rise from the retail floor to head office decision-making. I do not doubt that these employees understand the business better than others. I’m glad to be in retail(-tech), although this time around, I have Nick Hinsley and Kate Marshall to keep my office fashion in check. Interested to hear about other industries that still offer these career paths today/or people's retail career journeys!

I think back to what my life was like 7 years ago. I wasn’t in the best of places if I’m honest, having gone through a rough few months I was lost in a world that just seemed too big. I lacked the confidence to even do the simplest of things. I was ashamed of who I was, but at the same time so unsure of who I wanted to become.   I grew up with my dad always telling me “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life” and that was the ultimate goal finding something I was passionate about, something I felt deep within myself that I was good at and wanted to excel in, that I would push to better myself in, that thing that drove me and made me truly smile. Little, unsure, shy and delicate Sam who walked into the doors of Briscoes Albany all those years ago couldn’t have even imagined what those doors would lead her to. If only she could see herself now. Because 7 years later, she’s 23, in a role she adores, with knowledge that Sam back then could have never imagined even understanding, let alone remembering when she needed it.   In those early years I always said to myself I want to work hard and be in a position where I have the ability to work in any aspect of any role across both stores without even thinking. I was determined, but far out it wasn’t easy. I think I spent most of Covid lockdowns reading absolutely everything and anything I could get my hands on through our online learning platforms. Constantly being knowledge hungry, silently taking notice of how my colleagues would do things. I’ve never been one who likes to ask questions (I still don’t) so I was that silent observer. I discovered that if I saw, read or heard something done enough times that I was retaining that information, and I’d find myself using it in situations without even thinking about it. Retail is so often perceived as this in-between career. Part time job while at school or uni and then you leave to go get a “real job” but what so many don’t realise is that for a lot of us it is our career. It’s our passion. It’s what makes us tick. Retailers are some of the most skilled people out there. We all have our job titles but we wear so many different hats daily, from IT, first aider, operations, recruitment, HR, counsellor, merchandiser, cleaner, furniture builder, cheerleader you name it. No day is EVER the same and that’s what I LOVE about it. I’m truly blessed and so lucky to work for whom I do. I’m in a position and place in my life that I could have only dreamed of all those years ago. I’m proud to be who I am and that’s something I never thought I’d say. I still have so much to learn but the best part is I get to do it each day. And to top it off I’m surrounded by some of the coolest, funniest, and kind-hearted people I’ve ever met who have always supported me to the ends of the earth. They make a difference and you know who you are, Thank You. Always. Here's to 7 years! #retail #briscoes #rebelsport #briscoegroup #leadership #management #retailcareer

Not everyone is cut out for working in Retail. But once you have experienced it. You become capable of thriving in any industry. How do I know this? Because I've been helping Retail Managers for 5+ years transition into new careers. And they are ALL thriving! Loved this post? Sign up for my weekly Retail Escape Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/eA3VezAk #retail #careerchange #storemanager #jobsearching

If you've worked in retail part-time or full-time and want to highlight this experience on your resume, focus on the transferable skills you've developed. Retail offers a valuable foundation for essential career skills, but some individuals struggle to connect their retail experience to roles in other industries. Here are some key areas to emphasize: 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆: Demonstrate your ability to manage clients and build positive relationships by highlighting experiences such as handling customer complaints and inquiries. 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔: Showcase your understanding of business operations by discussing how retail strategies contribute to profitability and how your role supported these efforts. Consider any ideas you proposed and their outcomes. 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒎-𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆: Highlight your ability to address challenges effectively by describing how you responded to problems and whether you suggested solutions. Explain how you implemented your ideas and the results. 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: Emphasize any unique achievements or skills you've acquired in retail, such as organizational abilities, time management, or performance under pressure. Identify and articulate the transferable skills you've gained through your retail experience, clearly defining your abilities. Retail can provide valuable skills that are highly sought after by hiring managers across various industries. By effectively highlighting these skills, you can position yourself for a successful career in any profession.

"Having spent time in the retail industry, I've come to appreciate the invaluable skills it instills. From navigating complex customer interactions to managing inventory logistics, every aspect of retail demands adaptability and resilience. These experiences have honed my communication, problem-solving, and customer service abilities, proving to be invaluable assets in any professional setting. What I've learned is that working in retail isn't just about selling products—it's about fostering meaningful connections and delivering exceptional experiences. Whether it's handling difficult situations with grace or collaborating effectively with team members, the lessons learned in retail are applicable across various industries. If you've worked in retail, you understand the unique blend of challenges and rewards it offers. Embrace the skills and experiences gained—they're the foundation for success in any career path. #RetailExperience #TransferableSkills #ProfessionalGrowth"

What's the worst job you've had?? I've done all sorts! Hoisted a ton weight fan up a wall, with a rope, on a ladder, as a teen, with an older guy alongside me. Lucky I didn't die! Retail management 'Hard core' recruitment, at high levels, in different markets, different countries... Order picking in freezer conditions Mail sorting on double night shifts in the summer hols...6pm - 6am BUT....BUT....the very best of all, was segmenting oranges for M&S, ALL NIGHT....in cold store conditions. You know...the M&S 'not just' fruit salads. Well it was that. Minimal pay, crappy conditions, hair nets, wellies etc. We left that single shift, went home, thawed out in a steaming hot bubble bath and NEVER WENT BACK! That was undoubtedly the winner. How do people do it? Anyway. What was your worst job? #work #grafter #nightmares

The Reality of Retail Work: A Stepping Stone, Not a Destination. As I reflect on my own career journey, I've come to realize that retail work is often viewed as a temporary solution, rather than a long-term career aspiration. And while it's true that retail jobs may not offer the same level of career advancement or financial stability as other industries, I believe it's essential to recognize the value of retail work as a stepping stone for skills development and career growth. Many of us have found ourselves in retail jobs due to various circumstances, such as limited job opportunities in our field, lack of relevant experience, or the need for a flexible schedule. However, rather than viewing retail work as a dead-end job, I encourage you to approach it with a positive attitude and a growth mindset. By focusing on developing transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, you can set yourself up for success in your future career endeavors. Additionally, retail work provides an opportunity to build a professional network, seek out opportunities for advancement, and explore related fields or industries that may offer better prospects. So, to all the retail workers out there, I urge you to view your job as a valuable stepping stone, rather than a permanent destination. By doing so, you'll be better equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.😉 #retailwork #careeradvice #skilldevelopment #careergrowth #jobsearch #careergoals

"Should I leave after 3 promotion denials in 7 months?". Source: https://lnkd.in/gzACatAV "Feeling stuck after being passed over for promotions multiple times in a retail job. What should I do next? #careeradvice #promotionstruggles #jobgrowth" Background: Applied for assistant manager position 3 times Told I was a top contender each time Rejected based on tenure and sales performance Seeking Guidance: Should I stay in current job or explore other opportunities? How can I improve my chances for future promotions? Any advice on navigating career growth in a competitive environment?