Kit Campoy’s Post

Working in retail has equipped me and many others with diverse skills, from merchandising and hiring to problem-solving and register repairs. Yet, breaking into corporate retail roles remains a challenge. I’m speaking for everyone who’s made this transition when I say we deserve opportunities that recognize our resilience, adaptability, and the value we bring. It’s time to unlock the potential of retail experience. If you’ve worked in retail, what skills have you taken with you? Let’s change the narrative around retail experience and recognize it as a foundation for so many career paths.

There’s more truth here than anyone who hasn’t worked in retail could possibly imagine! In retail, you master more skills and fields than you ever thought possible. I’ll always be grateful for my time as a retail leader—it’s an experience that shapes you in so many ways. Store Managers truly wear all the hats and then some!  Here’s what I’d add to the list:   Onboarding Innovator, Product Spotlight Director, Strategic Planner, Project Manager, Facilities Guru, Team Synergy Architect, Experience Curator, Loyalty Builder-in-Chief, Inventory Virtuoso, Backroom Order Alchemist, Profitability Strategist, Shrink Prevention Expert, Revenue Rainmaker, Performance Maximizer. What would you add?

Having transitioned from retail to tech myself, I’m a strong advocate for retail management hires. The skills honed on the shop floor are incredibly versatile and often underappreciated in tech spaces. No matter how ‘fast-paced’ a business claims to be, nothing quite compares to the intensity and adaptability demanded in retail—especially during peak season. Retail managers don’t just thrive under pressure; they live it daily, handling complex logistics, team dynamics, and real-time problem-solving. If you’re hiring for agility, resilience, and multi-dimensional thinking, consider bringing in a retail professional—they’re more than equipped to elevate your team!

This is so true! Retail Managers are sometimes so overlooked by companies from other sectors who don’t believe those from retail have the necessary skills and experience, when in actually fact we have such a broad range of skills and knowledge that covers so many business areas due to the all encompassing nature of our roles

Reminds me of my days as a CRO at Tommy Hilfiger. Even though it was just 6 months, it taught me so much. Of all the positions I’ve worked in w brands, a floor job has taught me the most about branding. 1. Retail is a hard job, the one where you’ll need to learn multiple functions all at once. And quick! 2. It is one of the best positions to learn Client Servicing & Customer Experience 3. It gives you a real time picture of what your brand is and where it stands. While we might be making plans in the back office, the reality of these measures can only be tested and verified on the floor. 4. The floor has the magical power to connect you with brand(s) like no other place or position. You get so up close & personal with them that there will be no going back. My experience on the floor helped me develop sensibilities, competencies & soft skills that are invaluable for any Brand Manager. From empathy to understanding what it truly means to be “customer centric”, a lot of the credit for the passion that I have for my job, and for the way I build my strategies at The Brand Digest goes to The Floor.

This is really important in today's world. People with retail experience frequently get overlooked because of their background. I've heard of recruiters dismissing people because they believe their experience is simply ringing through transactions. Retail workers are superstars. In the world of soft skills, you'd be hard pressed to find a more proficient set of people when it comes to human connection. Cold calling, product promotion, community engagement? We approach hundreds of people a day, pitch hundreds of products per day, follow sales trajectories and increase brand and product awareness. Experience in software? AS400 to Microsoft Suite to SAP to ADP to Asana, friends. Professional multi-taskers and expert generalists (all done with a smile and a friendly "come back soon!"). I have 10 years of management, training, inventory, signage, shipping, events, communications, marketing, finance, administration, and more through the *lens* of retail. Do yourself a favor and hire someone with a retail background. ✨

🌟 From Retail to Real-World Leadership 🌟 It’s often underestimated just how much experience in retail prepares you for a successful career in leadership! After years in the industry, here’s what I (and so many other retail leaders) have learned: ✅ Customer-Centric Mindset ✅ Team Development & Training ✅ Adaptability & Problem Solving ✅ Data-Driven Decision Making ✅ Financial & Operational Management ✅ Resilience Retail has been an incredible training ground, helping leaders build a skill set that’s as diverse as it is impactful. Here’s to all the retail professionals out there mastering the art of leadership every day! #RetailLeadership #CustomerExperience #TeamBuilding #Adaptability #Resilience #GrowthMindset

A career in retail can be one of the most beneficial experiences for any professional. From day one, you develop critical skills—like effective communication, multitasking, and problem-solving—that are essential in any field. In retail, you learn firsthand how to handle tough situations with grace, prioritize tasks under pressure, and provide top-notch customer service. These experiences build resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. The ability to connect with people, manage time efficiently, and think on your feet makes retail a powerful foundation that prepares you to excel in any career path you choose.

It’s always amazed me how retail and similar jobs are often undervalued. If you want someone who can handle chaos, manage customer interactions with grace, and stay composed under pressure, look no further than someone who’s worked retail during the holidays or in a busy restaurant. These roles teach invaluable skills that many others might never acquire, fostering a deep understanding of customer needs and behavior. Jobs like these and any role that deals directly with customers deserve far more recognition and respect. #customerfocus #mythoughts

Coming from a retail background really prepares you for everything.