Despite the large array of glamorous and more creative jobs in fashion and retail, there are a lot of very fulfilling roles in the more commercial elements of the fashion industry. Some of these might provide a way in for those who want to embark on a fashion or retail career but don't necessarily have a background in fashion. One such route is sales, as sales skills are essential in any industry, even more so since the recession made the market place that little bit more competitive. From account manager jobs for fashion houses or brands, to field sales jobs where you're meeting buyers and retailers there is a range of sales jobs in the fashion industry, and this is an avenue many won't have considered when looking to start their fashion retail career.
Sales often has an unwarranted reputation for being an deceptive and aggressive area of an industry, but this is not the case. Particularly in fashion good people skills are essential, dealing with buyers and designers on a day to day basis means talking business but also taste. There is a great deal of personal involvement with products, designers and buyers are expressing themselves in their choices and their vision; therefore as a salesperson you must ensure your strategy is appropriate. Switching from sales in another sector to the fashion sector will always be tough, but if you're thinking of making the switch the likelihood is that you have a keen interest in fashion and you wish to transfer your skills to the retailing environment.
Here is a good article about starting a new career in sales, which looks at working whilst raising a family. This is something that will be highly relevant for a large portion of women working in fashion and retail, and sales of course. Sales is something that is often overlooked by those who would like to work in fashion, but if it's an area you are strong in then it's a possible way in to the fashion industry if you're strengths don't lie greatly in roles that require creativity and design.
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