Retail Opportunity: Shopkeeper

shopkeeper Current Vacancies

2007-01-25:

A shopkeeper owns and runs one independent shop or a number of shops.

A major part of the work is serving and selling to customers, either at a counter or self-service checkout.

Shopkeepers take payments, give change and wrap purchases, as well as answering enquiries and giving advice to customers.

Other tasks include remaining aware of competitors and their relevance to shop operations as well as calculating takings and wages, depositing cash at the bank, book-keeping and stocktaking.

It is important that shopkeepers understand the regulations covering trading and running a business, for example VAT and national insurance payments.

Shopkeepers work long hours, including evenings and weekends.

Independent shopkeepers include grocers, newsagents, dry cleaners, butchers, bakers, booksellers, florists, antique dealers and clothiers.

Many run convenience stores, which open long hours and sell daily necessities.

Independent shopkeepers also run concessions - shops within shops - in department stores.

Some purchase a franchise the right to trade under a particular name and business system from a larger company.

The number of independent shopkeepers in the UK has been reduced drastically in recent years as they face considerable competition from large, well-established stores.

Income depends on the nature and size of the business, the product or service, and the input of the shopkeeper into making the business work in its location. (Permalink)