All About Retail: Sales Associates, Management, etc.

[Ianastar]

does anyone know what a really high-end designer boutique in a smallish city would pay for a senior sales associate/assistant manager? i'm wondering about the hourly rate, as well as the commission.

also do most full-time s.a.'s prefer salaries, and if so, what is the typical salary? should the job come with benefits if it's salaried (even for independent boutique)?

I would say for an asst manager...most likely you would be put on salary (my guess would be around like 30-35K?????) and probably would not earn commission.

 

[nerdphanie]

I have 0 retail experience, but I'm considering applying for some sales positions for next summer. It'll be my last summer that I could possibly work in retail. I will be between college and law school and I've always wanted to do retail. Would I be able to work at boutiques in LA like Ron Herman or Millk? I am personable and pretty quick. Is there no hope?

 

[kateelle]

Is there much weight in physical appearance for a job in high end department stores/boutiques? For instance, if one looked just right and fit into the stores image (chic, fashionable, well put together) but lacked experience is there any advanage to them against someone else who might not exactly look the part (fat, old, unattractive etc.) but has years of experience? Who would they most likely hire?

 

[ilovepositano]

I would say for an asst manager...most likely you would be put on salary (my guess would be around like 30-35K?????) and probably would not earn commission.

thanks so much! wouldn't the asst manager be unhappy not making commission though? how would she be motivated to sell?

 

[Diorling]

^ Managers aren't hired to sell.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ When I worked in retail, the AM was on commission, but was also expected to act professional (not cutthroat) unlike the rank & file We had some doozies too ... my sister & I were just talking over Thanksgiving, the fascinating and bitter women we worked with in retail

 

[thesiren]

my best friend's mother is a SA at a small ritzy shop (accessories only, but very high end [chloe, balenciaga, lanvin]) and pulled in $95k last year. she IS on commission, but i'd imagine her superiors still make more money?

 

[Diorling]

^ No.

A friend of mine whom works at Saks does 100k a year, she said they're always running short on managers because noone wants to be promoted, they make more money as an SA.

 

[Casius]

Diorling, SAs make that much at Saks??!! Is this because they make commission?

 

[Diorling]

^ Yes.

 

[Casius]

Wow, must be nice. I might have to look into a career change....

 

[lucy92]

i ordered something over the phone from a nordstroms in california and had it shipped to me and was charged full price. however when i got the item the tag looked like it had sale stickers on it and then removed in two places. i was not happy.

from your experience either shopping or working, does this happen a lot?

complaining over the phone to the SA and the person answering CS line did nothing, the stock answer i got from both was "this brand never goes onsale" which was bunk.

should i write a letter to the manager? i was so surprised when this happened as nordstroms is known for their customer service.

 

[Diorling]

^ Oh wow...That's pretty shifty...

Return it, that's the best way to exact revenge.

 

[lucy92]

sadly, i cant return it and buy it back at the lower price because there is no nordstroms in my state. and i cant just return it. i actually want to keep the item.

i wonder what the managers response to my snail mail letter will be...hmmn.

 

[Ianastar]

Im clearly working at the wrong Saks.

 

[iLoveCouture]

LoL ^^

What dept do you work in?

 

[pinkpalm]

Is there much weight in physical appearance for a job in high end department stores/boutiques? For instance, if one looked just right and fit into the stores image (chic, fashionable, well put together) but lacked experience is there any advanage to them against someone else who might not exactly look the part (fat, old, unattractive etc.) but has years of experience? Who would they most likely hire?

at Ralph Lauren it was based on looks. period. Absolute WORST place to work EVER. HORRID...

 

[Ianastar]

I think when I move to Boston............Im going to look for something on Newbury Street in clothes...........like Rugby or something.

Im currently in Cosmetics....which Ive done for years and years...but want to do something new.

 

[_ladybug_]

when I worked at a high-end store it was definitely based more than a bit on looks

lucy that is awful what happened with your item - I would keep calling until something happened - the nerve!

 

[kateelle]

I've worked a couple months at A&F, (only retail experience) what would be the practical place to work next so I can eventually work at a higher end boutique or department store? Macy's and move up from there?

By the way, I've noticed SA at saks are usually old, so I suppose experience trumps looks.