Retail Manager
Runs a retail outlet day to day — staff, customer satisfaction, inventory and stock.
Overview
Retail Managers manage a retail outlet's day to day functioning around selling of goods and services. They are responsible for the success of any retail store. A retail manager supervises store employees, maintains customer satisfaction, and oversees inventory and stock management.
Where they work
- Retail company stores
- Showrooms
- Supermarkets
- Department stores
- Small retail businesses
Work environment
You will work in a desk and office oriented environment with supervisory responsibilities. You will need to supervise a team of Senior Executives and Executives. Some travelling may be involved. You are expected to work 5 to 6 days a week and 8 to 9 hours per day. This varies from organization to organization.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You have excellent communication skills.
- You enjoy coordinating and planning.
- You enjoy solving problems.
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 with any subject combination
- 2Complete Bachelor's degree (B.B.A.) in Retail Management
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree in Retail Management and then pursue a Post Graduate Diploma in Retail Management/Marketing
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree in Retail Management and then pursue MBA in Retail Management
Forms, exams and applications
For a bachelor's degree: CET, SET, DU JAT and similar. For a postgraduate degree: CAT, XAT, GMAT, SNAP, NMAT or CMAT. Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Management. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Madras Christian College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Lala Lajpat Rai College of Commerce and Economics, New Delhi
- Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, New Delhi
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Serampore College, Serampore, West Bengal
- Government College, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
- Government College Autonomous, Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Christ University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Amity International Business School, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Narsee Monjee, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Loyola College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- MCM DAV College for Women, Chandigarh
- Dr. DY Patil Arts Commerce and Science College, Pune, Maharashtra
- Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Salesperson
- 2Sales Supervisor, Retail Trade
- 3Manager, Retail Trade
- 4General Manager, Retail Trade
- 5Director, Retail Trade
- 6Working Proprietor, Retail Trade
Expected income
₹25,000 – ₹75,000 per month
These figures are taken from NCS and are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Sales and Marketing Manager
Develops marketing strategy, runs market research and promotions, and turns demand into sales.
Visual Merchandiser
Organises and displays products in a retail space to attract and motivate customers to buy.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream, Commerce.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to leading.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Nandita Sinha — Previously worked at Flipkart and took the charge as CEO, Myntra on January 1, 2022. As part of her role, she is responsible for retail strategy and planning, business execution, supply-chain demand and customer satisfaction. Nandita Sinha holds an experience of over 16 years across e-commerce and FMCG. She began her career at Hindustan Unilever Limited and later worked for Britannia Industries.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 683 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/retail-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The contents page lists this career on printed page 686, an even-numbered page; the card is on 683. Madras Christian College, printed under government institutes, is a private aided autonomous college.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.