Employer perceptions of skills gaps in retail: issues and implications for UK retailers
International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management
ISSN: 0959-0552
Article publication date: 10 April 2007
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to identify the skills gaps associated with retail employees in SME and multiple retail companies, and to investigate the potential training and business implications that arise from these skills gaps, from the point of view of retail employers.
Design/methodology/approach
Research was conducted within one geographical region and across five counties within the UK. Telephone and face‐to‐face interviews and focus group workshops were conducted, resulting in responses from 52 retailers.
Findings
The key issues and areas of concern to emerge were: the industry image and impact on recruitment and retention; employee and management skills gaps; and barriers to training.
Research limitations/implications
The findings highlight the need for UK retail industry to raise the image of the sector, to identify the skills sets for specific roles, and to clarify the retail qualifications and training required delivering these.
Originality/value
Succeeds in identifying the skills gaps associated with retail employees in SME and multiple retail companies and in investigating the potential training and business implications arising from these skills gaps.
Keywords
Citation
Hart, C., Stachow, G.B., Farrell, A.M. and Reed, G. (2007), "Employer perceptions of skills gaps in retail: issues and implications for UK retailers", International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, Vol. 35 No. 4, pp. 271-288. https://doi.org/10.1108/09590550710736201
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited