Employer perceptions of skills gaps in retail: issues and implications for UK retailers

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.

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