Lessons Learned from Working Retail

Retail is not my favorite industry to work. I find it monotonous and, quite frankly, soul killing; however, I've learned several valuable lessons since taking a position behind the register.

Dress Professionally

The nicer you dress the nicer people treat you. It's amazing how putting a little more effort into what I'm wearing can make all the difference in my day at work. I feel better about myself and am treated like a responsible employee. A good rule of thumb for dressing professionally is to wear three key pieces - meaning your outfit should look something like this:

• button down shirt, trousers, scarf
• blouse, cardigan, skirt
• dress, blazer, statement necklace

Never Pay Full Price

Unless you are shopping at a high turnover store like Forever 21, you should wait a few weeks before buying that new top. Many stores start marking down new items within a month of getting them. For instance, a store recently was selling a belt for $49.50, and within a few weeks, the belt was marked down to $8.99. Also, check to see when your favorite stores offer promotions such as during weekends or a certain day each month.

Ask About Student Discounts

Stores don't always advertise student discount programs, but asking about a student discount could save you around 15%.

Online Sales Don't Always Match In Store Sales

Don't assume that the sale on a store's website is the same sale the store is running at the mall. Sometimes an item will be marked down in the store but regular price online.

Buy Outfits

It's so easy to grab a cute dress only to take it home and realize you have nothing to wear with it. Know your closet and the styles you are most likely to wear. If you are buying suit pants, try to budget for the matching coat so that you aren't rushing around six months later to finish off your outfit. One store I worked at emphasized the importance of buying seven pieces based around three outfits:

• Look #1 = Jacket + Top + Skirt
• Look #2 = Top + Jeans/Pants
• Look #3 = T-shirt + Leggings

The idea is that you can mix and match any of these seven pieces to create numerous looks.

What's the most important lesson you've learned from your job?