Blog: Reinventing the retail image to attract new talent

Recent research released by Deloitte predicts that the number of retail and wholesale jobs is set to drop by 2 million in the next 20 years owing to the advent of automated technology and online retail.

Deloitte found that the number of jobs available across the sector in the UK had dropped by 300,000 since 2001.

Automation and innovations in technology in the supply chain is a positive thing for retailers – internet of things technology means warehouses can run more efficiently and effectively, improving the experience for both consumers and staff. While being able to track stock more closely using improved tagging and cloud technology means retailers can get real-time stock visibility that is vital when operating a truly multichannel business.

“Automation and innovations in technology in the supply chain is a positive thing for retailers”

The challenge for retailers now is to create new jobs to replace the ones technology is removing and then promote them accordingly.

According to Deloitte, the rise of automation is predicted to lead to an increase in supervisor roles to oversee and maintain technology in a retailer’s stores and supply chain. Over the past 15 years, sales supervisor and storage and warehousing managers have had the largest increase in retail roles, at 100,000 and 34,000 respectively.

Other recent growth areas for retailers include roles in customer experience, data management and analysis, social media and technology development.

Hotbed of innovation

Although news of fewer jobs in the industry might cause some to worry, it is the job of retailers to advertise the diverse, exciting and innovative roles they are creating every day to show those considering a career in retail that it is a hotbed of innovation.

“The fact that retail is embracing technology and always striving to make processes more efficient, more effective and more technology-led is a good place to begin”

In order to compete with banking, law, accountancy or creative industries such as media or design, retailers need to reconsider how they market the industry to those looking to join it. The fact that retail is embracing technology and always striving to make processes more efficient, more effective and more technology-led is a good place to begin.

In order to keep progressing and innovating at the same pace, retail needs to attract the best new talent to join the industry by highlighting the technology-led, innovative and creative roles that are available. How the industry is marketed in the next few years will be a vital part of that.