Developing a career path in retail

Introduction to Harrods

 Probably the most well-known store in the world  In business for over 162 years  5,000 employees from 86 nationalities  Up to 100,000 customers per day  Has built a unique reputation supported by its brand values  British; Luxury; Innovation; Sensation; Service

The importance of training and development

 Training – on or off the-job  Improves performance in a specific role  Increases employee motivation  Development  Enhances and extends personal capabilities, • e.g. problem-solving, decision-making  Enables Harrods to meet business goals

Development at Harrods

 Comprehensive Learning & Development programmes for all employees  Linked to Business Competencies  Competencies mapped to recruitment process  Suitable candidates need right attitude to sales, customer service and decision-making  Variety of levels, tailored to needs   Short workshops and self-help guides ‘Bite-size’ learning

Developing a career path

 Development programmes:  Enable retention of effective managers  Drive improvements in sales and business performance  Raise employees’ self-esteem  Provide competitive advantage for Harrods

Training and development options Sales    Harrods Welcome – induction course for all Your Theatre – sales techniques and customer awareness Harrods Fashion programme – follows product from design to sale   Voice, body language and presentation skills workshops Harrods Sales degree – the first and only globally recognised 2-year programme

Training and development options – High Potential programmes  Harrods Management Programme – aimed at developing future leaders and senior managers  The Business Academy - supports managers as they move into more senior roles  The Buying Academy - develops Assistant Buyers into Buyers of the future  The Oxford Summer School - academic learning opportunity to highlight the problems, decisions and challenges of running a retail business

Retaining talent

  Retaining employees:   Keeps recruitment costs down Retains key skills and abilities in the business  Improves staff loyalty and commitment Harrods strategies include offering improved conditions and benefits:    Competitive pay, employee discounts, commission and sales bonuses for individuals and teams Regular appraisal, clear targets and two-way communication Improved work schedules - help to give a better work-life balance

Careers at Harrods

 A career in retail is very diverse  Three key levels of staff  sales employee  department managers  senior managers  Harrods offers a clear career path for all employees, whatever level