|
Store Managers can earn nicely in Casinos
Casinos and casino hotels like to keep customers on the property once they arrive. Management, therefore, tries to have as many amenities as possible on-site. These facilities have a wide array of restaurants for all tastes and pocketbooks. Many also host a variety of on-site retail shops.
The person who provides the day-to-day management of the casino hotel shop is called the Store Manager or Retail Shop Supervisor.
Store Managers have a number of responsibilities. They establish and implement policies, goals, objectives, and procedures for the specific shop. This may be done in conjunction with other casino administrators.
Store Managers supervise the sales associates working in the store. As part of this function, they must train associates in all necessary areas. This includes writing sales slips, using the cash register, processing credit cards, and approving checks. The Store Manager is responsible for scheduling employees. The person must take into account the days and hours the store is expected to be busiest to make sure enough employees are on hand to adequately service customers.
Store Managers assign duties and oversee the activities of sales associates, including pricing and ticketing goods, placing them on display, and cleaning and organizing shelves, displays, and inventory in stockrooms. In order for merchandise to sell, the Store Manager makes sure it is displayed in an attractive manner. Store Managers may handle this duty themselves or assign it to other employees. The Store Manager is ultimately responsible for everything that occurs in the store. The Manager maintains customer satisfaction, sometimes working on the sales floor greeting and assisting customers with purchases. Other duties of the casino or casino hotel Retail Store Manager may include:
- Developing and coordinating sales promotions
- Overseeing loss prevention
- Reviewing sales records and accounting for sales
- Keeping track of inventory
- Ordering merchandise
Salaries for Store Manager in Casinos
Retail Store Managers working in casinos and casino hotels may either be paid a weekly salary, or be paid an hourly wage ranging between USD 9.00 and USD 20.00 per hour. They may also earn commissions on sales in addition to their hourly salary or bonuses for increases in sales. Factors affecting earnings include the geographic location, size, and prestige of the casino or casino hotel, as well as the specific type of shop. Other variables include the experience and responsibilities of the individual. There are some individuals who earn an annual salary of approximately USD 19,000 and others who earn approximately USD 42,000 or more.
Employment Prospects
Employment prospects are excellent for qualified individuals aspiring to be Retail Store Managers in casinos and casino hotels. Most facilities have one or more shops. Individuals work various shifts, including daytime and swing shift. Casinos that are open 24 hours a day may require a Supervisor or Manager to work the graveyard shift. Employment opportunities depend on the type of shops in the casino sundry shops, boutiques, souvenir shops, gift shops, floral shops, candy stores, and jewelry stores. Many of the new multimillion-dollar casino hotels also have large upscale shopping areas filled with exclusive stores.
Advancement Prospects
With experience and/or additional training, Store Managers working in casinos or casino hotels may be promoted to management jobs in larger or more prestigious stores in the facility.
Education and Training
casinos and casino hotels generally prefer Store Managers to have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Many facilities assist individuals who do not have this education in obtaining a GED. Work experience is often accepted in lieu of education. While there is not usually any formal training requirement for this position, any training individuals have received in buying, retailing, or store management will be useful. Many Store Managers have moved up the career ladder by starting as sales associates and learning as they go.
Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits
This is not an entry-level position. Experience in retail sales and management is usually required. Store Managers must have supervisory and administrative skills. They should be personable people with good customer service skills. Sales ability and merchandising skills are necessary.
Unions and Associations of Store Manager
Those interested in learning more about careers in retailing can obtain information from the National Retail Federation (NRF).
Tips for Casino Store Manager
1. Visit the human resources departments of casinos and casino hotels to learn about job openings.
2. Check with stores directly to see if they have openings, then fill out applications.
3. Jobs are often advertised in the classified sections of newspapers in areas hosting gaming. Look under classifications such as “Casinos/ Gaming,” “Casinos/Hotels,” “Retail Opportunities,” “Casino Shop Manager,” or “Casino Hotel Shops.”
4. Most casinos have job hotlines. These are frequently updated messages listing jobs available. You can call each casino directly to get its job hotline phone number.