The organizational structure of a retail store will vary by the size and type of the business. Most tasks involved with operating a retail business will be the same. However, small or independent retail stores may combine many sectors together under one division, while larger stores create various divisions for each particular function along with many layers of management.
For example, the small specialty shop may have all of its employees under one category called Store Operations. A large department store may have a complete staff consisting of a manager, assistant manager and sales associates for its Sporting Goods department, Home and Garden, Bed and Bath, and each additional department.
In order to define the store's organization, start by specifying all tasks that need to be performed. Then divide those responsibilities among various individuals or channels. Group and classify each task into a job with a title and description. The final step is to develop an organizational chart.
Retailing Structure
The following is a brief outline of some of the divisions in a retail organization.
Owner/CEO or President
Store Operations: Management, Cashier, Sales, Receiving, Loss Prevention
Marketing: Visual Displays, Public Relations, Promotions
Merchandising: Planning, Buying, Inventory Control
Human Relations: Personnel, Training
Finance: Accounting, Credit
Technology: Information Technology
As the store grows and the retail business evolves, the dynamics of the organization's structure will change too. Therefore it is paramount to redesign the store's organizational chart to support the decision-making, collaboration and leadership capabilities that are essential during and after a growth period.
