The retail industry has been rocked in this modern economy, with well-known brands shuttering stores across the country. Family Dollar, Walgreens, Big Lots, and even LL Flooring are joining the growing list of retailers closing locations to stay afloat amid rising inflation and shrinking consumer spending. Inflation has strained household budgets, pushing more consumers to limit spending on discretionary goods. For retail employees affected by these closures, the path forward can feel uncertain. But this unprecedented wave of closures could actually signal an opportunity for retail workers to step into skilled roles across industries in need of talent.
In this new economic climate, upskilling retail workers can be a win-win solution. With the right training, retail employees bring transferable skills that employers need and that can help them transition into stable, in-demand jobs. Here’s how to make that transition a reality and why it’s more important than ever to start now.
Why Retailers Are Scaling Back
The trend of closures among major retail chains can be traced to several converging factors. First, inflationary pressures have dramatically altered consumer spending habits. Essentials like housing, energy, and food have seen considerable price hikes, leaving consumers with little disposable income for non-essential retail. This shift has hit stores hard, particularly those targeting budget-conscious shoppers.
Then there’s the rise of e-commerce. Online shopping continues to gain ground, with consumers finding deals online that brick-and-mortar retailers struggle to compete with. During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, e-commerce became a lifeline, and customers who became comfortable with the convenience and cost-effectiveness of online shopping have been slow to return to physical stores. For large retail chains with significant operating costs, staying profitable in this changing landscape has been a challenge—often resulting in downsizing or outright closures.
The retail industry’s struggles are a tough pill to swallow, but they’re creating new opportunities in industries experiencing a shortage of skilled workers. From healthcare and technology to logistics and trades, many industries are eager to welcome retail workers with the right skills.
Why Upskilling Matters for Retail Workers
Retail workers often come equipped with a diverse skill set that’s invaluable in other fields. Skills like customer service, problem-solving, time management, and communication are highly transferable and can make retail workers stand out in different industries. However, to fully tap into high-demand career paths, many need specific training or certification. Upskilling isn’t just about filling knowledge gaps; it’s about unlocking new potential for workers who may feel stuck or underqualified for higher-paying roles.
Upskilling can also ease the transition for those who are passionate about customer-centric roles but want more stability than the retail industry currently offers. With the right support, retail workers can quickly gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in fields like healthcare, IT, finance, and skilled trades.
High-Demand Fields Ready for Upskilled Retail Workers
Here’s a look at some industries and career paths where retail workers’ skills can be a natural fit:
1. Healthcare
Why It Fits: Retail workers often have the people skills that can translate well into healthcare roles like medical assistants, patient coordinators, and healthcare administrative staff. Many healthcare roles require certification, but organizations and community colleges frequently offer accelerated training programs.
Upskilling Path: Short-term certification programs in medical billing, patient care, or even pharmacy tech training can help retail employees transition smoothly into healthcare roles with strong job security.
2. Information Technology (IT)
Why It Fits: Many entry-level IT roles, such as help desk technicians or customer support specialists, focus heavily on problem-solving and customer service—skills that retail workers bring to the table. Retail employees who are tech-savvy and willing to learn can thrive in this field.
Upskilling Path: Courses in IT support, cybersecurity basics, or network administration, which can be completed in months, are readily available through online platforms like Coursera or CompTIA’s IT certification programs.
3. Logistics and Supply Chain
Why It Fits: Retail workers have direct experience with inventory management, stock control, and logistics. This makes roles like warehouse coordinator, inventory analyst, or logistics assistant a natural fit.
Upskilling Path: Many positions in logistics require familiarity with software platforms for tracking shipments and inventory. Short courses in supply chain management, warehousing, or logistics technology are great options for upskilling.
4. Finance and Customer Support
Why It Fits: Retail workers know what it takes to keep customers satisfied, even during tense situations. Customer support roles in finance or tech are in high demand, and many only require a foundational knowledge of the industry.
Upskilling Path: Training programs for customer support roles often focus on financial basics, using customer relationship management (CRM) software, or handling confidential data.
5. Skilled Trades (e.g., Electricians, Plumbers, HVAC Technicians)
Why It Fits: Retail workers who have an interest in hands-on work can find a reliable and lucrative career path in skilled trades. Apprenticeships and trade schools offer hands-on training, leading to steady employment.
Upskilling Path: Trade schools and vocational programs provide structured training for entry into the trades, often with apprentice opportunities and state certification pathways.
Steps to Start Upskilling Retail Workers
Building an effective upskilling program requires a few strategic steps. Here’s a roadmap to help get started:
1. Identify Skills and Interests
Start by working with retail employees to identify where their interests align with potential career paths. Are they interested in technology, healthcare, or hands-on trades? This exploration phase helps workers feel empowered and provides a sense of direction.
2. Partner with Local Community Colleges and Training Programs
Many community colleges offer affordable or even free training programs in high-demand fields. Establish partnerships to give retail workers access to these resources. Many schools offer online or part-time courses to accommodate work schedules.
3. Utilize Online Learning Platforms
Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, and Coursera offer affordable courses in everything from IT basics to healthcare and trades. Retail workers can learn at their own pace and even gain certificates to prove their new skills.
4. Offer Financial Assistance for Training
Training can be a financial strain, especially for those who have recently lost their jobs. Providing scholarships, grants, or tuition reimbursement programs for training can make a difference. Consider partnerships with nonprofits or local workforce development agencies that can assist with funding.
5. Leverage Apprenticeships and Internships
Many trades and tech fields offer apprenticeship programs where workers can earn while they learn. For example, retail workers interested in becoming electricians or HVAC technicians can benefit from structured programs that offer practical experience and certification.
6. Encourage Soft Skills Development
Soft skills like communication, adaptability, and time management are just as valuable as technical skills. Investing in soft skills training can help retail workers feel confident and prepared as they step into new industries.
The Benefits of Upskilling Beyond Career Transition
The benefits of upskilling retail workers go beyond simply helping them find new employment. It also contributes to a more adaptable, resilient workforce that can weather economic changes. Upskilling builds confidence fosters a sense of purpose and provides retail workers with opportunities to build a career rather than just another job. Employers who invest in upskilling may also find that their employees are more loyal and engaged, leading to a stronger reputation and potentially a faster recovery from market challenges.
Wrapping it up: Seizing the Opportunity to Upskill for a New Era
With the retail industry in flux, the time is ripe for workers to explore new possibilities. Upskilling isn’t just a stop-gap solution; it’s a way to build a sustainable, future-ready workforce that can thrive in industries beyond retail. For companies, workforce development agencies, and educational institutions, partnering to provide these opportunities will strengthen both workers and communities as we head into a new economic landscape. So, let’s support these workers, and help them transition from retail to rewarding, stable careers where their skills are valued, their futures are secure, and their potential is limitless.
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