Whether you want to own or just manage a retail shop, it is possible to become a storekeeper. The first thing you'll need is at least a few years of experience working in retail stores. Although retail experience is a must, formal education or training may not be required to run a store. Business courses or a certificate or degree in management is certainly desirable, but the most important skill needed to become a storekeeper is to be able to successfully manage all areas of a retail shop.
Hiring as well as training staff is necessary if you want to become a storekeeper. You're likely to need department managers plus bookkeeping and accounting staff. If you hope to get tasks done through others efficiently, you must be a leader who can motivate and inspire your workers to coordinate well as a team. For example, if you'll be running a grocery store, you should hire a competent manager for each department who is willing to embrace your business vision and choose assistants who are passionate about getting things done. While you, as the head storekeeper, will be responsible for everything, you'll be able to oversee rather than micromanage the shop if the rest of your team is functioning effectively.
Micromanagement is an over-attention to details or a tight control over workers. If you become a store manager, you'll likely find that there will just be too many things for you to control yourself. You'll need to hire competent, responsible supervisors to take care of the details in different departments. It will be your responsibility to make sure these workers are achieving the goals you set for them. These goals should include compliance with any laws and safety requirements as well as specifics you want achieved in the areas of customer service, sales and inventory.
Every type of store should have an inventory that meets the needs and desires of its customers. Too much stock of anything means items won't sell in a timely manner; these are likely to have to be discounted, which will reduce profits. Yet, too little stock means not being able to keep up with customer demand, and this may send people to your competition. Understanding both your customers and inventory is necessary if you want to become a storekeeper. Working your way up in the retail industry, such as starting with stocking shelves and cashiering before becoming a supervisor for several years, can give you a good background for an eventual storekeeper position.
