Category: Retail Operations

Categories
Retail Operations

Sales and Logistics

Sales and logistics roles focus on getting products to the right place at the right time, while also driving revenue through effective sales strategies. The sales team builds relationships with customers, tracks stock performance, and works closely with marketing to boost brand presence. Logistics teams support this by managing stock movement, financial tracking, and ensuring products are delivered efficiently and on time.

These roles require strong organisation, communication, and analytical skills. Entry-level positions might involve supporting daily sales operations or inventory coordination, with progression leading to larger sales territories or roles in Buying, Retail Operations, or even HR. For students interested in commercial strategy, numbers, and fast-paced environments, sales and logistics offer a dynamic and cross-functional career pathway.

Examples of roles within Sales and Logistics:
  • Client Relations Intern/Assistant
  • Licensing Executive
Maja Quille in the studio, Photographer: Alys Tomlinson
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Sales and Logistics:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

George Boyle working in the Studio, Photographer: Alys Tomlinson
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Retail Operations

Shop Floor and Showroom

Shop floor and showroom roles focus on customer interaction, product presentation, and driving sales. These are store-based roles where staff support customers with styling advice, sizing, and product knowledge, while also maintaining visual merchandising standards and assisting with in-store events. Showroom Coordinators play a key role behind the scenes, managing scheduling, admin, and supporting seasonal market plans to help present collections to buyers or press.

These roles are often entry points into the fashion industry, offering a foundation in retail, branding, and customer service. As experience grows, career progression can lead to store management, retail operations, or PR roles. Senior positions such as Area Manager involve overseeing multiple stores, coaching teams, and influencing store layouts and performance across a region. This pathway blends creativity, strategy, and people skills, ideal for those passionate about brand experience and retail environments.

Examples of roles within Shop Floor and Showroom:
  • Sales Executive
  • Style Consultant
  • Sales Assistant
  • Store Assistant
  • Personal Shopper
  • Store Manager
Ella Williams presenting, Photographer: Alys Tomlinson
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in shop floor and showroom:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Rana Mohamed in the Studio, Photographer: Alys Tomlinson
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Buying, Merchandising and Supply Chain Retail Operations

Wholesale

Wholesale fashion distribution refers to the global market of bulk clothing sales, in a primarily commercial, business-to-business (B2B) model. Wholesalers manage warehouses, handle large-scale product shipments, and ensure stock reaches stores on time. The goal is to help brands expand their reach by supplying products to multiple retail partners, both online and in-store.

They run warehouses, distribution centres and ship products directly to the Retailers. Strong communication skills and an ability to build client relationships are essential, especially when working with key retail accounts. Wholesale professionals often work closely with buyers, marketing teams, and merchandisers – providing a great opportunity to work with global clients while supporting the growth of fashion brands.

Work in this area can lead to Head of Wholesale within a larger brand, or Wholesale Account Manager when working for an external Wholesale Distributor.

Examples of roles within Wholesale:
  • Buying Assistant
  • Warehouse Operative
  • Assistant Merchandiser
  • Sales Assistant/Sales Representative
  • Trading Clerk
  • National/International Admin Assistant
  • Wholesale Account Manager/Executive/Assistant/Coordinator
Textiles work by Laetitia Forst, PhD Research Student
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in wholesale:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Megan Morrish, 2021 BA (Hons) Graphic Communication Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL
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Retail Operations

Property

The Property department in fashion is responsible for managing the physical spaces where the brand operates, including retail stores, offices, and warehouses. Their work ensures these spaces are functional, safe, and aligned with the brand’s image and operational needs.

Day-to-day tasks include handling store maintenance issues, overseeing refits, supporting new store openings, and researching new locations for expansion. Entry-level roles typically involve logging and tracking maintenance requests, while more senior positions manage real estate strategy and new site acquisitions.

In larger companies, this team may sit within Operations or Corporate Services and may overlap with Legal teams when dealing with leasing, rent negotiations, or intellectual property (IP). As brands grow, the property team becomes increasingly strategic, playing a key role in aligning physical store presence with commercial goals and customer experience. Careers in this area can progress from support roles to senior management positions in facilities or real estate planning.

Examples of roles within Property:
  • Property Management Assistant
  • Property Strategy Developer
  • Facilities Coordinator
  • Property Accountant
  • Financial Analyst
  • Real Estate Coordinator/Assistant
  • Sustainability Manager
  • Store Designer
Camberwell, March 2016, Photographer: Alys Tomlinson, UAL, UAL student recruitment
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Property:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Camberwell, March 2016, Photographer: Alys Tomlinson, UAL, UAL student recruitment
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Communications and Marketing Retail Operations Styling, Make-up and Production

Visual Merchandising

Visual merchandising is a creative and strategic role within the fashion and retail industries focused on how products are displayed to attract and inspire customers. Visual merchandisers design store layouts, dress mannequins, and create impactful window displays that reflect seasonal trends, promotions, and brand identity. They work closely with marketing, retail, and buying teams to ensure that visual storytelling aligns with business goals and enhances the customer shopping experience. This role blends creativity with commercial awareness, using both design principles and sales data to influence customer behaviour and drive profits.

Visual merchandisers also need strong trend forecasting skills, design software knowledge (like CAD or Adobe Creative Suite), and the ability to work collaboratively under pressure. As retail moves increasingly online, there is also growing demand for digital visual merchandisers to shape the look and feel of e-commerce platforms. This pathway is ideal for students who enjoy design, problem-solving, and creating visually engaging environments that connect with audiences.

Depending on your interests and expertise, you may choose to specialize in specific areas of visual merchandising, such as window displays, store design, product presentation, or digital merchandising. Progression in this field can lead to Head of Visual Merchandising or Senior Visual Merchandising positions that involve overseeing multiple locations.

examples of roles within visual merchandising:
  • Visual Merchandiser
  • Merchandise Coordinator
  • Store Manager
  • Visual Merchandiser Trainee
  • Visual Merchandising Assistant
Nadeen Elwi, 2021 BA Fashion Visual Merchandising and Branding, London College of Fashion, UAL
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in visual merchandising:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

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Retail Operations

Security and Loss Prevention

The Security and Loss Prevention department in fashion is responsible for protecting products, people, and profits by preventing theft, fraud, and stock loss, often called “shrinkage.” This includes using tools like CCTV, security tags, and surveillance, as well as monitoring store activity and ensuring staff follow security procedures. These teams work in both physical retail stores and across supply chains, playing a key role in maintaining safety and operational efficiency.

Roles in this area include Loss Prevention Officers, Investigators, and Managers, with progression into consultancy or senior management positions. Increasingly, the department also supports sustainability goals by reducing waste, promoting ethical labour practices, and improving supply chain transparency. For students considering careers in this area, it’s a chance to combine security expertise with social responsibility, helping fashion businesses operate ethically, safely, and efficiently.

Examples of roles within Security and Loss Prevention:
  • Loss Prevention Officer / Specialist / Coordinator
  • Investigator
  • Retail Security
  • Stockroom Assistant
  • Loss Prevention Manager
CCI institute Camberwell University Architecture
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Security and Loss Prevention:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Creative Processes with Adrienne Bennie, PhD Research Student
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Business and Management Retail Operations

Operations

Operations roles in the fashion and retail industry are essential for keeping both physical and online stores running smoothly. From managing inventory and supply chains to ensuring daily store activities align with brand strategy, operations teams focus on delivering efficient processes that enhance the customer experience. These professionals often work from a brand’s head office, supporting store teams, implementing new procedures, and helping reduce environmental impact. They play a key role in making sure products are delivered on time, displayed correctly, and sold efficiently.

Operations careers can range from entry-level logistics coordinators to senior roles like Head of Retail Operations or Business Operations Manager. People in these roles need strong problem-solving, organisation, and communication skills, and often work across departments to align strategy, budgets, and performance goals. With experience, individuals can move into broader leadership roles or specialise in areas like creative operations, supply chain strategy, or retail planning. It’s a great career path for those interested in the business side of fashion and who enjoy keeping things running behind the scenes.

Examples of roles within Operations:
  • Business Operations Analyst
  • Operations Planner
  • Technical Developer
  • Retail Operations Intern
Xiang Shi, 2022 BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Development, London College of Fashion, UAL | Photograph: Ben Turner
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Operations:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

February 2017, LCC, UAL
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