The outlook of the Indian consumer has been changing dramatically, with limelight shifting from low price to convenience, high value and a finer shopping experience. This has caused vibrant expansions and retail giants like Wal- Mart, Shoppers Stop, ITC, Spencers, Future Group, Lifestyle, More, to name a few have already impressed the Indian consumers. Such a dynamic expansion of retail companies in India, is unlocking many doors for employment. Therefore after Telecom, Information Technology and Insurance boom, India is witnessing ‘Retail Boom’. And those who get into this industry at this period would find the journey not only satisfying but also see an incredible personal development with a secured career.

THE first outlet was launched in 1991 in a Mumbai suburb with only menswear. Cut to 2010, Shoppers Stop has 51 stores in 22 Indian cities, offering women’s and kids wear, home furnishings, books, makeup and a whole lot more. The retail giant has seven brands within its fold -Home Stop, Crossword, Mothercare, Clinique, MAC, ESTEE LAUDER, and, of course, Shoppers Stop, and in the next two years, the retail chain aims to open eight new stores per year. Now, it would take an army of retail savvy executives to keep pace with this scale of expansion!

The batch size may vary from 20 to 60 students across institutions per batch. A written test will be used to shortlist candidates for a Group Discussion & personal interview with panellists from the institute and Shoppers Stop. Good communication skills, a keen interest in retail, negotiation and persuasion skills would give you an edge. According to Dr. Tarun Panwar, HOD, Retail Dept of Pearl Academy of Fashion, confidence, clarity of career goals and personal presentation, will also win you some brownie points. You must be below 25 years of age. Class 10 students and graduates are also eligible.

The course has been designed by IIM- Ahmadabad exclusively for Shoppers Stop. it aims to train candidates over a period of 18 months for Second Level at Shoppers Stop, graduating to take over any managerial position in Shoppers Stop or across the retail sector. Students will spend nine months in the classroom and nine months training at a Shoppers Stop outlet as a Trainee Fashion Assistant. Subject taught will include Visual Merchandising, Retail Selling Skills, Loyalty Programme, Fashion Product Knowledge and Store Operations. PINNACLE, as an education partner will conduct classroom training at BHUNANESWAR. After Six months of classroom training, students will have to undergo another Twelve months as on-the-job training (OJT) program at Shoppers Stop.

How to apply : Walk in to our corporate office- PINNACLE HUMAN RESOURCE PVT.LTD. A/118, Saheed Nagar, Bhubaneswar-751007, Odisha. Ph.:0674-3198555, corporate@pinnaclejobs.in, www.pinnacleconsulting.in

Students will spend Six months at the institute campus and Twelve months on the shop floor of a Shoppers Stop outlet. In the classroom, candidates will be exposed to all aspects of retail management from the business aspects and managing customers to the more creative areas like shop windows and presentation. To proceed to the next stage, they will need to give a quarterly test in which they must score an average of 50%. Shoppers Stop would extend an appointment letter, with a clearly defined Balance Score Card (BSC) on their stint as Trainee CCA and Fashion Assistant. Shoppers Stop would extend an appointment letter, with a clearly defined Balance Score Card (BSC) on their stint as Trainee CCA and Fashion Assistant.

Candidates would be paid approximately Rs. 10, 000 per month during the training. Thus, the candidate earns back approximately 80 percent of the course fee by the end of 18 months.

After twelve months with a minimum of 50 percent on the BSC, trainees will be extended the certificate of course completion and will be confirmed as a Fashion Assistant. Salaries will start off at around Rs 1.8 lakh per annum plus incentives.

In around six to twelve months time, Fashion Assistants can opt for a management position by clearing an assessment. If successful, they will be groomed for a management position via a special programme called “Baby Kangaroo”. Here one is expected to work on varied projects, after which they will be reassessed after a year. On clearing this assessment, the candidate will qualify for the position of Department Manager, and the compensation ranges between Rs. 2.75 to 3 lakhs. Beyond this level, creativity, strategy, good ideas could help you get ahead!