Canadian Retailer: Human Resources Articles
(All files in .PDF form; Adobe Acrobat required to read them.)
- The Interview Plan
The success of any retail operation depends to a very large degree on the quality and effectiveness of its staff. While advertising, marketing, and merchandising are all important elements in retailing, few would argue that the defining factor in any store's ultimate success is the impact — for better or worse — made by its employees.
- Tapping your team's talents
At one time, I was a manager at White Rose Home and Garden Centres, a chain of more than 30 stores spread out across Ontario. I had a large and diverse staff under me, which, as with all managers and store owners, I had to fit into specific job assignments.
- The coming crunch
Last Christmas, shoppers in Edmonton complained they spent more time lining up to pay for their purchases than they did picking them out. It's symptomatic of the oilpatch boom that has created a labour shortage in the province, especially in retail. But if the rest of Canada wants to see the future, says Mark Dimnik, Vice-President, Human Resources, Canada Safeway Ltd., they should take a closer look at Alberta.
More Articles
Retailer's Guides
The Retailer's Guides are a series of informational brochures produced by Retail Council of Canada with the independent retailer in mind.
- HR Checkup: Preventive Medicine for a Healthy Employee Lifecycle
Turnover is a fact of retail. When you find somebody to fill a vacancy, somebody else leaves. Training and a team atmosphere can reduce turnover, but it'll never get you out of the hiring loop. This tip sheet examines the different stages of the employee lifecycle and offers some ideas on how to make the most of an employee's time in your store.
- Creating A Positive Customer Experience
The customer experience is the first-hand knowledge a customer gains about your store, knowledge that customers collect every time they come in contact with your business.
If a customer experiences poor service for any reason, chances are good that customer will remember it. When they hear your store's name again, they'll think "bad experience" and shop somewhere else.
More Retailer's Guides
Human Resources Newsletter
- Human Resources Newsletter — June 2007
Employee Engagement Dominates HR Conference
As the Canadian labour market continues to tighten, retailers must do more to create, attract, develop and retain an engaged workforce that is committed to their corporate goals and culture.
That was the message heard loud and clear by about 300 retail HR professionals from across Canada who gathered in Toronto for Retail Council of Canada?s annual Human Resources Conference April 19.
More HR Newsletters
Education Solutions
Winning Retail 2nd Edition
(Source: Industry Canada/The Graff Retail Group)
Chapter 6: Customer Service
What you will Learn
- The importance of valuing customer satisfaction above short-term profits.
- The value of long-term customers.
- Customer service begins at the top.
- The value of customer complaints.
- How to listen to your customers.
- How to measure customer satisfaction.
Chapter 7: Employee Development
What you will Learn
- Staff management and development is the most difficult retail skill to master.
- How to get the best performance from your staff.
- How to implement a powerful hiring system.
- How to deliver an effective orientation.
- How to coach your staff.
- The importance of having fun!
Chapter 8: Sales Management
What you will Learn
- How to keep everyone focussed on sales.
- How to "clear the path" so that your staff can sell.
- The importance of holding everyone accountable for results.
- How to track key performance indicators.
- How to establish sales goals.
- How to design the right "pay for performance" wage package.
- How to keep your staff informed and involved.
Chapter 11: Performance Evaluation
What you will Learn
- Multiple methods of measuring retail performance that are essential to understanding and growing your business.
- Measuring the productivity of your store and various departments.
- A method for projecting and controlling your cash flow.
Supplier Directory: Human Resources Services
- Are you looking for information on how to better prepare your business and staff on human resource issues? Check out RCC's Supplier Directory, a list of RCC associate members that are ready to provide you with products and services that can help you make the most of your design budget.
- Are you a supplier interested in being listed in RCC's directory? By joining RCC as an associate member, you not only get a free listing, but you have full access to RCC's Members-only Web site and other key resources. Click here for more information on becoming a member.
Members-Only Cost-Savings Programs
- ONLINE JOB POSTINGS with Monster Solutions — Monster.ca is committed to helping retail employers leverage the power of the Internet to promote retail careers. RCC Members receive a discount of 20% off 3, 5 or 10 job posting packages.
More Cost-Savings Programs
Canadian Retail Institute (CRI)
- Are you looking for tools to help your sales associates better understand the art of creating an exciting store layout? RCC offers a Sales Associate training program and Module 6 covers just this subject. If you'd like more information on just this module or the entire training program, visit the Canadian Retail Institute (CRI) or contact our education department at (888) 373-8245; e-mail: education@retailcouncil.org.
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