Nature of the Industry
Clothing, accessory, and general merchandise stores are some of the most visited establishments in the country. Whether shopping for an item of clothing, a piece of jewelry, a household appliance, or even food, you will likely go to one of these stores to make your purchase or compare selections with other retail outlets. Composed of department stores (including discount department stores), supercenters, and warehouse club stores, general merchandise stores in particular sell a large assortment of items. Also included among general merchandise stores are dollar stores that sell a wide variety of inexpensive merchandise.
Department stores sell an extensive selection of merchandise, with no one line predominating. As the name suggests, these stores generally are arranged into departments, each headed by a manager. The various departments can sell apparel, furniture, appliances, home furnishings, cosmetics, jewelry, paint and hardware, electronics, and sporting goods. They also may sell services such as optical, photography, and pharmacy services. Discount department stores typically have fewer sales workers, relying more on self-service features, and have centrally located cashiers. Department stores that sell bulk items, like major appliances, usually provide delivery and installation services. Upscale department stores may offer tailoring for their clothing lines and more personal service.
Warehouse club stores and supercenters, the fastest growing segment of this industry, sell an even more eclectic mix of products and services, in fixed quantities and at low prices. These stores typically include an assortment of food items, often sold in bulk, along with an array of household and automotive goods, clothing, and services that may vary over time. Often, such stores require that shoppers purchase a membership that entitles them to shop there. They offer very little service and usually require the customer to take home the item.
Compared with department stores, clothing and accessory stores sell a much narrower group of items that include apparel for all members of the family, as well as shoes, luggage, leather goods, lingerie, jewelry, uniforms, and bridal gowns. Stores in this sector may sell a relatively broad range of these items or concentrate on a few. They often are staffed with knowledgeable salespersons who can help in the selection of sizes, styles, and accessories. Many of these stores are located in shopping malls across the country and have significantly fewer workers than department stores.
Working Conditions
Retail salespersons and cashiers often stand for long periods, and stock clerks may perform strenuous tasks, such as moving heavy, cumbersome boxes. Sales representatives and buyers often travel to visit clients and may be away from home for several days or weeks at a time. Those who work for large manufacturers and retailers may travel outside of the country.
The incidence of work-related illnesses and injuries varies greatly among segments of the industry. In 2003, workers in clothing and accessory stores had 2.8 cases of injury and illness per 100 full-time workers, while those in general merchandise stores had 7.2 cases per 100 full-time workers. These figures compare with an average of 5.0 throughout private industry.
Employment
Many of the industry?s workers are young—31 percent were under 24 years old in 2004, compared with 14 percent for all industries. About 29 percent of the workers were employed part time.
