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Shopkeepers manage their own stores or run stores on behalf of a retail chain.
You could work: in your own business; managing your own hours
You could:
You could work at a store.
Your working environment may be physically demanding.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a college course, which may help if you're setting up your own business. Courses include:
Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:
You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.
With experience you may be able to run your own shop, take on a franchise or manage a company store.
You'll usually need:
You can get retail experience through volunteering with charities that operate high street shops.
You can find information on opportunities near you from Do It.
You can become a shopkeeper by taking over an existing business or opening a franchise. You could also set up your own retail outlet on the high street or online.
It'll help if you've got some experience in retail, sales, administration or business management.
You can find advice about setting up and running your own business from Business is Great.
Organisations like the Prince's Trust may be able to offer training for running a business if you are aged between 18 and 30.
You'll need to:
If you're looking to run your own store, online selling is a way to start. You could sell goods from your own website or through other established trading sites. This can be a useful way to gain experience and research your market, before opening a shop of your own.
You may find it useful to join an organisation like the British Independent Retailers Association, for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
You can get advice about starting out in retail from the British Independent Retailers Association.
You could buy a franchise, or, with experience and an established brand name, you could expand or improve your premises or buy another shop.