How To Become a Store Keeper: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn about the steps important to pursuing a career as a store keeper, including education, skills, salary and more.
Storekeepers are responsible for the organization and maintenance of storerooms, warehouses and other storage facilities. They play an important role in the supply chain of many businesses by ensuring that inventory is properly stored and organized. If you are interested in a career as a storekeeper, it is helpful to learn about the duties and responsibilities of this position, as well as the steps you can take to become one. In this article, we discuss what storekeepers do and how to become a storekeeper.
What Does a Store Keeper Do?
A store keeper is responsible for the organization and maintenance of a storage facility. This can include anything from a small room to an entire warehouse. Store keepers are in charge of receiving, inspecting and cataloging all incoming items before storing them properly. They must also be able to retrieve stored items quickly and efficiently when requested.
The duties of a store keeper include:
- Receiving and inspecting all incoming shipments
- Cataloging and storing all items in the appropriate location
- Maintaining accurate records of all stored items
- Retrieving stored items quickly and efficiently when requested
- Ensuring that the storage area is clean and organized at all times
- Handling all customer inquiries and requests
- Resolving any issues or complaints
- Training new employees
Store Keeper Salary and Job Outlook
The average salary for a store keeper is $42,745 per year. This figure can vary based on the level of experience, education, industry and geographical location of the store keeper.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job prospects for store keepers to decline over the next decade. This might result from an increase in the number of customers who choose to fulfill their prescriptions using online services rather than visiting a pharmacy in person.
How to Become a Store Keeper
Here are several steps you should take to become a store keeper.
1. Complete a high school diploma or equivalent
A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum education requirement for most employers. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a store keeper, it may be helpful to take courses in math and business during high school that will help you develop the skills needed for this position. Courses such as algebra, geometry and trigonometry can help you learn how to use basic mathematical formulas to calculate inventory levels and other data related to running a retail store.
If your high school does not offer these courses, consider taking classes in computer science, graphic design or drafting to help you gain similar knowledge and skills.
2. Consider completing a postsecondary certificate program in storekeeping or a related field
While a postsecondary certificate program is not required to become a store keeper, it can provide you with valuable knowledge and skills that are useful in this role. Some employers may prefer candidates who have completed some form of postsecondary education.
A certificate program in retail management or storekeeping can help you learn about topics such as inventory control, customer service, marketing and merchandising. You may be able to complete these programs online or at a local college or technical school.
3. Gain experience working in a retail setting
Gaining experience in a retail setting is an important part of becoming a store keeper. You can gain this experience while completing your education or by working at a retail store. If you choose to work at a retail store, it’s helpful to work in different areas of the store so that you have experience in all parts of the operation.
Working in a retail environment allows you to develop skills and knowledge about how stores operate and what tasks are required of a store keeper. It also helps you build a network of contacts who may be able to provide you with job opportunities when you’re ready to start working as a store keeper.
4. Develop strong organizational skills
Store keepers must be able to organize and manage inventory in a way that makes it easy for customers to find what they are looking for. This may involve developing systems for organizing products on shelves, using signs to direct customers to specific areas of the store and keeping track of frequently purchased items so you can restock them as needed.
You may also need to develop organizational skills when it comes to managing your finances and paperwork associated with running a business. You will likely have multiple forms and receipts to keep track of, and you should know how to use accounting software if you run a large operation.
5. Be able to lift heavy objects
Store keepers may need to lift and move large objects, such as boxes of merchandise or pallets of products. They may also need to use hand trucks or other lifting equipment to transport these items from delivery vehicles into the store. Physical strength is important for this job because you will be moving a lot of heavy things around.
6. Have good communication skills
Store keepers must be able to communicate effectively with customers and employees. They should also have excellent listening skills so they can address any concerns or issues that arise in the store. Store keepers may need to interact with vendors, suppliers and other business owners, so good communication skills are essential for this position.
Store keepers often work long hours and on weekends, so it’s important that they can work independently without constant supervision from a manager. It’s also important that they can delegate tasks to their employees and supervise them to ensure all duties are carried out properly.
7. Be detail oriented
Store keepers must be detail oriented to ensure that all aspects of their store are running smoothly. They need to pay attention to details such as the inventory levels, pricing and signage in order to identify any problems or issues that may arise. Detail orientation is also important for ensuring that customers have a positive shopping experience by noticing when items may be out of stock or if there are other issues with the store’s layout or organization.
