Time Management - often at the start of any workday in retail, you will create a list of “to-do”items.   Everything from getting new inventory on the floor, taking inventory, freshening up displays, and keeping the store clean.   The list can become all consuming once you factor in keeping your clients happy.   The “original list” will constantly change as far as priorities as your clients enter the store and you provide them with the highest and best service.   These are the instances that teach you how to power through each day of work, no matter the job or the industry.

Interpersonal Skills -  the most valuable skill you will develop in retail are your interpersonal skills.    Developing those interpersonal skills requires a lot of energy, positivity and emotional intelligence.  Not IQ, but EQ!  It is your job to help a customer find what they are looking for, even if they don’t know themselves what they are looking for.  You will learn how to make those customers feel at ease while in the store as well as gauge how much of a chat they will be up for.  There is nothing worse than a sales associate glued to your side when you would prefer to browse quietly!

Patience and Tact - it’s the same in all service industries, the customer is always right.   With that being said, sometimes they are not right.   It can be frustrating dealing with a conflict that you perceive to be unjustified or misinformed.   It is always better to be amicable with a customer than it is to express your annoyance.    
Example:

If customer wants to return an item that is not covered by the return policy, you must find a friendly, but firm way of “re-informing” them about the return policy and the reason you are unable to complete the request.   This tactfulness will. Improve not only your work life, but your personal life as well.   This is an attribute that is attractive to employers , regardless of the industry you are in or looking to pursue.

Teamwork - the ability to work as a team in retail is a must.   
Teamwork is the following:

Constructive criticism

Distributing the workload evenly

Helping your coworkers when you see them struggling

Accepting help when it is offered 

With all the above traits and training, a good team player becomes a great team player.   A great team player will take on a leadership role, and that’s what we want.  

Attention to detail - successful employees in the retail sector are those that maintain strict attention to detail.   They strive to achieve consistency, cleanliness, and take pride in the appearance of their store.  It’s difficult to think of a career path where attention to detail is of no real importance.

Composure - when your store gets super busy, no matter the retail skills in your arsenal, things can become very stressful.   There might be a long line at the register, the fitting room room could be a disaster, customers looking for the proper size, and displays are a mess.  The ability to keep a level head during these stressful times comes with experience and a mindset that you will “win” in the end.

Cultural Awareness - you will have all walks of life come into your store, and it will always be your job to treat them as equals and to provide every customer with friendly and respectful service.   You’ll quickly learn that different customers have different needs as well as expectations.   You will have to learn how to cater to each one of them.   A career in retail doesn’t just provide you with skills that are transferable to other professions, but also provides life experiences and an understanding of cultural similarities, differences and respectful communication.

Business Awareness - having an understanding of the business in which you are working is essential since you are a representative of the store as a worker.  Excellent product knowledge and thorough understanding of the industry in which you are working will help you flourish in your role, since you you’ll be expected to explain the products and create F.A.B. statements, with confidence, as a retail worker.  Having that business awareness can be a useful and transferable skill outside of Retail.