Myth vs. Reality

What is the biggest myth you have heard about retail, and what is the reality?

The most prevalent myth is that you can't make any money – a completely unsubstantiated myth because retail can be very lucrative. Another myth is that there are horrible hours – that you can't have a personal life and be in retail. Many employers are becoming much more cognizant of the benefits of more reasonable work weeks on employee motivation and health.
--Janis Shaffer, Director
Merchandising Education and Research Center
Indiana University

The biggest myth is that a career in retail involves standing behind a cash register. That you do the same thing every day – you open the store, you close the store, and you start the process over again the next morning. In actuality, it is an exciting and fast-paced field. Retailers wear many different hats.
--Fred Hurvitz
Instructor of Marketing
Penn State University