For the longest time, the perception of the retail industry in Kuwait, and the Middle East, has been negative. The mere consideration that working in the retail field is menial is a very outdated, let alone misguided, notion. From selling goods in a store, to flying off to exciting worldwide destinations to purchase these very same goods you once sold, that is the magic of retail. It is constantly changing consumer tastes with expert marketing techniques, and it mobilizes a stronger economic base when businesses in the retail services flourish.
With the economic hardships we faced in the recent years, we’ve seen small business flourish and take center stage in our local economy, proving to show that recovery can be made, allowing for new opportunities and growth for the economy in the long run. Sadly, this very same business cycle has shown that the retail sector was not as open to Kuwaitis due to the local perceptions about retail. As part of a national effort to promote employment amongst Kuwaitis in the service sector, The Retail Academy was built to train young Kuwaitis, and local expat youth alike, in the retail and service sector. The training center hopes to reach enough people to create a new wave of knowledge and training amongst the local population.
If anyone wishes to go into the retail industry, its important to have the tools and the basics to be better equipped to handle managerial positions later on in their careers. Learning by experience, as one goes along when opening a business, occurs all the time. Yet by acquiring the necessary training, one is better equipped to avoid inefficient mistakes that they can’t afford to make today. Nowadays, investing has become such a risk-averse field, and by learning the basic skills and art of retail, youngsters now have the chance to perfect their business models for better opportunities.
The Retail Academy is truly the first of its kind in Kuwait, offering a unique, and tailor-made educational opportunity for youngsters and young professionals alike. In their most recent project in partnering with Al-Yousifi Electronics, Al-Yousifi has agreed to take on trainees at the Academy to go on to offer them positions within their organization. By training this potential staff at the Academy in the field of sales, customer service, inventory and more, the trainees also receive a salary as well as technical knowledge, further allowing them to be entered in the Public Institute of Social Security to get the necessary support from the government. Upon completing their training, the trainees would be employed at Al-Yousifi, to be absorbed in the various sectors there, like sales, accounting, and upper management. People will be chosen based on this technical training, based on the simulation work that happens at the Retail Academy, making this institution a truly viable educational option for many who have previously overlooked retail, or did not know where to look to find the appropriate training.
The courses and training at The Retail Academy are available to all age groups, from students to young professionals, wishing to enter the retail field, or further their understanding of their current position in retail. For instance, learning how to sell to customers is an art form, giving better sales pitches, closing a sale, and communicating customer requirements to upper management. Trainees experience the true taste of a hard day’s work through hands-on training and simulation classes in front sales, telling, merchandising, inventory and much more.
Expanding the field of retail from the ground up is extremely important in today’s economy, even if the biggest challenge comes with illustrating that working in retail is not demeaning or menial. Learning how to sell by becoming a sales assistant, or a stylist at a boutique, can be perfected by our local youth. As Kuwaitis, it would only be beneficial for the customer to be served by a fellow Kuwaiti, who speaks the same language, and understands the customers’ needs.
Upon enrolling, trainees will immediately notice a dynamic environment. The simulated retail environment is equipped with glass, front window display areas for merchandising training, a simulated supermarket with functioning checkouts, a clothing store with mannequins and clothing racks, stock rooms, and even a simulated and functioning café. A series of lectures and classes by trained professionals in the field and a diverse team of instructors reinforce all of the simulation training at the Retail Academy.
The Retail Academy is located in Dasman Commercial Complex in Sharq. For more information, please call 2247 0117, or visit: retailacademy-kw.com.
