What is Retail Industry

The Retail Industry encompasses businesses that sell goods and services directly to consumers for personal use. It is a significant sector in the global economy, playing a vital role in creating jobs, generating revenue, and stimulating economic growth. Retail businesses operate through physical stores, online platforms, and a combination of both, offering a wide range of products, including clothing, electronics, home goods, groceries, and more. The industry serves as a bridge between manufacturers and consumers, providing a convenient and accessible means for customers to acquire products.

Largest Retailers

1. Walmart: Walmart is the largest retailer in the world and one of the largest employers, with over 2.2 million employees globally.
2. Amazon: As a massive e-commerce giant, Amazon is one of the largest retailers and employers, employing over 1.3 million people worldwide.
3. McDonald’s: As one of the world’s largest fast-food chains, McDonald’s operates in numerous countries and employs over 210,000 people globally.
4. The Kroger Co.: Kroger is one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States and employs over 453,000 people.
5. CVS Health: CVS Health operates a chain of pharmacies and health services and employs over 300,000 people.
6. Target Corporation: Target is a major retail chain in the United States and employs over 350,000 people.
7. Home Depot: As a leading home improvement retailer, Home Depot employs over 400,000 people.
8. Tesco: Tesco is a prominent retailer in the United Kingdom and has a substantial global presence, employing over 450,000 people.

Assessment Tests

Most of the time major retailers use assessment tests to identify candidates who possess the necessary skills and qualities to excel in the industry, ensuring a capable and competent workforce that delivers exceptional service and drives business success:

1. Cognitive Abilities Test: This test assesses a candidate’s problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
2. Personality Assessment: Employers may use personality assessments to gauge a candidate’s behavior, work style, and compatibility with the company’s culture.
3. Customer Service Assessment: This test evaluates a candidate’s customer service skills, including communication, empathy, and ability to handle customer inquiries.
4. Maintenance Technician Test: A maintenance technician assessment test is a pre-employment evaluation designed to assess the skills, knowledge, and abilities of candidates seeking a role as a maintenance technician.
5. Situational Judgment Test: This type of assessment presents candidates with work-related scenarios and asks them to choose the best course of action.
6. Retail Math Test: For positions in merchandising and inventory management, retailers may administer a retail math test to assess a candidate’s ability to work with numbers and data.
7. Leadership Assessment: For management and leadership roles, retailer may use assessments to evaluate a candidate’s leadership skills and decision-making abilities.
8. Conflict Resolution Test: This test measures a candidate’s ability to handle conflicts and difficult situations in the workplace.
9. Supervisory Skills Test: A supervisory assessment test is a pre-employment evaluation designed to assess the skills, competencies, and behaviors of individuals seeking or currently working in supervisory or managerial positions.
10. Behavioral Interview: While not a traditional assessment test, behavioral interviews are commonly used by retailers to assess a candidate’s past behavior and how it aligns with the company’s values and expectations.

Next Step: Practice Retail Industry Assessments

Select the specific retailer assessment test to learn more about the company, practice free assessment tests and increase your chance to get hired.