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We know that a career in retail can be rewarding, and we are committed to busting the common, often negative myths about the industry that lead people to believe otherwise. That’s why in 2013 we partnered with Massey University to develop New Zealand’s first retail degree – the Bachelor of Retail and Business Management (BRBM).
The BRBM is designed to prepare students for the fast-moving and ever changing world of retail. It adds depth, substance and recognition to the retail profession through the development of practical, in-demand skills - and offers students the opportunity to specialise and excel in their chosen pathways.
New Zealand may be small, but professional retail really packs a punch. It is vital to our economy and our society, and as competition from overseas draws closer Kiwi employers are increasingly looking for people skilled in the art of retail to fight for our corner and put New Zealand on the map.
Backing our team
It’s a big deal for us when someone undertakes the BRBM, especially one of our team members - but we understand that a university degree isn’t accessible to everyone. So, each year since the degree launched we have proudly offered scholarships to more than 30 team members who have shown a real passion for retail and a desire to learn more.
Sarah Gichard is one of those team members. Having started as a Christmas casual in our Hastings store, she has worked with us for more than ten years now. Sarah saw the BRBM as “a great opportunity to develop my career and passion for retail” and made the decision move up to Auckland, and transfer into a part-time role at our Albany store.
The advice Sarah gives is to “decide whether retail is your passion and what your career goals are”. She reckons if the retail degree is in line with both of those things, then “you should definitely go for it – it’s a fantastic opportunity”.
Nightfill Manager Penelope decided to go for it. She dreams of one day managing her own “Red Shed” and wanted to complete the degree because she believes it will help her to achieve that goal. She also chose to study remotely, so that she could stay in her current role whilst she studies.
She says, “It explores many aspects of the retail industry, which I can apply to further understand my role and I am able to work on the skills I need to be an effective team leader.”
It’s a win-win really. Our team members have the chance to further their careers and develop themselves to be the best they can be – and we benefit by having more qualified, highly skilled team members.
The BRBM is a huge step towards exciting more New Zealanders about a career in retail, and we are going to continue to support it in order to produce more of the switched on graduates that the retail industry needs.