Women Managers in the Retail Industry

Reports the findings of a combined survey of 16 large retailers, using a postal questionnaire and personal interviews. Researchers sought information regarding the proportion of women holding senior management positions and the approach and attitude of retail companies to the advancement of women. Results reveal no shortage of goodwill towards the provision of equal opportunities for women, with many responding companies actively pursuing policies aimed at improving the gender balance of their workforce. Findings suggest that non‐food retailers are likely to have more senior women than food retailers. Senior women interviewees confirmed that working conditions in retailing were a factor in the statistics, but they suggested that negative attitudes from staff and customers also play a part. The isolation of lone senior women was confirmed by personal interviews, and in‐company mentors were identified as a possible help in that regard. The problem of balancing a family and career remains while store managers are believed to be omnipresent.