Cosmetics Shop Owners and Managers

The cosmetics industry is extremely competitive, and many businesses—especially smaller cosmetics stores—fail each year. Increased competition from other retailers and direct marketers, the growth of Internet businesses, and a potentially faltering economy are just some of the issues cosmetics store owners may face in the next few years.

Employment of retail managers (including cosmetics store managers) is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Although retailers have reduced their management staff to cut costs and make operations more efficient, there still are opportunities in retailing. Physical retail stores "are expected to increase their emphasis on customer service as a way to compete with online sellers," the Department of Labor explains. "Because sales managers will be needed to direct and navigate this mix between online and brick-and-mortar sales, sustained demand is expected for these workers."

Internet stores and e-commerce ventures will present many new opportunities for cosmetics store managers, for example, and are a fierce source of competition for brick and mortar stores. However, competition for all jobs will probably continue to increase, and computerized systems for inventory control may reduce the need for some managers. Applicants with relevant educational backgrounds and work experience will have the best chances of finding jobs. There will always be a need for cosmetics store managers, however, as long as retail stores exist. Retail manager positions are rarely affected by corporate restructuring at retail headquarters; this has a greater impact on home office staff.