Retail is an industry that is often labeled as "unstable," "easy," "terrible to work in," "anyone can get in it and be successful," and much more. Retail is considered to be the heart of the fashion industry. However, after working in retail this past summer I realized a lot of these labels are not true and I learned a lot from working in retail. Yes, retail is more than keeping the sweater section stocked and here is why.

1. Verbal Communication

Verbal communication is not something that is not taught but learned and practiced. As a sales associate, I learned how to verbally communicate with everyone from all different walks of life. Verbal communication skills are a soft skill, but great verbal communication skills go a long way.

2. Nonverbal Communication

Some people who would come into the store I was working at people would come in that did not speak English. It was very hard to verbally communicate with some of the non-English speaking customers so I quickly learned the significance of nonverbal communication skills. Hand motions and a smile really do go a long way.

3. Adapting Quickly

Something I love about retail is every day is not the same. Retail is a constantly changing environment and learning how to adapt to change quickly is a must. I struggle with this sometimes, so learning how to adapt to change quickly at work has allowed me to embrace change better in my personal life.

4. How to Deal With Difficult People

One thing that is often talked about in working retail is having to deal with crazy customers. Honestly, working in retail taught me how to be kind to those who are not kind to me, logically deal with my emotions, and so much more. Dealing with difficult people is something that is not taught, it has to be experienced. Experience is the best teacher and working in retail is the place to learn this.

5. You Get Out of Your Job What You Put In

This lesson is important for life. Retail is the perfect teacher for this lesson. If you sit back and do the minimum will get you less praise from your managers, supervisors, etc. This could make you less likely to get promotions and extra shifts. Put in an extra effort and you will be rewarded.

6. Organizational Skills

One of the hardest, but a very important parts of being a sales associate is to maintain the store properly. By working in retail I learned how to organize many, many different kinds of goods, from jeans to earrings, I can organize them all. You best believe my closet is now organized by type of clothing, color, and more.

7. How to Keep Face When Things Go Tough

Retail teaches you how to keep your game face on at all times, even when times are tough. While working in a store you are expected to be nice to EVERY customer no matter what. if you have eight people in line to checkout, four annoying teenagers asking for dressing rooms, and a mother shopping at clothes carrying a screaming baby. Thank you retail for teaching me how to keep face, it's a lesson that cannot be taught by words, but in situations.

8. Teamwork

Working with others in retails can be one of the best parts about work. I loved working in retail because my co-workers were awesome and great to work with. Working as a team is essential. If you have your co-workers back then one day they should have yours.

9. Working in Retail Is Not As Bad As People Say It Is

I honestly loved working in retail. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I loved being able to interact with customers and work with merchandise. I cannot wait to be at work during the holiday season. I miss my coworkers and helping customers pick out the perfect outfit for an event.

Working in retail was one of the best decisions of my life. I learned so many lessons that I can use for the rest of my life. I cannot wait to be back at work with my girls this Christmas season!