Retail demands a unique combination of knowledge, consistency, and human connection. 

Few retailers demonstrate this better than Hossein Nateghpour, owner of Pars Rug Gallery in Bloomington, Illinois. 

He’s spent decades refining a customer experience built on authenticity, tradition, and trust. His journey, rooted in his family’s legacy of rug weaving, reveals what it truly takes to excel in retail. 

Here are the seven core retail skills he used to become a standout retailer. 

1. Product Knowledge

Hossein knows his inventory better than anyone. He can describe how each rug was made, the materials used, and the cultural story it carries. This depth of understanding builds trust with his clients and helps them to make informed decisions. His passion for sharing this knowledge makes the Pars Rug Gallery experience great.

If you don’t know your product like the back of your hand, you don’t know it well enough. Take time each day to immerse yourself in your product lines. Start by reading packaging labels, talking to vendors, and researching the brands you sell. Over time, these small efforts will lead to a firm, confident grasp of your inventory, which can become a key piece of your retail qualifications.

2. Customer Education

At Pars Rug Gallery, Hossein sells through education. When people are unsure about walking on a rug that resembles art, he reassures them that they can. He helps them understand that these pieces are functional, durable, and worthy of everyday life. By doing so, he’s shifted the mindsets of many of his customers. Now, they have a deeper appreciation for his products.

Want to educate your customers? Learn how to break information into simple, conversational language. Practice answering common questions and creating short, memorable explanations for your top products. Create in-store signage and simple demo videos to sharpen this retail skill, and watch your foot traffic grow. 

3. Patience 

Hossein is never in a rush to make a sale. He gives customers time to think and space to ask questions. Even when the conversation is lengthy or uncertain, he listens attentively and speaks calmly. This patience builds comfort. His customers feel seen and respected, encouraging them to trust his guidance and return to his shop.

To build patience, try to:

• Take a breath before responding to a customer.
• Repeat a question to show you understand. 
• Practice active listening. 
• Avoid multitasking when someone speaks. 

The more you practice staying grounded during small moments, the easier it becomes to remain patient during the challenging ones.

4. Repetition and Practice

Hossein didn’t become confident overnight. His ability to fold rugs perfectly, explain features clearly, and respond to customer needs stemmed from years of doing it repeatedly, with each interaction helping him improve. 

Practice makes perfect. So, treat every shift as an opportunity to rehearse. Stock shelves as if you’re teaching someone else how to do it. Walk a new employee through a task, even if you already know it well. These small actions will help enhance your retail skills.

5. Storytelling 

Hossein turns product facts into engaging stories. When customers inquire about rugs, he discusses the various designs that have been passed down through generations and how specific patterns reflect Persian history. He brings the past into the present with each sale, helping them feel like they are buying something meaningful. 

Building your storytelling skills is key to making a sale, so learn the backstory of your products. Ask questions when you meet with suppliers or reps. Write down the origin story, brand mission, or design inspiration for popular items. Then, practice sharing these stories aloud. You’ll know it’s working when someone says, “Wow, I didn’t know that!” 

6. Consistency 

Why is Pars Rug Gallery so successful? It’s all due to Hossein’s constant presence. He shows up daily with the same level of care and professionalism as when he first started. From folding to merchandising to training, he leads by example. His consistency sets the tone for his entire business, creating a reliable environment for both customers and staff.

If you’re looking to be more consistent, try:

• Arriving on time.
• Committing to a personal standard and sticking to it. 
• Treating each customer the same, regardless of their financial situation.

Over time, these behaviors become visible signs of leadership and are excellent transferable retail skills to adopt.

7. Retail Identity and Passion

For Hossein, rugs are a piece of his cultural identity. He speaks proudly of his Iranian roots and how the art of rug-making connects him to his past. 

“As I was born in Iran, [the rugs] give me a sort of identity. Among all the bad news that we hear these days, this is something cultural, and I really appreciate that,” he shares.

His passion shows in how he treats each product. It fuels his drive to keep going even when retail gets hard.

Think about what truly motivates you. What do you love most about helping people? What part of your product line excites you? When you connect your work to something meaningful, it becomes that much easier to stay committed. 

Conclusion

Retail success comes from habits built over time. At Pars Rug Gallery, Hossein shows that combining training, curiosity, and consistency can create a space where people want to connect and return.

To grow your career, start by building your retail skills. Practice your product knowledge. Be patient. Learn how to teach and connect. These are key skills for retail jobs that will help you stand out and make a difference.

Want to learn more about other Illinois retail leaders? Read inspiring stories from retailers across Illinois who are making a difference.

If you loved learning about the Pars Rug Gallery story and know a retailer who deserves recognition, Nominate A Retailer to submit your nomination!