What basic financial concept should retail employees understand related to sales revenue?

Understanding profit margin is crucial for retail employees because it provides insight into how much money the company makes from selling products after accounting for the costs of those products. Profit margin is calculated by taking the difference between sales revenue and the cost of goods sold, then dividing this figure by sales revenue. This percentage helps employees grasp not just the basic sales numbers but also the effectiveness of pricing strategies and cost control.

When retail employees are aware of profit margins, they can make more informed decisions regarding pricing, promotions, and sales strategies. Knowing which products have higher profit margins can influence inventory decisions, promotional efforts, and overall sales tactics, enabling employees to contribute effectively to the store’s financial health.

In contrast, understanding asset allocation, inventory turnover, and market share are also important financial concepts but relate more to broader financial management strategies or specific operational metrics rather than the foundational concept of how revenue converts into profit at the transaction level.