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08-17-2010, 09:08 AM
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Retail Relocation
Russ Harrison is a regional operations manager for a Midwest men's clothing chain. His vice president calls to tell him corporate wants him to manage a larger region headquartered 400 miles away. Can he start in 30 days?
Imagine you're Russ. If you're in retail, you know companies frequently move successful managers around to help grow the business or put out fires. And, if you're an ambitious retail professional with a successful track record, moving from one place to another is always an option. But is it right for you? Is the Grass Greener Elsewhere? Lynn Davis directs global relocation services for The Gap, whose divisions include The Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy. This company employs more than 165,000 people, and approximately 35,000 are salaried, full-time staff. Davis and her team of 11 relocate 900 to 1,000 employees within the US and more than 100 workers overseas every year. She says it's common for district or regional managers to relocate. "They tend to rotate from the field into corporate," she explains. "After a time at corporate, they go back into the field, typically in a larger region." With significant numbers of staff being relocated each year, what motivates people to move? Although there are no guarantees that relocating will advance your retail career, it can still be a smart tactic for both employers and employees. Atlas Van Lines conducts an annual survey on corporate relocations. Its 2003 study showed that most job transfers are caused by one of four factors:
If you accept a move to a new location to further your career, some of the benefits are similar to starting a new job anywhere. These include:
What's the Downside? In a Workforce magazine article, career consultant Lynn Dennis and relocation specialist Laura Herring note that it's not unusual for corporate families to relocate five times in 10 years. This means disrupting the status quo. Also, beware that while you may be familiar with the company structure and what's expected of you, fitting in may be stressful. You're still the new kid on the block. Relocation may be a lot easier for you than for family members or a significant other accompanying you. At least you feel wanted and needed at work. Until they can get their "land legs" again, be sensitive to their stresses. Moving, even for a much-desired job, is hard. Many people report feelings of loss, not unlike grieving a death in the family. People who relocate often may numb their feelings. They may shy away from making any commitments to new friends or new goals, something to consider with children in particular. Is Pulling Up Stakes Right for Everyone? Research by the Employee Relocation Council, a relocation industry group, indicates that 76 percent of transferees are married. Of these, 52 percent have working spouses and 65 percent have school-age children. Do your circumstances mirror this profile of a typical relocatee? If so, much of your social network moves with you. If your family members are enthusiastic about your transfer, relocation will be much easier. If they're not, you may be so occupied with their transition issues that your performance at work could suffer. If you're single, relocating can remove you from your whole social group. Sitting home alone after work instead of getting together with friends won't make you thrive in a new place. You may have to work harder to establish meaningful ties. Ready to Pack? Some people master the process of transition, but few enjoy it. For most, it's a time of increased anxiety and physical exhaustion. Be patient, reminds Beverly Roman, a relocation expert in Wilmington, North Carolina. It can take 12 to 24 months to fully accept any relocation and to begin to feel at home in a new place. 
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