How to Write a Retail Clothing Store Employee Handbook

When working at a retail clothing store an employee handbook can be a valuable tool. The handbook will give the employees guidelines to follow and a place to turn to for questions they may have with store policy. Every retail store should have a thorough employee handbook.

• Include the dress code. One of the first things addressed in the employee handbook should be the dress code. Outline exactly what you want the employees to wear when they are working. Be sure to include headgear and footwear.


• Be specific with the vacation policy. Outline exactly how an employee should request vacation or a day off. Include how many vacation days and sick days an employee gets each year. If the employees will not be paid for their time off, include a maximum amount of time they are able to request off for each vacation.


• Include the sexual harassment policy. The sexual harassment policy should be clear and concise. The policy should provide guidance on who the employee should contact if they feel they are being sexually harassed.


• Outline the discipline system. An employee handbook should address how discipline problems will be handled. Be specific with what constitutes a disciplinary problem. Some items like repeated tardiness or failure to follow directions may be less of a disciplinary problem than an employee who fails to show up for a shift at all.


• Describe the store's objective and operating hours. The employee handbook should include information about the store and the operating hours. It should mention the time after closing employees are expected to stay in order to ensure the cash and store is secure.