A study examined the characteristics and attributes needed by individuals for career success in entry-level management positions in the retailing industry. Included among the specific objectives of the study were the following: identification of the educational level and retailing experience needed by successful entry-level retail managers, determination of any relationship between characteristics needed and type of retail store, and identification of the causes for entry-level turnover. A project-developed questionnaire that contained items relating to 25 characteristics was administered to 130 personnel and store managers in various department, chain, discount, and specialty stores in the Pittsburgh area. Data obtained from the 97 completed questionnaires indicated that attitude and enthusiasm were perceived as the 2 most important characteristics of entry-level retail managers. Although all retailers are measured by sales volume, the characteristic, "result-oriented" ranked 7th and "assertiveness" ranked 19th. Intellectual competence and creativity, although considered needed characteristics, ranked last in the overall rating. These data recommendations called for establishing stronger criteria and more realistic measurement formats for hiring entry-level management trainees. (The survey instrument is included in the report.) (MN)