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Shelf Stocker: Easy Reading Job Profiles - alis
Shelf stockers take new stock (products) out of boxes. They put the stock on shelves.
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Easy Reading Job Profiles

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Shelf Stocker

Sell things to people

Other names for this job

  • Food Store Clerk
  • Grocery Clerk
  • Retail Shelf Stocker
  • Supermarket Clerk

Word Meanings

Do you see red words on this page? Click or tap these words to learn what they mean. Or visit the Easy Reading Dictionary.

What do shelf stockers do?

Shelf stockers work in stores. They take new stock (products) out of boxes. They may count it, weigh it or sort it into groups. They put prices on the stock. They put the stock on shelves. They scan items to check prices.

Meet a shelf stocker

Ben is a shelf stocker. He works in a large food store.

Here are the things that Ben does:

  • He opens boxes of food and other products. He unpacks the boxes.
  • He uses a scanning machine to make sure the store has received the right products. He makes sure he’s putting the correct price on them.
  • He checks products for damage. For example, he looks at fruit and vegetables to make sure nothing is spoiled.
  • He puts items on shelves and in displays. For example, he puts green peppers in the produce section. He puts them with other peppers. He makes the display look good.
  • He rotates foods like vegetables and milk that can go bad. He places the newest items at the back and the older items at the front.
  • He checks the shelves. He keeps the shelves tidy. He makes sure there’s enough of each product. He tells the manager when to order more.
  • He helps customers find things. Sometimes he has to get things from the stockroom.
  • Sometimes customers drop something. For example, a jar of jam. Ben cleans up the mess.
  • He sweeps the floor, dusts the shelves and polishes countertops.
  • Sometimes Ben’s supervisor asks him to help the cashiers. He puts customers’ groceries in bags. He helps customers carry things to their car.
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

What is a shelf stocker’s work like?

Ben works an 8-hour shift. He often works at night and on weekends. It is easier to stock shelves when no customers are in the store.

Ben stands, reaches and bends a lot at work. He lifts boxes. They can weigh up to 20 kilograms (about 45 pounds).

Ben has to follow his supervisor’s instructions. Ben does different things in the store. For example, Ben puts some food in the freezers. He puts sale prices on products.

He works on his own or with another shelf stocker. He also helps customers.

Do you want to be a shelf stocker?

  • You must be strong and healthy.
  • You need to be able to stand, bend and reach a lot.
  • You must be good with your hands.
  • You must be honest. For example, you may break something. You need to tell your supervisor.
  • You often have to work on your own.
  • You must follow rules.
  • You need to work well with coworkers. You must be good with customers.
  • You must be able to organize things.

What education do shelf stockers need?

Shelf stockers learn on the job. They don’t need a high school diploma.

Some employers want shelf stockers who know how to use a forklift. A forklift is a vehicle for moving a lot of heavy things.

What can shelf stockers do in the future?

Shelf stockers can work in grocery stores, drugstores, hardware stores and other businesses.

In some large stores, shelf stockers belong to a union.

Shelf stockers with experience may become supervisors. Supervisors may need a high school diploma.

How much does a shelf stocker make?

As of June 26, 2019, the minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour for most workers. For more information, see Minimum Wage.

Other jobs to think about

Retail Shelf Stocker

Retail Shelf Stocker

Are you strong and reliable? Do you like to be organized? Can you work with little supervision? Then you may display a talent for a career as a retail shelf stocker.
Outlook
below
avg
Avg. Wage
$17.32
Min. Education
Varies
Cashier

Cashier

Do you like helping people? Are you good at handling money and making change? Then a career as a cashier may add up for you.
Outlook
below
avg
Avg. Wage
$16.65
Min. Education
Varies

Parts Technician

Are you good with math, details, and computers? Can you handle people well, even when something’s gone wrong? Then you may want to organize your career prospects toward a parts technician.
Outlook
avg
Avg. Wage
$21.55
Min. Education
Apprenticeship

You can ask your career advisor or tutor about other jobs that are like shelf stocker.

Do you want more information?

Do you want more information? You can ask your career advisor or tutor for help.

You will see some red words on this page. Click or tap these words to learn what they mean. Or visit the Easy Reading Dictionary.

For career advisors

Updated Oct 16, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the date shown.

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