Retail Salesperson

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Retail Salespersons and Sales Clerks (6421) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Retail Salespersons and Sales Clerks (G211) 
• 2011 NOC: Retail salespersons (6421) 
• 2016 NOC: Retail salespersons (6421) 

Retail salespersons work in many different types of retail establishments. They help customers select and buy merchandise. In specialty stores, they might sell or rent merchandise. This can range from books, food, and clothing to major appliances, stereos, and automobiles. In large department stores, they most often work in specific departments. In smaller, owner-managed stores, they may serve customers in all areas of the store. Their primary tasks are to:

• Become and stay familiar with the products in their store, and similar products at other businesses
• Sell merchandise
• Ensure customers are satisfied

Duties and responsibilities vary depending on the types of merchandise they sell. In general, salespersons:

• Greet customers and help them identify their needs, such as shoe size
• Demonstrate, fit, or measure merchandise for customers
• Promote products or services, such as credit cards
• Encourage customers to buy preselected products on the sales floor or at the till
• Advise customers on the use and care of merchandise
• Answer questions regarding the store and its merchandise
• Process payments (cash, cheques, debit cards, and credit cards) and provide receipts
• Help customers return or exchange merchandise
• Wrap customer purchases or arrange for delivery
• Estimate or quote prices, credit terms, trade-in allowances, and warranties
• Check and order stock
• Stock shelves and maintain display areas
• In smaller shops, open and close the store
• Answer incoming phone calls

Some salespersons need to help with the general cleaning and tidying of the store (such as vacuuming, sweeping and washing floors, taking out garbage)

Salespersons must be aware of the store’s current sales promotions, policies regarding payment and exchanges, and security practices. When they are not serving customers, they may need to develop markets by soliciting new business.

Salespersons often are solely responsible for the contents of the cash register. At the end of their shift, they may:

• Count money in the cash register
• Separate charge slips, coupons, and exchange vouchers
• Make deposits at a cash office or financial institution

Salespersons usually work indoors, often in shopping malls. They must stand or walk for long periods of time. They may routinely need to lift some heavier items. Having to meet sales targets, such as sales per hour, can cause stress.

Many salespersons work part-time shifts but may work full-time shifts. Evening, weekend, and holiday work is common. Some salespersons need to wear uniforms. Most wear identification pins.

Many salespersons work part time, but full-time positions may be available. Some employers may require a criminal record check.

Advancement is based on experience and job performance. Experienced salespersons may move to busier stores. They may advance to supervisory or management positions. They may move to support departments such as staff training or customer relations. With further education and training, they may move into related occupations such as purchaser, human resources officer, real estate agent, or insurance agent.

Large department stores, retail chains, or multistore operations tend to offer more opportunities for advancement. Those in smaller stores may have to change employers to find jobs with broader responsibilities.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

In the 6421: Retail salespersons occupational group, 83.8% of people work in:

• Retail Trade

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

©

iStock.com/filadendron

OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

• Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
• Location in Alberta
• Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
• Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
• Size of the occupation
• Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 6421: Retail salespersons occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 913 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Retail Council of Canada website: www.retailcouncil.org

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.