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 purchase merchandise. In specialty stores, they sell or rent merchandise. This can range from books, food, and clothing to major appliances, stereos, and automobiles. In large department stores, they usually work in specific departments. In smaller, owner-managed stores, salespersons 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 pre-selected 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 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
• Open and close the store in smaller shops

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

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 in pleasant surroundings, often in shopping malls. They must stand or walk for long periods of time. They may routinely be required to lift some heavier items. Having to meet sales targets, such as sales per hour, can be stressful.

Many salespersons work part-time shifts. Evening, weekend, and holiday work is common. Some salespersons are required to wear uniforms. Most wear identification pins.

Retail salespersons need:

• A neat, well-groomed appearance
• An aptitude for math to calculate prices quickly and accurately
• Courtesy, patience, and tact when dealing with difficult customers
• The ability to work under pressure

They should enjoy having clear rules and organized methods for their work. They should be comfortable persuading people to buy or rent merchandise. They should enjoy handling merchandise.

Many salespersons work part time.

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

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

Retail salespersons are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 6421: Retail salespersons and sales clerks. In Alberta, 83% of people employed in this classification work in the Retail Trade (PDF) industry.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the Retail Trade industry)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

In Alberta, the G211: Retail Salespersons and Sales Clerks occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 1.9% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 1125 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

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

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.