Retail Shelf Stocker

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: Grocery Clerks and Store Shelf Stockers (6622) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Grocery Clerks and Store Shelf Stockers (G972) 
• 2011 NOC: Store shelf stockers, clerks and order fillers (6622) 
• 2016 NOC: Store shelf stockers, clerks and order fillers (6622) 

Shelf stockers work in a wide variety of retail outlets. Their duties vary somewhat depending on the size and type of store. In general, they:

• Unpack products received by stores and may count, weigh, or sort items
• Check shipping and purchasing documents to ensure the proper items and amount have been received and items have not been damaged or spoiled
• Stock shelves, racks, and display areas with merchandise and store extra items in stockrooms
• Regularly check shelves and displays to ensure they are well-stocked and attractively organized, and merchandise is protected from damage
• Obtain articles for customers from display locations or from the stockroom
• Direct customers to desired items and anticipate customer needs as much as possible
• Report out-of-stock situations to management and correct or report any pricing discrepancies
• Clean up broken items and other messes
• Sweep aisles, dust display racks, and perform other general cleaning duties

Those who work in grocery stores also may:

• Maintain displays of perishable items, such as produce or dairy products, by rotating items to keep the freshest in the back or on the bottom
• Bag or box purchases for customers
• Carry or use carts to carry customers’ purchases out to the parking lot and help customers pack groceries into their vehicles

Those who work in other large retail outlets may:

• Use bar code scanning equipment to record incoming stock, verify pricing, and maintain a computerized stock inventory
• Attach protective devices to merchandise to protect against shoplifting

Those who work in smaller stores may:

• Use a stamp or stickers to price items according to price lists
• Sweep or shovel snow from the sidewalk in front of the store
• Act as cashiers or salespersons (for more information, see the Cashier and Retail Salesperson occupational profiles)

Hours of work vary in this occupation. Some grocery shelf stockers work in the middle of the night when there are few or no customers in the store. Weekend work is common.

Shelf stockers spend most of their time on their feet. They routinely bend and lift heavy items. Working conditions generally are pleasant, although stockrooms may be dusty. Some stores require shelf stockers to wear uniforms or personal safety equipment such as steel-toed shoes.

Shelf stockers need:

• Honesty
• Physical strength and stamina to lift heavy boxes and work long hours on their feet
• Co-ordination and manual dexterity
• Self-motivation
• Organizational and interpersonal skills
• Spatial awareness

They should enjoy having clear rules and organized methods for their work. They should be at ease serving and helping customers. They should like handling merchandise.

Most shelf stockers work in grocery and department stores. Some work in drug stores or hardware stores. Others work in specialty shops such as large bookstores or shoe stores. Employment in some stores may require joining a union.

Students often are hired for part-time evening and weekend positions or for temporary positions during busy periods, such as the Christmas season. Those who do well in this entry-level position may advance to other, more responsible positions.

Retail shelf stockers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 6622: Grocery clerks and store shelf stockers. In Alberta, 89% of people employed in this classification work in the Retail Trade (pdf) industry.

The employment outlook (pdf) 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

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

In Alberta, the G972: Grocery Clerks and Store Shelf Stockers 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, 471 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

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.