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:

• Receive and unpack products received by stores; they may also 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 properly rotated and 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 few or no customers visit 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.

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. They may also work 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.

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 6622: Store shelf stockers, clerks and order fillers occupational group, 89.6% of people work in:

• Retail Trade

Employment Outlook

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

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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 6622: Store shelf stockers, clerks and order fillers 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, 330 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.