Retail Shelf Stocker

Shelf stockers are employed in a wide variety of retail outlets and their duties vary somewhat depending on the size and type of store. However, in general, they:

• unpack products received by stores and may count, weigh or sort items
• check shipping and purchasing documents to ensure that the proper items and amount have been received and that 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 that they are well-stocked, 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.

Shelf stockers 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.

Shelf stockers working 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 working 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 (see the Cashier profile for more information).

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. Their work routinely involves bending and lifting items weighing up to 20 kilograms. Working conditions generally are pleasant, although stock rooms may be dusty. Some stores require shelf stockers to wear uniforms or personal safety equipment such as steel toed shoes.

Shelf stockers need the following characteristics:

• the strength and stamina required to lift heavy boxes and work long hours on their feet
• good motor co-ordination and manual dexterity
• honesty
• the ability to work with little or no supervision
• good organizational skills
• the ability to get along well with others.

They should enjoy having clear rules and organized methods for their work, serving and assisting customers, and handling merchandise.

Above-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.

Most shelf stockers are employed in grocery stores and department stores. Some are employed in drug stores, hardware stores and other specialty stores (for example, large book stores, 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 (for example, the Christmas season). Those who succeed 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 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.

Over 24,800 Albertans are employed in the Grocery clerks and store shelf stockers occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 1.9% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 471 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As retail shelf stockers form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for retail shelf stockers. 

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, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.