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Business Manager / Owner, Retail Manager, Sales Manager, Small Business Manager / Owner, Store Manager
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:
| Starting | $30.25 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $38.05 |
| Top | $46.80 |
Interest in co-ordinating information to direct and evaluate the operation of establishments and departments engaged in retail sales, authorize budget expenditures, determine staffing requirements, hire or oversee the hiring of staff and to manage staff and assign duties
Interest in locating, selecting and procuring merchandise for resale and in implementing pricing and credit policies
Interest in negotiating with members of working groups to develop and implement marketing strategies
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Retail store managers oversee the operation of retail outlets. These can include department stores, supermarkets, car dealerships, and specialty boutiques. Their main job is to ensure their businesses make a profit.
In many workplaces, store managers are also expected to motivate and provide leadership to their staff. Specific duties vary with the size and nature of the business. In general, store managers supervise the day-to-day operations of the store. They also:
Store managers also may:
Store managers work indoors in pleasant surroundings. They are on their feet most of the time. They often work long hours, evenings, and weekends. This is particularly true if they are self-employed. Managers of chain stores may need to change work sites often, especially during their early years with the company.
The nature of their role means store managers work most holidays. They must ensure projects meet deadlines, which can be stressful.
Retail store managers need:
They should enjoy taking charge. They should like having clear rules and guidelines for their work. They should be at ease negotiating with people.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 24, 2021 and Jan 21, 2022.
Review these skills to learn:
| Manage staff and assign duties | 97 |
|---|---|
| Resolve problems that arise, such as customer complaints and supply shortages | 86 |
| Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate daily operations | 85 |
| Determine merchandise and services to be sold | 73 |
| Determine staffing requirements | 69 |
| Implement price and credits policies | 69 |
| Develop and implement marketing strategies | 67 |
| Plan budgets and monitor revenues and expenses | 63 |
| Recruit, hire and supervise staff and/or volunteers | 63 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 48 |
In general, employers need managers to have several years of experience in the retail industry. Many employers seek applicants with related post-secondary education. Some large retail chains have in-house management trainee programs and only promote managers from within the company.
In-house training programs vary from employer to employer. Many national chains have programs that include both classroom and in-store training. However, some retail companies have no formal training program.
Colleges, technical institutes, and universities throughout Alberta offer useful part- and full-time programs. Areas of study can include business administration, management, and entrepreneurship. Potential entrepreneurs are strongly advised to take small business training programs. It can be good for them to work in stores similar to ones they would like to own. They may also conduct a detailed market study before investing in an existing business or starting a new one.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Retail store managers work in communities and retail organizations of all sizes. Competition for entry-level management positions can be strong.
Managers of retail chain stores may be promoted to:
Advancement opportunities are best for those with related post-secondary education.
Retail store managers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 0621: Retail and wholesale trade managers. In Alberta, 83% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook (pdf) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, the 0621: Retail and wholesale trade managers 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, 583 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 583 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.
Salaries for retail store managers cover a very broad range. Factors include their experience and qualifications, and the nature of the business. When they are starting a new business or during economic downturns, self-employed managers may earn very little. However, there is no income ceiling for successful entrepreneurs. Salaries for store managers employed by others also range widely, though not as much.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.60 | $56.82 | $30.25 | $25.96 |
| Overall | $18.56 | $72.12 | $38.05 | $32.05 |
| Top | $22.00 | $86.54 | $46.80 | $39.94 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $108,445 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $106,406 |
| Utilities | $104,289 |
| Manufacturing | $96,321 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $95,757 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $92,376 |
| Wholesale Trade | $92,374 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $83,619 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $78,919 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $76,819 |
| Agriculture | $75,814 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $73,131 |
| Retail Trade | $71,383 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $69,062 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $68,691 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $49,259 |
Retail Council of Canada (RCC) website: www.retailcouncil.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.