Retail 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:

• 2006 NOC: Retail Trade Managers (0621) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Retail Trade Managers (A211) 
• 2011 NOC: Retail and wholesale trade managers (0621) 
• 2016 NOC: Retail and wholesale trade managers (0621) 

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 expected to lead and motivate 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:

• Directly supervise staff, set up work schedules, and assign duties
• Determine staffing requirements, hire staff or oversee their hiring, and, when needed, dismiss employees
• Train and coach new employees or arrange for training
• Administer budgets and authorize financial transactions
• Monitor product inventories and trends in consumer buying to anticipate which products will be in demand
• Implement or administer price and credit policies
• Monitor antitheft procedures and policies, and take action when thefts occur
• Oversee security measures, such as ensuring doors and safes are locked and alarms set
• Answer calls from security companies and the police when break-ins occur
• Monitor the outside of the building and make sure safety hazards, such as hanging ice, are removed
• Provide help when staff are very busy
• Deal with customer complaints and suggestions
• Make sure staff follow Occupational Health and Safety procedures and Alberta labour laws

Store managers also may:

• Organize staff safety programs
• Locate and select merchandise for resale
• Meet with manufacturers’ sales representatives to discuss product lines
• Coordinate activities in store departments
• Develop and implement marketing strategies
• Decide how to display merchandise
• Meet other store or shopping mall managers to discuss issues of common concern, such as mall policies
• Write and authorize reports to head office

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 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:

• Larger stores
• Regional management positions
• Management in specific areas, such as materials acquisition

Advancement opportunities are best for those with related post-secondary education.

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 0621: Retail and wholesale trade managers occupational group, 78.5% 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 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 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 (RCC) website: www.retailcouncil.org

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