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 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:

• 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 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 are 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
• Co-ordinate activities in store departments
• Develop and implement marketing strategies
• Decide how merchandise should be displayed
• Meet other store managers 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 need:

• Communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Business sense
• Leadership ability
• Composure when under pressure and dealing with unexpected situations
• The ability to multitask
• The ability to meet deadlines

They should enjoy taking charge. They should like having clear rules and guidelines for their work. They should be at ease negotiating with people.

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.

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:

• Retail Trade (pdf)
• Wholesale Trade (pdf)

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 industries listed above)
• 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 A211: Retail Trade Managers occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 1.8% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 538 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Retail Council of Canada (RCC) 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.