NOC 60020: Retail and wholesale trade managers

The employment outlook will be Very good for retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 60020) in Northwest Territories for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Most job opportunities in this occupation are in the Yellowknife area.

Employers in Yellowknife have struggled to fill retail vacancies in 2025.

Retail sales are expected to increase moderately by 2.8% to 4.3% annually over the forecast period (

Conference Board of Canada, 2025

).

Here are some key facts about retail and wholesale trade managers in Northwest Territories:

Approximately 400 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Retail and wholesale trade managers mainly work in the following sectors:

Wholesale and Retail Trade (NAICS 41, 44-45): more than 95%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 88% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 12% for all occupations

85% of retail and wholesale trade managers work all year, while 15% work only part of the year, compared to 71% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

22% of retail and wholesale trade managers are self-employed compared to an average of 7% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 69% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 31% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 7% compared to 17% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 44% compared to 26% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 10% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 25% compared to 18% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 10% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 60020) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of a few positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

Employment demand in this occupation is mostly driven by consumer spending in retail operations. Some jobs may require working non-traditional hours such as evenings or weekends. Job prospects will be more favourable for individuals with retail management experience, customer service, knowledge of the employer's business line, and proficiency in computer applications.

Here are some key facts about retail and wholesale trade managers in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Approximately 3,250 people work in this occupation.

Retail and wholesale trade managers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 68%

Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 20%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 12%

80% of retail and wholesale trade managers work all year, while 20% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

24% of retail and wholesale trade managers are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 52% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 48% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 7% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 40% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 13% compared to 17% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 25% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 12% compared to 14% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 60020) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Historically, there has been a high degree of turnover in this occupation, and the majority of job openings result from the need to fill those vacancies.

While more education will likely improve someone’s chance of becoming a retail and wholesale trade manager, educational requirements are relatively low compared to other managerial occupations. In fact, many workers start at an entry-level position before eventually become supervisors, and then managers.

Given that retail stores are more heavily concentrated in larger cities, there are more opportunities in larger urban areas.

Job prospects will be greater for individuals who are willing to do shift work, including weekends and holidays.

Here are some key facts about retail and wholesale trade managers in New Brunswick:

Approximately 5,800 people work in this occupation.

Retail and wholesale trade managers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 67%

Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 18%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 13%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 16% for all occupations

78% of retail and wholesale trade managers work all year, while 22% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

26% of retail and wholesale trade managers are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 56% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 44% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 7% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 44% compared to 30% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 10% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 22% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 15% compared to 16% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 60020) in Nunavut for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Prospective workers in this occupation may benefit from Nunavut's relatively high job vacancy rate in retail trade in 2025.

Nunavut's retail trade job vacancy rate was 7.9% in the first quarter of 2025 and 6.4% in the second quarter of 2025 according to Statistics Canada's Job Vacancy and Wage Survey (

Statistic Canada, 2025

).

Retail sales are expected to increase moderately by around three percent annually over the forecast period, 2025-2027 (

Conference Board of Canada, 2025

).

Here are some key facts about retail and wholesale trade managers in Nunavut:

Approximately 250 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Retail and wholesale trade managers mainly work in the following sectors:

Wholesale and Retail Trade (NAICS 41, 44-45): more than 95%

81% of retail and wholesale trade managers work all year, while 19% work only part of the year, compared to 72% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

17% of retail and wholesale trade managers are self-employed compared to an average of less than 5% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 70% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 30% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 15% compared to 37% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 33% compared to 22% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 10% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 21% compared to 15% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 19% compared to 10% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 6% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 60020) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment prospects for this occupation will be supported by consumer spending, seasonal tourism demand, and continued – though slower – population growth. With interest rates declining, domestic spending and business investment are in a position to strengthen, which could further supporting retail activity. The Island’s tourism sector is projected to remain on a strong growth path—driven by rising domestic travel and efforts to reposition tourism as a year-round destination. Demand for workers is shaped by persistent shortages in rural areas, reduced access to international labour and students, and affordability challenges that constrain supply. While entry-level positions have stabilized, there is a notable shortage of supervisors and managers, with many skilled workers leaving for other industries. For new graduates or career changers, this occupation offers relatively stable employment and advancement potential, particularly for those with management experience, digital proficiency, and adaptability to seasonal demand, though competition is stronger in urban centres.

Here are some key facts about retail and wholesale trade managers in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 1,250 people work in this occupation.

Retail and wholesale trade managers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 61%

Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 25%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 10%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 93% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 7% compared to 16% for all occupations

77% of retail and wholesale trade managers work all year, while 23% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.

32% of retail and wholesale trade managers are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 60% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 40% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 6% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 35% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 11% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 26% compared to 25% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 17% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 6% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 60020) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

More job openings are available in Halifax because of its prominence as regional center of commerce. Some jobs may require working non-traditional hours such as evenings or weekends. Those with experience working the public may find more opportunities.

Here are some key facts about retail and wholesale trade managers in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 6,800 people work in this occupation.

Retail and wholesale trade managers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 60%

Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 21%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 16%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 95% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 5% compared to 18% for all occupations

79% of retail and wholesale trade managers work all year, while 21% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

25% of retail and wholesale trade managers are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 56% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 44% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 7% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 36% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 11% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 22% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 20% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 60020) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment in this occupation is primarily linked to the economic situation and household consumption habits.

The anticipated slowdown in economic growth during the forecast period could lead to a decrease in spending on non-essential goods, especially among consumers who have a high level of debt and who must renew their mortgages at higher interest rates.

Furthermore, competition from online retailers largely explains the decline in foot traffic and revenue for more traditional stores. E-commerce has profoundly transformed consumer expectations and is expected to continue representing a significant share of industry sales, which risks disadvantaging companies that are still lagging behind in online transactions.

Here are some key facts about retail and wholesale trade managers in Quebec:

Approximately 68,400 people work in this occupation.

Retail and wholesale trade managers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 63%

Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 24%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 11%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 18% for all occupations

72% of retail and wholesale trade managers work all year, while 28% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

23% of retail and wholesale trade managers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 56% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 43% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 14% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 28% compared to 19% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 19% compared to 19% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 21% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 13% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 60020) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about retail and wholesale trade managers in Ontario:

Approximately 136,300 people work in this occupation.

Retail and wholesale trade managers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 63%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 18%

Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 16%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 92% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 8% compared to 19% for all occupations

74% of retail and wholesale trade managers work all year, while 26% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

28% of retail and wholesale trade managers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 57% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 42% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 7% compared to 9% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 33% compared to 25% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 6% compared to 8% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 24% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 22% compared to 24% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 7% compared to 13% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 60020) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Demand for this occupation is driven by conditions in wholesale trade, which is currently tariff exposed and subject to economic cycles. Demand is also driven by consumer spending.

Wholesale trade activity in the province had been trending down while retail activity has been trending up despite historically low consumer confidence.

Key trends include digitizing operations, personalizing customer experience, and improving supply chain resilience.

Here are some key facts about retail and wholesale trade managers in Manitoba:

Approximately 10,350 people work in this occupation.

Retail and wholesale trade managers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 61%

Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 19%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 17%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 19% for all occupations

80% of retail and wholesale trade managers work all year, while 20% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

27% of retail and wholesale trade managers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 60% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 40% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 9% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 42% compared to 31% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 11% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 16% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 17% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 60020) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

Ongoing trade uncertainty is weakening consumer and business confidence and slowing hiring as firms delay investment. Combined with subdued consumer sentiment, slower population growth, and weaker income gains are expected to dampen consumer spending.

Retail sales are projected to grow at an average rate of 4.0 percent between 2025 and 2028 and should sustain job gains in retail which hires majority of the workers in this occupation.

Wholesale trade in Saskatchewan remains relatively strong despite current challenging trade environment.

This occupation requires specialized product knowledge at the wholesale level and hence may limit the level of competition for filling positions.

Here are some key facts about retail and wholesale trade managers in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 9,700 people work in this occupation.

Retail and wholesale trade managers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 63%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 21%

Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 14%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 94% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 6% compared to 19% for all occupations

80% of retail and wholesale trade managers work all year, while 20% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

28% of retail and wholesale trade managers are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 60% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 40% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 8% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 46% compared to 33% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 13% compared to 15% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 15% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 15% compared to 18% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 60020) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Occupations in retail continue to be in constant demand with high rates of turnover and some recruitment challenges.

Economic uncertainty amid ongoing trade disputes may affect

decision making of some consumers. However, easing interest rates and inflation should improve household spending and the outlook for this occupation.

Additionally, population growth should help keep consumer spending from declining.

Here are some key facts about retail and wholesale trade managers in Alberta:

Approximately 40,100 people work in this occupation.

Retail and wholesale trade managers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 61%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 19%

Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 16%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 93% compared to 80% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 7% compared to 20% for all occupations

77% of retail and wholesale trade managers work all year, while 23% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

27% of retail and wholesale trade managers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 59% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 41% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 8% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 38% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 12% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 19% compared to 19% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 18% compared to 21% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 60020) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

Occupations in retail are in steady demand with high rates of turnover and some recruitment challenges. Employment opportunities are influenced by consumer spending levels and the strength of the economy. Ongoing trade uncertainty is weakening consumer and business confidence and slowing hiring as firms delay investment; subdued consumer sentiment, slower population growth, and weaker income gains are expected to dampen consumer spending.

Here are some key facts about retail and wholesale trade managers in British Columbia:

Approximately 53,600 people work in this occupation.

Retail and wholesale trade managers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 63%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 17%

Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 16%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 91% compared to 78% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 9% compared to 22% for all occupations

74% of retail and wholesale trade managers work all year, while 26% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

31% of retail and wholesale trade managers are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 57% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 42% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 7% compared to 8% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 38% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 11% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 18% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 20% compared to 22% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 6% compared to 12% for all occupations