NOC 64100: Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers

The employment outlook will be Very good for retail salespersons and visual merchandisers (NOC 64100) in Northwest Territories for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

A moderate number of 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

).

From 2021-2040, 286 job openings are forecast for retail salespersons and visual merchandisers in the Northwest Territories (

Government of Northwest Territories, 2023

).

Here are some key facts about retail salespersons and visual merchandisers in Northwest Territories:

Approximately 400 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers mainly work in the following sectors:

Wholesale and Retail Trade (NAICS 41, 44-45): 88%

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

Full-time workers: 66% compared to 88% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 34% compared to 12% for all occupations

51% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers work all year, while 49% 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 39 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

7% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers are self-employed compared to an average of 7% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 47% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 53% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 25% compared to 17% for all occupations

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

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 8% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 11% compared to 18% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 12% 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 salespersons and visual merchandisers (NOC 64100) in Nova Scotia 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.

The acute shortage of retail workers that occurred in recent years has eased considerably. Even so, the large size of this occupation means that there are still typically several hundred openings throughout the province at any given time.

Unfavourable working conditions, such as part-time hours and low wages, appear to be contributing factors of the sometimes-insufficient supply of labour for these positions. Over the longer term, new technologies such as self-checkouts may reduce the need for the number of salespersons in a store.

Here are some key facts about retail salespersons and visual merchandisers in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 15,550 people work in this occupation.

Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 66%

Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 15%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 6%

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

Full-time workers: 56% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 43% compared to 18% for all occupations

49% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers work all year, while 51% 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 39 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 45% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 55% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 14% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 44% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 8% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 17% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 13% 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 Good for retail salespersons and visual merchandisers (NOC 64100) in Nunavut for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many 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 (

Statistics 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 salespersons and visual merchandisers in Nunavut:

Approximately 100 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers mainly work in the following sectors:

Wholesale and Retail Trade (NAICS 41, 44-45): 88%

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

Full-time workers: 64% compared to 87% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 36% compared to 13% for all occupations

64% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers work all year, while 36% 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 43 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 50% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 50% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

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

high school diploma or equivalent: 37% compared to 22% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 7% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 20% compared to 15% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: n/a

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

The employment outlook will be Moderate for retail salespersons and visual merchandisers (NOC 64100) 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.

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

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

High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

This is a large occupation characterized by a younger workforce, relatively low requirements for qualification, low wages, and high rates of turnover. With declining interest rates and inflation stabilizing, the prospects for retail positions can improve with higher consumer spending. The prospect for employment can vary by area and season. Occasionally, a surge of employment in other industries will create a localized spike in retail sales and demand for workers. Those willing to work a flexible schedule will increase their job potential. Increased use of technology will favour retail salespersons and sales clerks with intermediate computer skills particularly in point-of-sale data entry and computerized inventory record keeping. Knowledge of specific industries and products may increase the likelihood of employment.

Here are some key facts about retail salespersons and visual merchandisers in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Approximately 7,800 people work in this occupation.

Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 74%

Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 12%

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

Full-time workers: 57% compared to 83% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 42% compared to 17% for all occupations

49% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers work all year, while 51% 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 39 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 42% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 57% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 13% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 51% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 10% compared to 17% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 16% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 8% 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 Moderate for retail salespersons and visual merchandisers (NOC 64100) in Prince Edward Island 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.

The demand for workers in this occupation is influenced by economic conditions and business activity. Prince Edward Island’s economy is projected to expand at a modest pace over the forecast horizon, constrained by slower population growth and ongoing trade uncertainties. Declining interest rates are expected to further support domestic spending and housing demand. However, the federal reduction in immigration targets has led to a marked decline in international arrivals, a slowdown that is anticipated to moderate consumer demand and labour force growth. Over the longer term, reduced immigration presents a key risk to the province’s economic outlook.

Employment demand in this occupation is mostly driven by consumer spending in retail operations associated with the sale of food and beverages, clothing, general merchandise and motor vehicles and parts. The spread of electronic commerce to electronics, clothing and furniture among others, may further limit opportunities for retail salespersons and sales clerks. The continued reliance on self-checkout machines and rising popularity of online shopping may also serve to soften employment demand over the forecast period. This is a large occupational group in P.E.I. with a large employer base.

The relatively younger age profile of workers, lower skill requirements, and prevalence of part-time work associated with this occupation will create ongoing replacement needs for new employees, as workers leave for other opportunities. Opportunities are usually available year-round but are more frequent in the peak shopping seasons. Some positions may be filled by retired professionals from other occupations. This occupation is an excellent source of summer and part-time employment for students. Employment demand for this occupation is subject to considerable seasonality, with strongest demand for workers during the busy tourism months and Christmas season.

Job prospects may be more favourable in larger retail superstores with longer operating hours. Increased use of technology will favour retail salespersons and sales clerks with intermediate computer skills particularly in point-of-sale data entry and computerized inventory record keeping. Knowledge of specific industries and products may increase the likelihood of employment.

Here are some key facts about retail salespersons and visual merchandisers in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 2,350 people work in this occupation.

Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 57%

Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 20%

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

Full-time workers: 64% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 36% compared to 16% for all occupations

46% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers work all year, while 54% 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 39 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 45% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 55% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 12% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 46% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 9% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 20% compared to 25% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 11% compared to 17% 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 salespersons and visual merchandisers (NOC 64100) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

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

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

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

Employment demand in this occupation is mostly driven by consumer spending in retail operations associated with the sale of clothing, general merchandise and motor vehicles and parts.

The relatively younger age profile of workers, lower skill requirements, and prevalence of part-time work associated with this occupation will create ongoing replacement needs for new employees, as workers are more likely to leave for other opportunities. Demand for employment is higher during the peak shopping seasons.

Some vacancies may be filled by retired professionals who want to maintain some sort of attachment to the labour force. This is becoming more common as people are living longer, healthier lives. The availability of part-time and more-flexible work arrangements in this occupation allows workers to make a more gradual transition to retirement. This occupation is an excellent source of summer and part-time employment for students. There are more opportunities during summer months and Christmas season. There are enhanced job prospects for individuals with strong interpersonal skills.

The adoption of various technologies like e-commerce and self-serve devices may limit opportunities for retail salespersons and visual merchandisers in the future.

Here are some key facts about retail salespersons and visual merchandisers in New Brunswick:

Approximately 11,150 people work in this occupation.

Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 71%

Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 11%

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

Full-time workers: 62% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 38% compared to 16% for all occupations

53% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers work all year, while 47% 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 40 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

6% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 49% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 51% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 14% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 50% compared to 30% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 9% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 17% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 8% 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 Moderate for retail salespersons and visual merchandisers (NOC 64100) in Manitoba 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.

High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

Demand for this occupation is driven by consumer disposable income and confidence in the economy.

The province has taken steps towards removing interprovincial trade barriers which might boost the retail sector as a short-term reprieve from the Canada-US trade disruption.

Retail sales increased in the first half of 2025 and are expected to continue an upward trend for the next year.

Concerns about retail theft have been impacting some urban stores leading to closures.

Key trends in this occupation include immersive technology, like augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR) for customers to interact with products, personalized product marketing, and social media for product discovery and purchasing.

This occupation tends to have high employee turnover.

Jobs are concentrated in the Southwest, Interlake and Winnipeg regions.

Here are some key facts about retail salespersons and visual merchandisers in Manitoba:

Approximately 19,750 people work in this occupation.

Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 64%

Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 15%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 5%

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

Full-time workers: 55% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 45% compared to 19% for all occupations

52% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers work all year, while 48% 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 39 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

6% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 47% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 53% compared to 47% 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: 51% compared to 31% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 8% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 12% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 13% 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 salespersons and visual merchandisers (NOC 64100) 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.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

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

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.

Staff turnover should create a steady number of job openings since this occupation has lower entry requirements and a younger workforce.

Prevalence of online shopping may temper demand for some workers over the long term.

Here are some key facts about retail salespersons and visual merchandisers in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 18,750 people work in this occupation.

Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers mainly work in the following sectors:

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

Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 10%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 7%

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

Full-time workers: 59% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 41% compared to 19% for all occupations

53% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers work all year, while 47% 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 40 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

7% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 46% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 54% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 15% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 50% compared to 33% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 10% compared to 15% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 12% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 11% 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 salespersons and visual merchandisers (NOC 64100) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of 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.

Economic uncertainty amid ongoing trade disputes may affect

decision making of some consumers.

Overall employment will be tied to consumer spending levels and the general health of the economy. Decreased consumer spending will be reflected in a lower demand for these occupations.

Population growth should help keep consumer spending from declining.

Here are some key facts about retail salespersons and visual merchandisers in Alberta:

Approximately 72,100 people work in this occupation.

Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 69%

Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 11%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 6%

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

Full-time workers: 54% compared to 80% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 46% compared to 20% for all occupations

46% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers work all year, while 54% 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 38 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

6% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 43% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 56% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 12% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 48% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 8% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 15% compared to 19% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 14% 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 Limited for retail salespersons and visual merchandisers (NOC 64100) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.

Not many 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 linked to household consumption and the trends that influence the retail industry.

Household spending has been growing steadily for several years, boosting retail sales. However, the climate of uncertainty surrounding US tariffs could slow the economy and consumption, potentially limiting hiring in some companies in the short term.

In terms of trends, the digitization of retail businesses, as well as the increased use of e-commerce and chatbots, are expected to continue to limit job growth in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about retail salespersons and visual merchandisers in Quebec:

Approximately 123,500 people work in this occupation.

Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 66%

Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 10%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 6%

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

Full-time workers: 56% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 44% compared to 18% for all occupations

46% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers work all year, while 54% 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 38 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

6% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 49% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 51% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 18% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 35% compared to 19% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 14% compared to 19% for all occupations

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

bachelor's degree: 8% 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 Limited for retail salespersons and visual merchandisers (NOC 64100) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.

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.

High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

Employed across the retail trade industry with the largest number in food and beverage stores, general merchandise stores, and building material and garden equipment and supplies stores

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

Staff turnover is expected to create job openings since this occupation has lower entry requirements, a younger workforce, and a higher degree of part-time work

Prevalence of online shopping may temper demand for some workers over the long term

The closure of some stores is also expected to affect job prospects

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

Ability to use computer applications such as point-of-sale and computerized inventory systems.

What Other Information Will I Find Helpful?

Registration with the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council is required for motor vehicle or automobile salespersons.

Here are some key facts about retail salespersons and visual merchandisers in Ontario:

Approximately 219,000 people work in this occupation.

Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers mainly work in the following sectors:

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

Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 12%

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

Full-time workers: 54% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 46% compared to 19% for all occupations

44% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers work all year, while 56% 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 37 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

8% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 45% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 55% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

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

high school diploma or equivalent: 43% compared to 25% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 20% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 16% compared to 24% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for retail salespersons and visual merchandisers (NOC 64100) in British Columbia 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 small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

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 salespersons and visual merchandisers in British Columbia:

Approximately 92,500 people work in this occupation.

Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 66%

Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 13%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 5%

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

Full-time workers: 55% compared to 78% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 45% compared to 22% for all occupations

47% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers work all year, while 53% 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 38 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

8% of retail salespersons and visual merchandisers are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 44% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 56% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 12% compared to 8% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 47% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 8% compared to 13% for all occupations

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

bachelor's degree: 14% compared to 22% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations