Job prospects Retail Salesperson in Prince Edward Island

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as a "retail salesperson" in Prince Edward Island or across Canada.

Job opportunities in Prince Edward Island

These outlooks were updated on December 11, 2024.

Prospects over the next 3 years

The employment outlook will be good for Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers (NOC 64100) in Prince Edward Island for the 2024-2026 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 moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

The Island economy is projected to expand at a respectable pace over the forecast period which should support employment growth in this occupation. This is based on the expectation that interest rates will continue to fall which will encourage more consumer spending and business investment. Population growth has been, and continues to be, a key economic driver supporting employment in the sector. However, the announcement by the federal government to reduce immigration targets will mean a slowdown in population growth over the forecast period. Although the impact of this policy is uncertain at this time, it could have a moderating affect on employment growth. Employment demand for this occupation is subject to considerable seasonality, with strongest demand for workers during the busy tourism months and Christmas season.

Furthermore, the continued reliance on self-checkout machines and rising popularity of online shopping may also serve to soften employment demand over the forecast period.

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. 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.

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 2,400 people work in this occupation.
• Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 72%
  • Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 11%
• 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

Job prospects elsewhere in Canada

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as a "retail salesperson" Retail salespersons (NOC 64100) or across Canada.

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