Description
Retail and wholesale trade managers plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations of establishments that sell merchandise or services on a retail or wholesale basis. They are employed by retail and wholesale sales establishments or they may own and operate their own store.
Job Titles
- Antique dealer
- Assistant manager – retail
- Automobile repair shop manager
- Bookstore manager
- Car dealership manager
- Cattle dealer
- Clothing store manager
- Department store manager
- Pleasure boat dealer
- Sporting goods store manager
- Store manager – retail
- Supermarket manager
- Variety store manager
Main Duties
- Plan, direct and evaluate the operations of establishments engaged in wholesale and retail sales or of departments in such establishments
- Manage staff and assign duties
- Study market research and trends to determine consumer demand, potential sales volumes and effect of competitors’ operations on sales
- Determine merchandise and services to be sold, and implement price and credit policies
- Source and negotiate with vendors when necessary to procure merchandise for resale
- Develop and implement marketing strategies
- Plan budgets, authorize expenditures, and monitor revenues
- Evaluate and improve customer service and respond to customer requests and issues
- Address staffing requirements, including the hiring, development and retention of staff
Workplaces
- Retail sales establishments
- Self-employed owners/operators
- Wholesale establishments
Skills
- Leadership
- Active Learning
- Adaptability
- Analytical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
Abilities
- Leadership
- Active Learning
- Adaptability
- Analytical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
Personal Attributes
- Leadership
- Active Learning
- Adaptability
- Analytical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
Similar Occupations
- Insurance, real estate and financial brokerage managers (10020)
- Advertising, marketing and public relations managers (10022)
- Restaurant and food service managers (60030)
- Retail sales supervisors (62010)
Source: OaSIS
Employment Outlook
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
Source: Job Bank
Prevailing Wages
| AREA | LOW | MEDIAN | HIGH |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEI | $22.84 | $34.85 | $59.56 |
| Canada | $21.63 | $42.74 | $80.77 |
Training
There are no known training programs for this occupation in PEI. If you are aware of a local training program, please contact us.