Employment Outlook

The employment outlook will be Moderate for retail sales supervisors (NOC 62010) 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.
• 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.

Employment demand in this occupation is mostly driven by consumer spending in retail operations and is expected to be positive over the forecast period. 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. Growth will be supported by strong export performance—particularly in processed foods and seafood, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals—alongside sustained construction activity and a resilient tourism sector. 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 for this occupation is subject to considerable seasonality, with strongest demand for workers during the busy tourism months and Christmas season. Furthermore, the rising popularity of online shopping may also be a limiting factor.

Retail trade supervisors have a younger age profile; therefore, retirements will create few job openings over the next few years. Many vacancies will occur due to turnover as workers leave for other opportunities offering higher pay or more regular hours. Those willing to work a flexible schedule will increase their job potential. Job prospects will be more favourable for individuals with retail management experience, proficiency in computer applications and digital inventory systems, and knowledge of the employer’s business line.

Here are some key facts about Retail sales supervisors in Prince Edward Island:

• Approximately 1,150 people work in this occupation.
• Retail sales supervisors mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 57%
  • Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 35%
• The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
  • Full-time workers: 71% compared to 84% for all occupations
  • Part-time workers: 28% compared to 16% for all occupations
• 70% of retail sales supervisors work all year, while 30% 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 44 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
• The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
  • Men: 36% compared to 51% for all occupations
  • Women: 64% 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: 53% compared to 28% for all occupations
  • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
  • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor’s: 27% compared to 25% for all occupations
  • bachelor’s degree: 7% compared to 17% for all occupations
  • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

Source: Job Bank

Prevailing Wages