Employment Outlook

The employment outlook will be moderate for Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers (64100) in Prince Edward Island for the 2022-2024 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.

The prospect for employment in this occupation is favourable as indications suggest many employers in the industry have been struggling to find workers given tight labour market conditions.

Job opportunities may also come from vacancies as a result of former workers having changed career paths as many were laid off or had their hours significantly reduced due to the pandemic.

Risk factors that could soften employment demand in this occupation include elevated prices and high interest rates which could reduce consumer spending on non-essential goods and services. 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. There are more opportunities during summer months, and during the 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 2,400 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

Source: Job Bank

Prevailing Wages