Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers
(NOC 0621)
in All ManagementRetail and wholesale trade managers plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations of companies that sell merchandise or services on a retail or wholesale basis. Retail and wholesale trade managers work for retail and wholesale sales companies or they may own and operate their own store.
Job Outlook
Average
Read more
Compared to: All Management
During the spring, many nonessential retail stores closed as consumers were urged to avoid nonessential outings. Thousands of retail and wholesale trade managers were laid off. While most nonessential retail shops have since reopened, they must follow regulations concerning physical distancing, occupancy levels, and sanitization requirements. Some have also kept reduced business hours, lessening the number of staff needed. Sales values in most types of retail in Nova Scotia recovered by August except for clothing and gasoline. Employment has been slower to rebound, though by necessity, managers are among the first staff called back to work. The effect of COVID-19 has varied by type of retail. Many grocery stores increased staffing in the spring as consumers stopped dining at restaurants and stockpiled supplies for a potential lockdown. In response to a decrease in foot traffic and fewer tourists, some retail businesses have added or improved their online purchase and delivery options. This may have caused a change in the tasks and responsibilities of retail managers.
In general, the number of retail shops and employees has increased over time with population and income growth. At the same time, the growing popularity of online shopping—which has been accelerated by the pandemic—may erode demand and opportunities for managers in certain types of retail. In recent years, retirements have been a major driver of job openings.
The median employment income for the 78% of Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $44,204. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, the 59% of those who worked full-time, year-round had a median employment income of $43,600. (Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$28.85
Median$52.88
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,927
Minimum$40,825
Median$93,062
MaximumCompared to: All Management
Hourly Pay
$16.70
Minimum$45.17
Median$58.17
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,632
Minimum$55,002
Median$124,014
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Retail and wholesale trade managers plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations of companies that sell merchandise or services on a retail or wholesale basis. Retail and wholesale trade managers work for retail and wholesale sales companies or they may own and operate their own store.
Job duties
Retail and wholesale trade managers:
- Manage the operations of businesses involved in wholesale and retail sales or of departments in such companies.
- Manage staff and assign duties.
- Study market research and trends to determine customer demand, potential sales volumes and effect of competitors' operations on sales.
- Determine merchandise and services to be sold and implement price and credit policies.
- Locate, select and buy stock for resale.
- Develop and implement marketing strategies.
- Plan budgets and approve expenses.
- Settle customer complaints.
- Determine staffing requirements and hire or oversee hiring of staff.
Sample job titles
- assistant manager
- car dealership manager
- customer service manager
- department store manager
- management trainee - retail
- retail sales manager
- retail store owner
- supermarket manager
- wholesale establishment manager
Skills
You need good organizational and managerial skills. Knowledge of your product and its markets is essential. An ability to work under pressure is important. You must be decisive. You need to work well with others. Effective spoken and written communication skills are important.
Job requirements
- High school is needed.
- May need a university degree or college diploma in business administration or other field related to the product or service being sold.
Other considerations
Several years of related retail sales experience at increasing levels of responsibility are usually necessary. There is some movement between managers in this group, depending on the product or service. They often work long hours including evenings and weekends.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Management
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Retail trade
Wholesale trade
Other services (except public administration)
Real estate and rental and leasing
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Management
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
High school
$39,840 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$39,379 median annual incomeBachelor
$46,932 median annual incomeLess than high school
$35,489 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$44,821 median annual incomeCompared to: All Management
Bachelor
$71,875 median annual incomeHigh school
$42,294 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$50,256 median annual incomeMaster
$93,261 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$44,396 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Business Administration and Management
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. They include courses in management theory, human resources management and behaviour, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.
Institutions providing this program
Lower Sackville, NS
Halifax, NS
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Truro, NS
Stellarton, NS
Port Hawkesbury, NS
Business/Commerce
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on the general study of business, including the processes of interchanging goods and services (buying, selling and producing), business organization, and accounting as used in profit-making and non-profit public and private institutions and agencies. They prepare students to apply business principles and techniques in various occupational settings.
Institutions providing this program
Organizational Leadership
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on leadership skills that can be applied to a business, government, non-profit, or educational setting. They include courses in organizational planning, dynamics of leadership, finance, team building, conflict resolution and mediation, communication and other management skills.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.