Retail Salespersons
(NOC 6421)
in All Sales and ServiceRetail salespersons sell, rent or lease a range of technical and non-technical goods and services directly to consumers. They are employed by stores and other retail businesses, as well as wholesale businesses that sell on a retail basis to the public. Retail salespersons may specialize and act as consultants in home entertainment systems, computers and other products and services.
Job Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Sales and Service
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline significantly over the next few years, which will limit the number of new opportunities available (yet overall job prospects are still considered good due to other factors). With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Retail Salespersons may either be working full-time or part-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common.
The median employment income for 33% of Retail Salespersons who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $30,414. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$11.55
Minimum$11.87
Median$20.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,694
Minimum$14,508
Median$44,416
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$11.55
Minimum$12.50
Median$21.17
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,949
Minimum$16,629
Median$45,086
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Retail salespersons sell, rent or lease a range of technical and non-technical goods and services directly to consumers. They are employed by stores and other retail businesses, as well as wholesale businesses that sell on a retail basis to the public. Retail salespersons may specialize and act as consultants in home entertainment systems, computers and other products and services.
Job duties
Retail salespersons perform some or all of the following duties:
- Greet customers and discuss type, quality and quantity of merchandise or services sought for purchase, rental or lease.
- Advise customers on use and care of merchandise, and provide advice concerning specialized products or services.
- Estimate or quote prices, credit terms, trade-in allowances, warranties and delivery dates.
- Prepare merchandise for purchase, rental or lease.
- Prepare sales, rental or leasing contracts and accept cash, cheque, credit card or automatic debit payment.
- Assist in display of merchandise.
- Maintain sales records for inventory control.
- Operate computerized inventory record keeping and re-ordering systems.
- May conduct sales transactions through Internet-based electronic commerce.
Sample job titles
- convenience store clerk
- floral arranger - retail
- motor vehicle salesperson
- pharmacy clerk
- retail sales associate
- retail sales clerk
- retail salesperson
- sales and rental clerk
- sales greeter
- store clerk
Skills
For this work, you should have good interpersonal and communication skills. Patience, tact, and enthusiasm are important. You must always be alert to the customers' needs and be as helpful and efficient as possible. Basic math skills and product knowledge are also needed. Knowledge of another language, especially French, is an asset. Demonstrated sales ability and product knowledge are usually required for retail salespersons who sell complex or valuable merchandise, such as automobiles, antiques, or computers.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school may be required.
- A university degree or college diploma may be required by some employers.
- Specific subject matter courses or training may be required.
Other considerations
Many positions are filled by part-time employees, who are required to work in the evenings and on weekends. Hours of work will depend on the needs of the employer. Earnings vary throughout the year due to the fact that retail salespersons are often employed part-time and have their hours increased or decreased according to sales levels. Also, wages are often supplemented with sales commissions. People in these jobs must be on their feet for long periods of time. Technical or sales training programs may be provided by employers. Progression to retail supervisory positions is possible with additional training or experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Sales and Service
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Northern
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Retail Trade
Wholesale Trade
Information, Culture & Recreation
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate & Leasing
Food and Beverage Product Manufacturing
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
45-54
25-34
55-64
35-44
65+
Compared to: All Sales and Service
25-34
35-44
55-64
Top levels of education
High school
$14,269 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$17,832 median annual incomeLess than high school
$8,323 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$16,784 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$21,890 median annual incomeCompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$12,982 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$19,514 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,486 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$20,807 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$18,797 median annual incomeEducation & training
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.