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Retail Salespersons and Sales Clerks  (NOC 6421)
Northeast Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

Retail salespersons and sales clerks 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.

audio equipment salesperson, automobile salesperson, car rental agent, clothing salesperson, computer salesperson – retail, counter clerk – retail, department store clerk, furniture salesperson, hardware store clerk, jewellery salesperson, retail sales associate, retail sales clerk, retail salesperson.

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Retail salespersons and sales clerks 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.

Retail salespersons may specialize and act as consultants in interior decorating, home entertainment systems, computers and other products and services.

Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Sudbury, Elliot Lake, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, Algo, Blind River, Capreol, Cobalt, Englehart, Espanola, Garson Junction, Haileybury, Hearst, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Kirkland Lake, Mattawa, New Liskeard, Nickel Centre, Parry Sound, Powassan, Temiskaming Shores, Thessalon, Valley East, Blezard Valley, Carol Richard Park, Connaught Hill, Dowling, Elmview, Finntown, Flake, Guilletville, Hanmer, Laurentien, Levack, Lively, McCrea Heights, Naughton, Parkwood, Pinecrest, Porcupine, Pottsville, South Porcupine, Val Caron, Val Therese

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View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Outlook & Prospects for Retail Salespersons and Sales Clerks in Northeast Region

The future forecast and current conditions for an occupation can vary based on location or due to changes in the economy, technology, or demand for a product or service.

Local Employment Potential Information

Table on the employment potential for Retail Salespersons and Sales Clerks in Northeast Region as well as in the rest of the Ontario.
Location Employment Potential Release Date
Northeast Region Fair 2012-12-07

In the Northeast economic region, the employment prospects for retail salespersons and sales clerks are expected to be average for the period 2012-2013. This is the largest occupation in the region with a labour force of about 12,000 at the time of the 2006 census. Individuals who are fluent in English and French languages will have improved employment prospects.

Employment prospects for retail salespersons and sales clerks in Ontario are expected to be average for the period 2012-2013. This is the largest occupation in the province with a labour force of about 290,000 workers according to the 2006 census. Demand for persons in this occupation is mostly driven by consumer expenditures on goods and services. Job prospects may be more favourable in larger retail superstores which have a large customer base and longer operating hours.

Job opportunities are usually available year-round in this occupation but are better in the peak shopping seasons, during the summer and at the end of the calendar year. These positions are often part-time or temporary. The much younger age profile and lower skill requirements will create ongoing replacement needs for new employees, as workers leave for other opportunities.

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]
Please consult the Ontario and Canada tabs for more useful information related to outlook.