Retail and wholesale trade managers

Strong job outlook

Overview

Retail and wholesale trade managers plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations of establishments that sell merchandise or services on a retail or wholesale basis. They are employed by retail and wholesale sales establishments or they may own and operate their own store.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Plan, direct and evaluate the operations of establishments engaged in wholesale and retail sales or of departments in such establishments

  • Manage staff and assign duties

  • Study market research and trends to determine consumer demand, potential sales volumes and effect of competitors' operations on sales

  • Determine merchandise and services to be sold, and implement price and credit policies

  • Source and negotiate with vendors when necessary to procure merchandise for resale

  • Develop and implement marketing strategies

  • Plan budgets, authorize expenditures, and monitor revenues

  • Evaluate and improve customer service and respond to customer requests and issues

  • Address staffing requirements, including the hiring, development and retention of staff

Job titles

  • antique dealer
  • appliance store manager
  • area manager - retail store chain
  • art dealer
  • art gallery manager - retail
  • assistant department manager - retail

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition

Annual salary

Low

$43,443

Median

$85,239

High

$162,677

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

Strong job outlook

British Columbia

16,339

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is required.

  • A university degree or college diploma in business administration or other field related to the product or service being sold may be required.

  • Several years of related retail or wholesale sales experience at increasing levels of responsibility are usually required

Additional information

  • There is some mobility between managers in this unit group, depending on the product or service.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Work Experience

Work experience recommended

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.

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