Retail businesses are hiring everywhere in Quebec

Did you know that currently there are an estimated 20,000 open positions in the retail industry in Quebec?

The demand for workers is so high because retail sales are growing, and businesses are struggling to meet demand. This phenomenon can be linked to the growing number of Quebecers who like to shop local, as well as the move to digital commerce undertaken by many businesses during the past year.

Knowing this, it’s clear there are many opportunities in the retail sector for job seekers at the moment!

Below, we’ll go over five positions that employers are having a hard time filling, and that may align with your desired career path. Read on!

1. Sales Associate

Do you have team spirit, an outgoing personality and like working with the public? If so, you may want to consider applying for a position as a Sales associate!

Sales associates are tasked with selling products or services in a retail business. It’s their job to greet customers, provide assistance and may also be required to manage inventory, store presentations and after-sale service.

Some training possibilities to prepare for working as a Sales associate include:

• Associate degree in Sales or Marketing
• High school diploma

Average hourly wage for a full-time Sales associate: $13.95

This position will provide you with various possible career options. Sales associates are key to the functioning of the retail sector and can be found in practically all retail businesses. With enough experience, you could eventually become a supervisor or assistant manager.

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2. Cashier

Being a cashier requires a lot of patience and the ability to manage stress. If you possess these qualities and you have good oral communication skills, you might make a good cashier!

Cashiers are tasked with explaining and receiving payments from customers. Cashiers use manual cash registers and optical scanners. Their role is essential; often, the cashier is the final point of contact a customer has before leaving a business. Because of this, cashiers are often tasked with adding value to the customer experience (providing helpful advice, explaining a customer loyalty program, etc.)

Some training possibilities to prepare for working as a cashier include:

• High school diploma
• 1 year of experience is a plus

Average hourly wage for a full-time cashier: $14.12

Once you’ve acquired some experience, you could advance to become a cash supervisor or manager.

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3. Store Director

Are you a natural leader who knows how to get the best out of your team members? If this sounds like you and you are very well organized, you may be suited to be the director of a retail store.

The Store director is tasked with growing a store’s performance (i.e. sales) in collaboration with the team they direct. Store directors determine the store’s hiring needs, implement growth strategies, plan budgets and keep track of all revenues and expenses.

Sometimes, the Store director is the owner of the retail store.

Some training possibilities to prepare for working as a Store director include:

• Degree in business or fashion
• College or university diploma in business administration or a related subject

There are several possible career paths for a Store director: senior purchaser, commercial director, or even regional director.

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4. First level supervisor

This position requires a sense of responsibility and leadership.

The first level supervisor in a retail store in in charge of managing employees’ work schedules, assigning tasks, supervising the shift and coordinating the activities of sales associates and cashiers. They may also have a role in recruitment, purchasing and inventory management. The first level supervisor occupies a role between the store director and the store teams.

Some training possibilities to prepare for working as a first level supervisor include:

• College diploma in retail management
• Professional diploma in sales or marketing, or in a related field

Average hourly wage for a full-time first level supervisor: $20.58

After working as a first level supervisor, you could advance to become an assistant manager or even the director of the store.

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5. Lab technician / pharmacy technician

Laboratory technicians must welcome customers, gather information and prepare prescriptions. They are also expected to refer customers to the pharmacist where appropriate.

The pharmacy technician’s job is to assist the pharmacist in their technical tasks, create and place orders, prepare pill dispensers and maintain the inventory of medication.

Training required: Pharmacy techniques

Average hourly wage for a full-time pharmacy technician: $16.17

With experience, you can advance to a position as a supervisor or as Lead Technician at a pharmacy.

If you would like to become a pharmacist, you will need to return to school to obtain a bachelor’s degree or doctorate.

If you are interested in applying for one of the positions listed above, feel free to submit a CV! You can also check out the job offers on Jobboom.com to learn more about the businesses that are hiring near you.

Ready to apply? Visit Jobboom by clicking here to view all available job offers.

Sources (FR) : Détail Québec

• Diagnostic sectoriel de la main-d’œuvre du commerce de détail au Québec 2020-2023
• Enquête de rémunération globale dans le commerce de détail réalisée en 2017