Working as a Retail Manager
Industry Overview
The retail and wholesale trade is the largest employer in BC. Retail managers are among the high demand occupations in the province, with more than 21,810 job openings forecast to 2032.
The retail trade includes everything from small corner stores to large department stores.
Job Outlook in BC
Retail and Wholesale Trade Managers
Chart from WorkBC
WorkBC provides job openings in BC from 2022-2032:
| Region | Employment in 2022 |
Average Annual Employment Growth |
Expected Number of Job Openings |
| Vancouver Island | 8,200 | 1.4% | 3,680 |
| Lower Mainland /Southwest | 33,350 | 1.5% | 13,830 |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 5,630 | 1.6% | 2,740 |
| Kootenay | 1,960 | 0.6% | 690 |
| Cariboo | 1,600 | 0.2% | 410 |
| North Coast & Nechako | 830 | 0.8% | 260 |
| Northeast | 870 | 0.1% | 200 |
You can learn more about working as a retail manager in BC from:
Types of Employers
Retail managers are employed in a wide variety of establishments, including:
- small, medium and large retail stores
- businesses selling anything from clothing to vehicles to household products, and more
Some retailers sell their products online, and do not have a store-front outlet.
You may also be self-employed and own and operate your own store.
Salary
The median annual salary for retail managers in BC is $62,151. Your earnings vary according to your experience, location, and type of employer. For example, large department stores may pay more than small independent stores.
Some stores also pay a commission, so in addition to a salary, you may get a percentage of each item sold.
Sources: WorkBC & Career Cruising
In BC regions you can expect to make:
Source: Job Bank Wages