How to become a retail and wholesale trade manager
Official title: Retail and wholesale trade managers
Also called: Shop manager, Dealer - retail, Category manager, Bookstore manager, Drugstore manager, Gift shop manager, Pet store manager, Toy store manager, Beer store manager, Brake shop manager, Concession manager, Food store manager
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.
Main tasks
- 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
How to become one
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
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $83,343 a year The middle half earn $56,258 to $115,791.
- About 355,000 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 363,200 are projected by 2033. (+2.3%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a retail and wholesale trade manager?
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
How much does a retail and wholesale trade manager earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $83,343 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $56,258 to $115,791.
Is a retail and wholesale trade manager a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 2% by 2033, from about 355,000 to about 363,200 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a retail and wholesale trade manager?
Not always. 25% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03