How to become a retail salesperson or visual merchandiser
Official title: Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers
Also called: Art salesperson, Florist - retail, Truck salesperson, Retail sales clerk, Retail salesperson, Bouquet salesperson, Florist salesperson, Visual merchandiser, Clothing salesperson, Salesperson - retail, Fish shop salesperson, Furniture salesperson
Retail salespersons sell, rent or lease a range of technical and non-technical goods and services directly to consumers. Visual merchandisers plan, create and implement windows and in-store displays. They are employed by stores and other retail businesses, as well as wholesale businesses that sell on a retail basis to the public.
Main tasks
- Retail salespersons
- 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
How to become one
Completion of secondary school may be required. A university degree or college diploma may be required by some employers. Specific subject matter courses or training may be required. Demonstrated sales ability and product knowledge are usually required for retail salespersons who sell complex or valuable merchandise, such as automobiles, antiques or computers. Previous visual merchandising experience may be required.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $33,755 a year The middle half earn $31,200 to $39,975.
- About 579,600 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 600,000 are projected by 2033. (+3.5%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a retail salesperson or visual merchandiser?
Completion of secondary school may be required. A university degree or college diploma may be required by some employers. Specific subject matter courses or training may be required. Demonstrated sales ability and product knowledge are usually required for retail salespersons who sell complex or valuable merchandise, such as automobiles, antiques or computers. Previous visual merchandising experience may be required.
How much does a retail salesperson or visual merchandiser earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $33,755 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $31,200 to $39,975.
Is a retail salesperson or visual merchandiser a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2033, from about 579,600 to about 600,000 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a retail salesperson or visual merchandiser?
Usually not. Only 17% 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