The unemployment rate is about 3.5% in the retail sector, less than the national average of 5%. Cashiers and salespeople have a slightly higher rate, however (5%).

The average age for managers and buyers is around 43 years old, with relatively few young people. These professionals generally retire later, at around 62.

Cashiers and salespeople have a greater percentage of young people, who use these jobs as springboards to more qualified positions later on. The average age of 29 is less than the national average.

Male/female parity is generally observed in the retail sector. The percentage of women working as store managers is about 40%, which is less than the national average for all occupations combined of 46%.

In contrast, salespeople, buyers, and especially cashiers are mainly women, at 61%, 49% and 88% respectively.

The percentage of people working part time in retail depends on the type of job. Store managers (8%) and buyers (12%) are less likely to do so, while almost 1 in 2 salespeople and cashiers work part time.