Sales, retail and customer services is a large industry, employing approximately 325,000 people.
The industry covers a wide range of businesses, most of which sell new and used goods or offer people a range of personalised services. There are more than 49,000 retail outlets in New Zealand, including shops, service stations, cafés/restaurants and car sales yards.
Most retail outlets are based in the major regions:
- Auckland
- Wellington
- Waikato
- Canterbury
- Otago.
Employment opportunities in sales, retail and customer services are linked to economic conditions, in particular the amount of money people have to spend on goods and services.
Between 1997 and 2007, there was growth in the three main sectors of the industry. These sectors are:
- personal and household retailing and services, which includes clothing, appliances and furniture
- food retailing, which includes supermarkets and butchers
- motor vehicle retailing and services, which includes fuel purchasing.
This growth can be attributed to generally positive economic conditions and the housing market boom of 2000 through to 2007. Many people felt more optimistic about their finances during the boom and as a result, had more disposable income to spend on household goods and personal items.
In 2007 however, New Zealand began to experience an economic downturn as world financial markets began to go through difficulties. A drop in consumer confidence has caused a slump in house sales and retail spending in 2008. People at the moment do not have as much disposable income to spend on household goods and luxury items as they did before the recession.
This is affecting some people who own retail businesses although is yet to lead to a significant decrease in opportunities for retail and customer service staff and assistants.
Despite retail sales falling, jobs in this industry are frequently available due to high turnover among entry-level staff.
Retail and customer service roles are often seen as good jobs for students or people with other part-time jobs or commitments and because of this, opportunities are often good for people wanting to enter the industry.
Watch a 'Just the Job' video here on what employers look for when hiring retail staff
