Retail salespeople are currently in demand. The demand, however, is expected to slow in response to a slowing of the economy leaving people with less income to spend on retail goods.

Turnover is generally high among retail salespeople. Shops are often staffed by part-time or casual workers, many of whom are younger people looking for extra income while they study. 

 Retail salespeople can work for:

• retail chain stores
• boutiques
• department stores
• warehouses.

Retail salespeople are employed in a variety of industries. 

Industries that employ sales assistants in New Zealand

Industry	Percentage of retail salespeople
Supermarket and grocery stores	17%
Other personal and household goods retailing	13%
Clothing and soft goods retailing	11%
Furniture, houseware and appliance retailing	8%
Department stores	7%
Source: Department of Labour, 'Occupational Indicators Tool', 2008, (www.dol.govt.nz).

 

There are opportunities for retail salespeople throughout New Zealand, although Auckland, Waikato, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago have more opportunities than rural areas. These five  regions account for 72% of the country's retail outlets.