Retail Career Guide

Retail is a dynamic industry where students and grads from a variety of backgrounds can hatch a successful career. Use this guide to learn more about the industry, or to learn how to hatch a student or entry-level Retail job.

Considering a career in Retail?

Retail is a dynamic industry for students and grads interested in hatching a fast-paced, exciting career. The industry encompasses many different sectors, so there are many career options available to accommodate any personality or disposition. With numerous career paths, this is a great industry to hatch and grow your career in.

Key skills:

  • Personable
  • Team-oriented
  • Effective communication
  • Relationship building skills
Average Starting Salaries: Retail
Pro Tip
"Students make the mistake of thinking that retail is a stepping stone. They don’t think about it as a business operation…. they need to think macro – what happens beyond those 4 walls.”

Resources

A Day in the Life of a Merchandise Assistant

TJX Canada is known for its retail brands (Winners, HomeSense and Marshalls) in Canada, but with all of that product, have you ever wondered who’s supporting the process? Merchandise Assistants at TJX Canada are an integral part of the merchandising operat...
Always Growing at TJX Canada

TJX Canada knows, recognizes and pays special attention to people and culture – driving forces of the success of any business. This concentration on building a team, developing talent and encouraging a positive and inclusive culture translates across vario...
One year later with Jennifer: 2017 DARE Alumni

At TalentEgg we know how much a career path means to young professionals hatching their careers, so we love checking in to see how the best and brightest stretch their wings and soar to the next level. TalentEgg interviewed Jennifer Van Der Wee one year ag...
Retail Week: Your Guide To Landing A Job In E-commerce

Thinking about applying for a job in e-commerce? Don't know what e-commerce is? You'll want to read this!
Retail Week: Become A Better Retail Manager With 5 Simple Steps

Are you an effective retail manager? Why not find out!

Retail Week: The Weirdest Interview Questions in Retail... And How To Answer Them

Turn awkward to awesome with these interview tips!
Retail Week: Can I Advance From My Role As A Sales Associate?

Did you know there are many opportunities for advancement from the role of a sales associate? Read on to learn more!
The 5 Major Skills You Gain in Customer Service Positions

Take a look at five transferable skills you gain when you work in the Retail industry. Be sure to include them on your resume!
5 Things I’ve Learned From My Career In Retail

If you have worked in Retail, chances are you've learned these five essential lessons. See how your Retail experience can give you transferable skills.

How To Effectively Promote Your Retail Skills In An Interview

If you've ever worked in Retail, you have gained plenty of transferable skills. Read about the best ways to position your Retail work experience in a job interview.
4 Misconceptions About Working In Retail

There are a few common misconceptions about careers in the Retail industry. Here's how to prove them wrong and why Retail is a promising industry in which to hatch your career.
Average Starting Salaries: Retail Edition 2016

To kick off Retail Week on TalentEgg, we've compiled an Average Starting Salaries Guide for careers in Retail. Take a look at professions in this profitable industry!
Career Growth At TJX Canada: What New Grads Can Expect

There's no such thing as a "plateau job" at TJX Canada! Find out how this company invests in their employees' growth and development.
Managing Expectations: A Manager Shares Advice & Insights With Students & Grads

TJX Manager Jennifer Patel shares her expectations for young professionals, and how they can go above and beyond in their roles.
Amazing Workplaces: Take A Tour Of TJX Canada’s New Home Office

We're featuring TJX Canada's home office. Discover the perks and the benefits that await you at this amazing company!
The Top 5 Reasons To Start A Retail Career At TJX Canada

Need a reason to begin your career with TJX Canada? We have 5 – read on!
Above And Beyond: How Three Management Trainees Launched Their Careers With Enterprise

Christopher, Stefania, and Christina all work in management at Enterprise Rent-A-Car – find out how they got their start as new grads in the Management Trainee program, and how they achieved career success!
4 Challenges You'll Face In Your Retail Career (And How To Overcome Them)

Every industry has own rewards and challenges. Retail is no different, but some of its challenges are unique to its particular flavour of customer service.
Finding A Role That Fits At TJX Canada

Careers at TJX Canada include a broad range of opportunities!
Behind The Scenes: Training And Development At TJX Canada

Learn about TJX Canada's PASE program in this video!
5 Reasons Why Students And Grads Should Pursue A Retail Career

The world of retail is a diverse industry with a lot of room for career development, and success. Read on for our top reasons to explore a career in retail!
How To Prepare A Career-Hatching Resume For A Retail Role

Whether you're a seasoned (or seasonal) retail professional or you're brand-new on the job, half the battle of getting any job is to prepare a killer resume.
How You Can Turn Your Seasonal Retail Job Into A Full-Time Gig

Scoring that seasonal retail gig over a busy holiday season feels like a home run, but how do you turn a short-term job into a permanent position?
Setting The PASE: Training For New Grads At TJX Canada

The right training opportunities can make all the difference when you’re starting out in a new role.
A Recent Grad Success Story At TJX Canada

“There are so many opportunities in TJX – it’s an amazing place to begin your career,” says Laura.
An Insider Look At Bell's Retail Careers With A Bell Retail Manager

Mais Ganab didn’t know that her part-time job at Bell would turn out to be the first step in a career.
Start Your Career With Bell As A Retail Associate: Tips From A Recruiter

According to Bell Recruitment Specialist Devon Blower, a retail career at Bell has serious long-term growth potential.

Tips And Advice From A TJX Canada Recruiter

When Christina Stathakos finished her BA with a certificate in Human Resources at York University, she took her passion for learning into the workforce. “For me, learning and growing was at the top of my list,” she says. “I wanted to start off with an o...
A Day In The Life Of A Recent Grad Operations Supervisor At TJX Canada

For Norbert Omoro, deciding to start a career with TJX Canada was easy: it took one conversation with a current team member.
Start In Retail And Brew A Unique Career At Starbucks Coffee Canada

When Mandy Utton applied to Starbucks eight years ago while in high school, she didn’t realize she was starting a career.
Who To Follow On Twitter: Retail Edition 2014

Retail Twitter accounts that you should follow to stay in the know!
Meet Brody: Student Turned Retail Entrepreneur

Brody Hatch started his own retail brand of clothing and accessories: Nude Voice Apparel. Explore his story.
6 Words To Add To Your Retail Lingo Dictionary

If you’re about to start your first position in the retail industry, you’ve already started or you’re just looking to study up, get reading.
5 Careers Your Retail Position Can Help You Hatch

The skills you learn in your retail job could lead you to a career in various industries. Find out how!
4 Tips To Crack The Sales Quota

Check out our tips to beat the pressure of making a sales quota at your retail job!
Serving Up Opportunities: Making Your Retail Career Work For Your Future

Front-line retail experience can lead to a variety of exciting positions and skill development in the retail industry.

How To Ace A Group Interview, Big Or Small

The group interview doesn't need to feel scary! Follow our tips and tricks to find out how to handle them and how you can stand out.
How I Got A Job In Retail Without Any Product Knowledge

Asked to sell my prospective boss a camera, I started off by saying, “Well...this one is pink.”

5 Ways To Handle A Tough Customer Service Situation

The customer is always right, but when they aren't follow these 5 tips to help navigate a sticky retail situation.

How Social Media Is Revamping Retail Real Estate Online

For retail, social media has changed the game. The customer is no longer a faceless buyer, but an active member of a brand’s business.
The Future Of Retail: Ryerson Grad Enters A Career In eCommerce

Ryerson Retail Management grad John Panighel is developing a career in eCommerce as a Digital Merchandising Specialist.
Behind The Keyboard With A Retail Social Media Manager

Humber College PR grad Patrick Tackney started with a retail clothing company in-store and worked his way up to Social Media Manager.
#TEretail Retail Week Twitter Chat Highlights

Check out the highlights from TalentEgg's #TEretail Retail Week Twitter chat.
A Career In Retail Is Child's Play For This Schulich BBA Grad

Jennifer Wallace gets to play with toys and think like a kid on most days. But it’s hard work.
In Fashion: 3 Recent Grads On Hatching Their Careers With Reitmans

Behind the scenes with three recent graduates who have started their retail careers with Reitmans.
Sheridan College Co-op Student Continues Her Career With TJX Canada

Kiran Choong completed two co-op work terms with TJX Canada and was hired into a contract position with the company after graduating.
Business Technology Grad Goes From Barista To Supply Chain Operations With Starbucks

Chris Barber started as a student Barista and moved into Supply Chain Operations after graduating with a business technology degree.
Ryerson Retail Grad Progresses From Analyst To Buyer With TJX Canada

Retail Management grad Daniel Vezer started with TJX Canada as an Allocation Analyst and worked his way up to Buyer within just a few years.
How To Ace Your Job Interview For A Head Office Position

Are you looking to take your part-time retail experience to the next level by joining the company’s head office?
How To Sell Your Retail Job Experience On Your Resume

If you ever feel like your part-time retail experience won't impress a potential employer, chances are you're missing a huge opportunity.
6 Performance Metrics That Matter In Retail Jobs

The numbers on your pay cheque aren’t the only ones that matter if you work in the retail industry.
5 Easy Ways To Up-Sell At Your Retail Job Without Being Pushy

Get a few more dollars out of your customers and boost your performance metrics by following these five up-selling tips for retail jobs.
Average Annual Entry Level And Early Career Salaries For Retail Jobs

Here is a look at some of the average starting salaries in entry level and early career retail jobs across Canada.
Office Hours: Learn About Careers In Retail Pharmacy With Rexall

Rexall's Director of Talent Acquisition joined us for Office Hours on November 29, 2012 to answer questions about hatching careers at Rexall and in the retail pharmacy industry.
Use Seasonal Employment To Jump Start Your Career

Employers everywhere are preparing for the holiday rush and they need all the help they can get.

Behind The Scenes With A Rexall Executive And 2 Recent Grad Employees

Rexall's Executive Vice President of Operations chats with two recent grads who have hatched their careers at Rexall's home office in Mississauga.
Behind The Scenes With A Recent Grad Pharmacist At Rexall

Rexall executive Paul Dale takes TalentEgg behind the scenes with Lily Goldsmith, a new grad pharmacist who has hatched her career with Rexall.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Part-Time Job

How can you get the greatest return from what may often feel like a seemingly aimless time investment?
Office Hours: Learn About Pharmacy, Retail Management And Corporate Careers With Rexall

Rexall's Director of Talent Acquisition answered students’ questions regarding the company's career opportunities.
A Sales Job With A Twist: P&G's Customer Business Development Careers

How recent Queen's University commerce grad Jane Traversy hatched her career in sales with Procter & Gamble.
Fill Your Pharmacy Career Goals In Rexall's Pharmacy Intern Program

Recruiter Katie Lockington on everything you need to know about Rexall's Pharmacy Intern Program.
5 Important Transferable Skills You Gain In Retail Jobs

Working in retail allows you to gain some amazing experience and highly transferable skills that are valuable in any sector.
My View From The Other Side Of The Counter: Funny Food Service Job Mishaps

I made banana splits behind the Dairy Queen counter on and off for seven years.
A Day In The Life Of An Entry Level Field Sales Representative At TTi

University of Alberta grad Amanda March shares what a typical day as a Field Sales Rep at TTi is like.
Industrial Technology Grad Hatches Sales Career With Home Improvement Leader TTi

Industrial Technology grad Patrick Shum's perfect entry level job involves working with both technology and people – a unique mix he found with TTi.
Summer Job Blunders: Shoe Store Slip-Up

One of my most embarrassing moments while working at a discount shoe store in my hometown the summer after my first year of university.
From Cosmetology To Psychology: Connecting The Career Dots

A U of T Psychology student sees working as a drug store Cosmetologist as an opportunity to develop skills for her future career.
Behind The Scenes With A Starbucks Coffee Canada Store Manager

Ryerson University Bachelor of Commerce graduate Sara Lang is the Store Manager at the unique Starbucks Britnell Books Reserve store in Toronto.
Retail Certifications And Designations

There are a number of designations and certifications that students and recent graduates should think about as they pursue careers in the retail industry.
Retail Career Tips From A Buyer In The Apparel Industry

Jennifer Goliss is the Director of Marketing of the Ryerson Retail Alumni Association, an Assistant Buyer at a leading apparel retailer.
Who To Follow On Twitter: Retail Edition (Updated For 2013)

Join the conversation with Canadian retail employers on Twitter! #TEretail
A Long-Term Look At Salary Ranges For Careers In Retail

The average long-term salary ranges for some common jobs in the retail industry.
Post-Graduate And Continuing Education Options In Retail

Many schools offer post-graduate programs or continuing education courses related to the business of retail.
At Starbucks, In-Store Retail Experience Can Help You Get A Career At Head Office

Michelle Blom started as a part-time Barista and quickly worked her way up to National Recruitment Coordinator at Starbucks Coffee Canada's head office.
Future CGA Starts Her Accounting Career With Retail Pharmacy Leader Rexall

Finance Labour Analyst Svetlana Correa helps Rexall stay competitive in the retail pharmacy market.
Waterloo Pharmacy Co-op Student Loves Retail, Returns To Rexall After Graduation

Staff Pharmacist Ashley Kelly completed co-op terms at community and hospital pharmacies but always knew she would return to retail pharmacy with Rexall.
Schulich MBA Grad Finds A Meaningful Business Career At Rexall

Schulich MBA grad Shawn Rodricks found his dream job as a Senior Business Analyst in the Corporate Operations department at Rexall.
An Exclusive Look Inside The Loblaw Recruitment Process

An inside look at Loblaw's recruitment process from both the grad and recruitment perspective, including tips for how to succeed!
Business Grads Find Their Careers At Loblaw In Food And Finance

Behind the scenes with Loblaw new grads Financial Analyst Kaniz Urmi and Associate Merchant Lei Tao.
Queen's Commerce Grad Jumped Right Into Associate Merchant Role At Loblaw After Graduation

Unlike the other Loblaw Companies Limited employees we've featured during our Focus on Retail this week, Queen's commerce grad Suhaila Agnew started her career at Loblaw directly as an entry level Associate Merchant, not in the grad@Loblaw program.
UWO Grad Training To Become A Merchandise Expert In The grad@Loblaw Program

UWO Management and Organizational Studies grad Carly Harris is two months into the merchandising rotation of the grad@Loblaw program at Loblaw Companies Limited's head office in Brampton, Ont., where she’s working with the pork and sausage team in the meat and seafood department.
Ryerson B.Comm. Grad Became A Senior Financial Analyst In A Year Through grad@Loblaw Program

Paul Sudarsan graduated from Ryerson University’s Ted Rogers School of Management in April 2009 with a Bachelor of Commerce and, from there, he jumped right into the grad@Loblaw program.
Learn Why Loblaw Is A Great Place To Start Your Career

Learn about the grad@Loblaw program and other entry level opportunities at Loblaw Companies Limited from three recent grads who chose to start their careers at Loblaw.
RW&CO. Regional Sales Manager Says Passion Is Key To A Successful Career In Retail

RW&CO. Regional Sales Manager Pina Pileggi says one of the best things about a career in the retail industry is that there are so many different avenues to take.
RW&CO. Regional Sales Manager Started Her Retail Career As A Part-Time Sales Associate

RW&CO. Regional Sales Manager Pina Pileggi worked part-time in a clothing store while she was in school and worked her way up the retail ladder, from part-time Sales Associate, to full-time Sales Associate, to Store Manager, to District Manager, and now Regional Manager.
From Customer Facing To Corporate: The Career Path Of A Rising Retail Star At Starbucks

Amy Hamdorff started her career in retail like many others when they're teenagers: in a customer-facing role at a large fast food company. Today, Amy is a Recruiter at Starbucks in Vancouver, where it's her job to find new people to work in various roles across the country.
Humber Grad Starts His Career As An Electronics Expert At The Source

Anshul Sahni, a recent graduate of the wireless telecommunications certificate program at Humber College in Toronto, started his career with The Source last fall as a Sales Associate.
Enterprise Management Trainee Intern Says She's Learning How To Run A Business

Since June 2010, fifth-year University of Toronto employment relations student Briar Rodgers has worked as a Management Trainee Intern at a downtown Toronto Enterprise location. Between attending classes and pulling shifts at her branch, she took some time to tell us about her experience as an intern at Enterprise.
Ryerson Grad Saves Women From Their “Beloved Damn Heels” One Pair Of Flats At A Time

Launched late last year, Damn Heels offers stylish, fold-up black flats that come in a sleek reusable bag designed to hold your high heels.
Ivey Business Student Beats The Heat With His Own Ice Cream Shops

Before Greig Perantinos was 20, he opened his first Cool Moose Creamery store in Tottenham, Ont. Since then he has expanded his business to neighbouring Alliston and will be opening a new store this year in Cookstown.
How To Fill Out Online Applications For Retail Jobs

Recruiting managers from Starbucks, Reitmans and Enterprise discuss how to fill out online applications at Ryerson University's Ted Rogers School of Management.
Top Retail Employers Discuss How You Can Stand Out In An Interview

The last of the last Focus on Retail videos! Recruiting managers from Reitmans, Enterprise and Starbucks discuss the advantage of tailored resumés and how one candidate stood out to a manager before the interview even began!
Does Your Online Presence Make You More Or Less Employable In Retail?

In the second video from our employer seminar at Ryerson on Mar. 24, 2010, recruiting managers from Starbucks, Enterprise and Reitmans discuss how they view the online presence of a potential employee when hiring.
Student And Entry Level Jobs At Starbucks, Enterprise and Reitmans

TalentEgg hosted a seminar at Ryerson University's Ted Rogers School of Management on Mar. 24, 2010, to give first-year retail management students the opportunity to interact with recruiting managers from Starbucks, Reitmans and Enterprise.
Retail Career Tips From Reitmans' Sales And Operations Directors

Gary Pauls, Director of Sales and Operations for Reitmans, and Maria Corsino, Director of Sales and Operations for Penningtons and Addition Elle, explain why students and new grads should consider starting their retail careers with Reitmans.
The Dos And Don’ts Of The Summer Job Search

Kirsti Stubbs, a recruiter at Starbucks Coffee Canada, shares some strategic advice to help job-seeking students land not just a summer job, but a position that will set them on their way towards reaching their future career goals.
McMaster Alumnus And Student Services Director Started Her Career In Retail

"Don't be afraid to get on the floor because that's where you learn about the business...and gain some really valuable skills," says Gina Robinson, a McMaster University alumnus who is now the Director of Student Services there.
A Career In Retail Is The Perfect Fit For Students With A Passion For Fashion

The retail industry scoops up plenty of fashion fanatics for their head offices. With the right combination of retail experience, in-demand skills and ambition, you could have your stylish foot in the door sooner than you think!
Top 6 Retail Career Paths

Depending on your interests, there are positions within the retail industry for students and recent grads in everything from fashion to business to marketing to interior decorating (store design) to industrial engineering (manufacturing) and more!
How To Impress A Retail Recruiting Manager In A Job Interview

June Doyle-MacLean, Manager of National Field Recruiting at Reitmans (Canada) Ltd., told us what she likes to see from potential employees before and during the interview process for meaningful roles in the retail industry.
Retail Has Jobs For Everyone, Not Just Retail Management Graduates

Everybody thinks that retail is just working in a store as a sales associate, but that isn't necessarily true—the retail industry offers a wide range of careers and there is a ton of work that goes on "behind the scenes" in various departments across the country and worldwide.
Find Out What A Career In Retail Is Really Like From This Retail Management Grad

Tristan is a recent grad from Ryerson University's retail management program who is now working with Discount Car and Truck Rentals. He sometimes works behind the counter, but he's also getting experience at head office and in different departments, such as sales and marketing.
What Should Students And Recent Grads Look For In A Retail Employer?

In terms of what prospective retail industry employees must bring to the table, Aaron stressed the fact that it's not just about students' education—employers often value experience over education when hiring.
The Perks Of Starting Your Career In Retail

June Doyle-MacLean, the manager of national field recruiting at Reitmans (Canada) Ltd., has worked in retail across Canada for her entire career. June says working in the retail industry, particularly the fashion side of retail, is amazing because...
Ryerson University Retail Management Student Clears Up Misconceptions About Retail Jobs

One of the biggest misconceptions about going to school for retail management, Shannon says, is that people think you're training to become a retail store manager. While many people choose to become store managers, there are many other options.