The retail sector in Quebec: a major source of jobs

Nearly 34 000 establishments and approximately 245 500 employees represent the twenty retail sub-sectors in Quebec, excluding the food sector and automobile dealerships. They are all instrumental in making retail trade a dynamic and diversified economic activity and an indispensable part of daily life. The retail sector employs more workers than any other industry sector, province-wide.

The sector's production has increased by 40% since 1997, for an average annual growth of 5%.

The retail sector represents all retail outlets (physical locations, such as places of business or stores) whose main activity is the sale to the public of merchandise and related services, for household consumption.

Since 1987, the number of retail jobs has increased by an average of 1.2% per year, which is similar to the overall employment growth rate in Quebec. According to Emploi-Québec forecasts, retail employment growth should exceed the Quebec average in the coming years, with an expected average annual increase of 1.8%.

From 1999 to 2004, the trade sector alone was the source of more than 99 200 new jobs in the service sector, which put it ahead of professional, scientific and technical services (23 800). Only the health care and social assistance sector created more new jobs (109 100).

In 2005, average weekly earnings in the retail sector were $470.52.