In 2023, the sector had approximately 51.8 thousand employees. Forecasts indicate a steady decline, with employee numbers dropping from 51.1 thousand in 2024 to 48.38 thousand by 2028. The sector is expected to experience a year-on-year percentage decrease of approximately 1.35% from 2024 to 2028. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over this five-year forecast period is about -1.32%, reflecting a consistent downward trend.
Future trends to watch for include technological advancements improving operational efficiency, potentially reducing the need for manpower. Additionally, shifts towards online retail could further impact employment numbers in physical stores.
