The forecast for total hours worked in the Canadian retail trade sector, excluding motor vehicles and motorcycles, shows a steady increase from 2.78 billion hours in 2024 to 2.82 billion hours by 2028. This upward trend suggests a stable growth environment, reflecting a gradual year-on-year growth rate that averages approximately 0.36% over the five-year period from 2024 to 2028. In 2023, the total hours stood at 2.77 billion, indicating a consistent yet modest increase in workforce engagement in retail trade activities.
Future trends to watch for include potential influences from automation and technology integration, which may impact overall labor demand. Additionally, shifts in consumer behavior towards e-commerce could redefine workforce distribution within the sector, prompting a possible need for skill realignment and increased efficiencies.
