Retail
A dynamic and essential sector, the Retail industry spans local independents to national networks, driving jobs and daily life across Australia.
Overview
The Retail sector is one of Australia’s largest and most diverse employers, playing a vital role in the nation’s economy and in the daily lives of Australians.
Retail roles are as varied as the businesses themselves and span customer service, sales, merchandising, marketing, digital operations, supply chain management, warehousing, and logistics. While small independent retailers and franchisees often focus on personalized customer experiences and niche products, larger retail networks operate with complex systems that link physical and online sales channels, national distribution, and international supply chains.
The sector is also experiencing rapid change driven by technology, shifting consumer expectations, and global market trends. Growth in e-commerce, digital payment systems, and data-driven decision-making is reshaping how retail businesses operate and the skills they require.
2025 Workforce Plan Update
The Progress in Action: Personal Services Workforce Plan Update, 2025 builds on the insights and outcomes of our 2024 report. It identifies the next phase of projects that begin to tackle the pressing workforce challenges outlined by industry, including occupational shortages and structural barriers to training and career progression.
Data Dashboard
SaCSA works with industry, unions, training providers, and government to deliver projects that ensure Australia’s Retail workforce has the skills, adaptability, and career pathways needed to thrive. From small independent stores to national retail networks and e-commerce giants, our work keeps training aligned with industry change and customer expectations.
Training Package
SaCSA is the steward of the SIR – Retail Services Training Package, which sets the national standard for skills and knowledge across Australia’s Retail sector. This training package underpins qualifications that prepare people for a wide variety of retail careers, from frontline customer service and sales to
specialised buying, merchandising, inventory control, leadership and management roles.
SaCSA works closely with industry, unions, training providers and government to keep this training up to date, so it reflects what employers are looking for and supports strong career pathways in this vital sector.