What industries will hire the most retail workers in 2025?

What single industry do you believe will experience the most significant increase in demand for retail workers in 2025? As industries continue to evolve, the demand for retail workers is constantly shifting and certain sectors are poised for remarkable growth.

We asked 17 CEOs and founders to share their predictions. The first insight comes from a CEO emphasizing the sustainable consumer goods Industry, while the final insight highlights the convenience stores sector. Their opinions vary and some of them may not be terribly intuitive to many of our readers.

• Sustainable Consumer Goods Industry
• Home Improvement and Furnishings
• Small Businesses
• Wellness-Focused Retail
• Pharmaceuticals Industry
• Experiential Retail
• Beauty and Personal Care
• Localized Community-Driven Retail
• Grocery and Convenience Stores
• Athleisure Sector
• Fashion Industry
• Grocery Retail Industry
• Home Improvement and DIY Retail
• Fast Fashion and Inexpensive Retail Chains
• Healthcare
• Pet Store Business
• Convenience Stores

Sustainable Consumer Goods Industry

I’ve been deeply involved in the e-commerce landscape, particularly in the field of ethical and sustainable merchandising. Based on my experience, I anticipate that the sustainable consumer goods industry will see a significant increase in demand for retail workers by 2025. Our company’s focus on eco-friendly products has shown a consistent rise in interest, as businesses and consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability.

For instance, we’ve seen a growing demand for branded merchandise that is not just of high quality but also environmentally friendly. The shift towards sustainable business practices is not just a trend but a transformative change across industries. This is evidenced by our collaborations with major brands like Amazon and TikTok, which are also seeking sustainable solutions.

Moreover, the emphasis on personalization and customization in retail—something we’ve capitalized on with our customizable merch packs—suggests that retail workers skilled in personalized customer service will be in high demand. Personalized, eco-conscious retail goods provide a unique value proposition that aligns with consumer expectations, driving the need for knowledgeable and engaged retail workers.

Ben Read, CEO, Mercha

Home Improvement and Furnishings

By 2025, I believe the home improvement and furnishings industry will significantly increase demand for retail workers. With people spending more time at home, either working remotely or prioritizing personal spaces, the focus on creating comfortable, functional environments is only growing. As an entrepreneur in furniture e-commerce, I’ve already noticed this trend picking up.

Customers are looking for guidance to make informed in-store or online purchases. This need creates opportunities for retail workers who can offer expertise, excellent customer service, and seamless omnichannel support.

For businesses like mine, this means training staff who understand product functionality and customer behavior. Retail workers must bridge the gap between traditional retail and digital-first experiences, making their roles pivotal in the evolving shopping landscape. This shift blends human connection with technology, creating exciting possibilities for the industry.

Chris Putrimas, CEO, Teak Warehouse

Small Businesses

In my opinion, small businesses will fuel 2025 demand for retail employees, particularly in relation to delivering high-touch, individualized customer experiences. As consumers start paying attention to original, local, artisanal goods, small businesses have the potential to survive in ways that larger, more broad-based retailers can never quite do. This will open the door for retail workers to play a role in building relationships, giving personal service, and building loyalty in a way that large operations are not capable of. Localized knowledge and direct-to-consumer interaction can become major growth catalysts in small businesses like ours, which of course will need more specialist, customer-focused staff.

Jay Soni, Founder and Director of Sales and Marketing, Yorkshire Fabric Shop

Wellness-Focused Retail

Hands down, everything that has to do with wellness-focused retail. Everyone’s prioritizing health these days, and retailers are responding by stocking up on wellness products. This encompasses everything from clean beauty to health supplements—there’s a ton of demand. As more stores start focusing on this niche, they’ll need workers who understand the products and can connect with customers on that level. Retailers like Sephora and Ulta are already expanding their ranges to include more wellness items. It’s all about being a destination for those health-conscious shoppers. 

There’s also this huge rise of experiential retail, where customers engage with products in a meaningful way. People want guidance and expertise when they’re making purchases related to their health and well-being. So, there’s going to be a real need for staff who can connect with consumers on that level.

Gary Gray, CEO, CouponChief.com

Pharmaceuticals Industry

For me, the pharmaceutical industry will see the biggest increase in demand for retail workers in 2025. The global pharmaceutical market is projected to reach over $1.5 trillion by 2025, driven by factors like aging populations, the rise of chronic conditions, and expanding access to healthcare in developing regions. With more people requiring medications and healthcare products, retail pharmacies will need more staff to manage the growing customer base, ensure proper dispensing of medications, and provide advice on over-the-counter products. This growth will create a significant need for skilled retail workers who can handle these demands efficiently while maintaining a high standard of service.

Shaun Bettman, Chief Executive Officer, Eden Emerald Mortgages

Experiential Retail

By 2025, experiential retail will rule. Consumers will be looking for unique experiences while they shop rather than transactional encounters. For example, this trend needs workers who can merge customer service with event hosting, product demonstrations, and immersive experiences. Using this as an instance, retail stores that provide experiences in Virtual Reality, workshops, or live exhibitions would require employees who are knowledgeable in organizing these events. Data from employees will also contribute significantly to building a personalized shopping experience, keeping customers engaged and valued. 

With brands spending money to create unforgettable moments, there will be a high demand for retail workers to deliver an impressive experience with communication and creativity. Moreover, experiential pop-ups and temporary installations will have to accommodate flexible staff with frenzy adaptability. Innovations will reshape traditional retail roles for this industry. Blending the lines between entertainment and shopping, experiential retail will create dynamic career paths for those workers who thrive on customer connection.

Becky Babb, CEO, The Last Resort

Beauty and Personal Care

The industry that I believe will see the most significant increase in demand for retail workers in 2025 is the beauty and personal care industry. This sector is projected to grow globally to over $700 billion by 2025, driven by rising consumer interest in skincare, wellness, and personalized products. Physical retail locations, such as beauty stores and specialized boutiques, will need more staff to provide personalized consultations and in-store experiences that customers value.

As new brands and innovative products enter the market, retail workers will play an important role in guiding consumers through these offerings and helping them make informed choices. The increased focus on customer service and tailored recommendations will make this industry a hub for retail job growth.

Mushfiq Sarker, Chief Executive Officer, LaGrande Marketing

Localized Community-Driven Retail

The localized community-driven retail sector will likely see a rise in demand for workers in 2025. As consumers shift towards more personalized and hyper-local shopping experiences, there will be a growing need for retail staff who can cater to the specific tastes and needs of their neighborhoods. This involves not only traditional roles but also community engagement, event coordination, and local sourcing expertise. The trend of supporting small businesses and local economies will drive this demand, with workers who can connect with their community and understand local preferences becoming highly valued.

Roman Hipp, Co-Founder, BetterContact

Grocery and Convenience Stores

In 2025, what is the industry to watch for in terms of retail worker demand? Grocery and convenience stores. As delivery options evolve, people are still craving that instant-gratification shopping experience—plus, you can’t Uber Eats a forgotten birthday card or fresh produce quite the same way. Add in trends like more upscale and specialty grocery chains, and the need for retail workers to deliver personalized, in-store experiences will skyrocket. It’s retail, but with a twist: think less “stocking shelves” and more “curating customer experiences.” Basically, the corner store is going fancy, and they’ll need the staff to match.

Justin Belmont, Founder & CEO, Prose

Athleisure Sector

By 2025, the athleisure sector will be experiencing the most explosive demand for retail workers. On the one hand, there’s a culture of wellness, and hybrid lifestyles are on the rise, combined with consumer demand for apparel with both performance and style that works for every occasion. 

To meet this demand, brands are broadening the reach of their physical footprint, which provides a number of retail employment opportunities. For example, companies like Allbirds have dramatically expanded their physical footprint while stressing sustainable store design and localized community events. To support this expansion, there will be a larger workforce needed to execute larger and enhanced customer experiences and operations.

Joe Reale, CEO, Surplus Solutions

Fashion Industry

In 2025, the demand for retail workers in the fashion industry will increase the most. As the Head of Marketing, I can see this industry changing at a rapid pace as a result of the increasing focus on sustainability, personalized shopping experiences and the integration of technology into the retail space. As more consumers look for unique, eco-friendly, and ethically sourced products, fashion retailers are expanding their footprints, physical and digital, to fulfill those demands.

In this sector, retail workers will have to be more than just sales associates; they will be brand ambassadors, knowing the origins of the product, sustainability practices, and styling expertise. 

From a marketing perspective, storytelling is important, and the transformation of shopping experiences to immersive experiences is important. To be effective, campaigns must not only show the quality and design of the product but also the values that are behind it. Workforce training will also be critical to ensure employees can provide the high-touch, personalized service consumers now expect at the same time. This will be a transformation where retail workers will be at the heart of this, driving customer loyalty and improving the brand experience in a competitive market.

Olive Austin, Head of Marketing, Vugstyle

Grocery Retail Industry

The grocery retail industry is going to see the highest growth in demand for retail workers by 2025. This is attributed to the fact that the world is shifting towards online grocery shopping, which is estimated to reach $334 billion globally, accounting for 5.2% of total retail sales. With consumers increasingly preferring to order groceries online, retailers are expanding their workforce to meet this demand. This also includes more staff to run these advanced technologies, such as AI and automation, effectively and provide a seamless shopping experience. The focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing will also necessitate skilled workers who can navigate these evolving consumer preferences. In general, the grocery sector’s transformation toward digital and sustainable practices will create a lot of jobs in retail.

Sheraz Ali, Founder & CEO, HARO Links Builder

Home Improvement and DIY Retail

In 2025, the home improvement and DIY retail industry is poised to see the most significant increase in demand for retail workers. As more homeowners invest in upgrading their living spaces driven by trends in remote work and the desire for personalized home environments, stores specializing in tools, materials, and home improvement products will need more staff to assist customers.

The surge in home renovations and landscaping projects means knowledgeable employees will be essential for guiding customers in selecting the right products, from custom cabinets to outdoor supplies. As sustainability becomes a priority, retailers will seek workers who can advise on eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient home solutions.

Integrating technology in retail, such as augmented reality apps for visualizing home projects, will create a need for tech-savvy employees who can help customers navigate these tools. With the rise of workshops and community events centered around DIY projects, engaging and skilled retail workers will play a crucial role in fostering customer loyalty and enhancing the shopping experience.

Josh Qian, COO and Co-Founder, Best Online Cabinets

Fast Fashion and Inexpensive Retail Chains

Despite the increase in competition from e-commerce, fast fashion and inexpensive retail chains will continue to flourish as they are well-positioned to deliver quick and reasonable solutions for cost-sensitive shoppers. These retailers will need workers to fill positions in stock management, customer service, and even visual merchandising. Its global appeal and low-cost affordable fashion will boost foreign sales, yielding more retail customer service jobs abroad. And retailers with high product turnover, like Zara and H&M, will hire big to move products and keep stores running. The sector’s rapid pace will attract those looking for interactive, fast-moving, people-facing work. Trends are changing very quickly, and retail people in this area have to be very flexible and efficient. This requirement will maintain steady growth in employment positions.

Saralyn Cohen, CEO, Able To Change Recovery

Healthcare

A big change is happening in healthcare, and it is opening up tons of retail jobs.

As our population ages and personalized health services grow, healthcare is changing. Traditional clinics can’t meet the demand, so care is moving to easier, more convenient places for everyone.

Retail health clinics, pharmacy services, and wellness centers are the new frontline of healthcare. Think CVS MinuteClinics, Walgreens health stations, or Target’s health spaces. These are not just clinics; they are convenient, tech-smart health hubs for busy people.

Retail workers will train to become health guides, wellness helpers, and tech support for customers. They will help with telehealth bookings, explain health products, manage digital records, and do basic screenings. This mix of service and health skills will make them essential.

By 2025, this isn’t just a trend—it is a big change in how healthcare connects with people, right in their local stores.

Farrukh Muzaffar, CMO | Co-Founder | Business Strategist, Sustainability Jobs

Pet Store Business

I believe that the pet store business will have the most job openings in 2025. Pets are becoming more and more like family to many people, especially younger people. Because of this, there is a huge need for specific goods and services. There are businesses that sell gourmet pet food, unique pet accessories, and even health products made just for dogs. I help businesses improve their plans better, and I’ve seen how these trends push brands to grow their stores and online businesses. Of course, this means they need more people who have worked in these areas before.

For me, it’s always interesting to think about how this kind of work is affected by how we feel and what we value. We clearly give a lot of thought to the things that keep us safe and happy. To reach these goals, business needs to change. This is a fun trend that I love to look into for work.

Filip Dimitrijevski, Business Development Manager, CLICKVISION BPO

Convenience Stores

Urbanization and busy lifestyles will continue to increase demand for convenience stores, making them a growing trend. There will need to be workers managing inventory, restocking the shelves, and providing stellar customer service in a high-turnover environment. Also, with more technology being integrated into many sectors (like cashierless and app-based payment systems) there will be a greater need to have people oversee these innovations and ensure they are working properly. 

Convenience stores that provide additional services, like fresh food or prepared meals, will need to hire more specialized employees to satisfy their customers. The expansion in the sector will also be fueled by the growth of urban 24/7 stores that need more employees for multiple shifts. This creates jobs with stability and flexibility, a compelling combination for retail workers. For as long as convenience remains superior, this area will remain a key generator of retail employment.

Sean Smith, CEO & ex-Head of HR, Alpas Wellness