Shop assistant, groceries

What does a store assistant in grocery retail do today? – Tasks and work environment

A store assistant in grocery retail is responsible for providing customer service, operating cash registers, and stocking shelves. Tasks also include receiving deliveries, pricing products, maintaining store order, and sometimes assisting with light warehouse work. Customer contact is central, requiring good communication skills and the ability to solve problems quickly. The work environment is often fast-paced and may involve early mornings and evening shifts, especially during weekends and holidays. Physical activity is common, with heavy lifting and many steps per day being typical.

Salary development over time

Store assistants in grocery retail have seen a gradual positive salary development in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,800 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 32 200, representing a growth of approximately 4.5%. In 2024, the average salary continued upward and reached 33 500, a further increase of about 4% from the previous year. This development partly reflects increased focus on employment conditions and competition for labor in retail, along with inflation and annual adjustments in collective agreements impacting salary levels. Despite this growth, disparities between regions and between men and women remain noticeable, and salary development has mainly followed the general trend for retail occupations.

Store assistant in grocery retail salary – full overview

• Average salary: 33 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 32,100 SEK/month (female, regional sector, high school education, up to 2 years)
• Highest salary: 37,900 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, post-secondary education of 3 years or more)
• Highest salary for women: 36,800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary for men: 32,500 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 201 SEK
• Men: 34 300 SEK/month
• Women: 33 100 SEK/month
• Women earn: 96% of what men do

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a store assistant in grocery retail is often straightforward and accessible to many. Formal educational requirements are rarely necessary, but high school education in commerce and service is advantageous and increases employment opportunities. Many employers value work experience, customer service skills, and the ability to work efficiently in teams. Internships during studies and introductory programs are common ways to quickly enter the profession.

• High school education: Business and Administration program (3 years) recommended
• Internship: Common and often appreciated by employers
• No formal requirements: Many employers hire without educational prerequisites
• On-the-job training: Introduction and training take place at the workplace
• Service orientation: Experience from customer interaction is an advantage

Common benefits and compensations

Store assistants in grocery retail are often covered by collective agreements, which entitle them to overtime pay, holiday pay, occupational pension, and staff discounts. Many employers also offer staff discounts, wellness contributions, and sometimes bonuses linked to store sales performance. The scope of benefits varies between employers and regions, but fundamental employment conditions are generally good thanks to strong industry agreements.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for store assistants in grocery retail is characterized by high competition and a surplus of applicants. According to the Employment Service’s forecast for 2024, job opportunities nationwide are limited, with demand expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. However, regional differences exist, and some stores may have greater staffing needs, especially during peak seasons. Challenges in the profession include irregular working hours, physically demanding tasks, and high service requirements even during stressful periods. Digitalization and self-service solutions also impact the demand for traditional store assistants.

Tips for those wanting to become a store assistant in grocery retail

To succeed as a store assistant in grocery retail, it’s good to be flexible and prepared for varying working hours, including evenings and weekends. A strong service attitude is crucial, as customer interactions often determine the store’s reputation and sales. Being meticulous and organized facilitates restocking and handling cash systems. Teamwork skills are highly valuable since the work is often team-based and fast-paced. Initiative and willingness to take responsibility help solve problems quickly and create a smooth workday. Showing engagement and being helpful to both customers and colleagues often opens opportunities for advancement within the company. Finally, employers appreciate reliability and loyalty, especially in a profession with high staff turnover.

Key facts about Store Assistant in Grocery Retail

• Educational requirements: High school education recommended but not mandatory
• Work environment: Fast-paced store environment with customer contact
• Working hours: Shift work including evenings and weekends
• Demand: Limited opportunities, surplus of labor
• Job openings: About 550 nationwide (May 2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience as a store assistant in grocery retail, there may be opportunities to advance to roles such as department manager, team leader, or store manager. Some choose to specialize in areas like fresh produce, cashier management, or logistics. According to the Employment Service’s forecast (2024), the job market remains competitive with a surplus of applicants and limited opportunities nationwide. Over the next five years, demand is expected to stay unchanged, but developments within retail and digitalization could change the profession’s content and create new career paths for driven individuals eager to develop further.

Frequently asked questions about Store Assistant in Grocery Retail

• What does a Store Assistant in Grocery Retail earn?
  - The average salary is 33 500 SEK/month, with variation depending on experience, gender, and employer.
• How has the salary development for store assistants in grocery retail evolved?
  - Salaries have increased from 30,800 SEK in 2022 to 33 500 SEK in 2024, which is approximately a 9% increase over three years.
• What education is required to become a store assistant in grocery retail?
  - High school education in commerce is recommended but not mandatory; internal training is common.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 96% of what men do within the profession.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The Employment Service estimates limited job opportunities, with demand expected to remain unchanged over five years.
• What benefits are usually included?
  - Common benefits include overtime allowances, holiday pay, occupational pension, and staff discounts.
• How many job openings are there in the profession?
  - Approximately 550 positions nationwide (May 2024).