Ontario's Job Market Sees Influx of Part-Time Opportunities in Retail and Merchandising
Niagara Falls, ON – July 5, 2025 – The Ontario job market is currently showcasing a robust trend towards part-time employment, particularly within the retail and merchandising sectors. Major global and national brands, from the iconic Carlsberg Group to everyday staples like Coca-Cola, Conagra Brands, and Dr. Oetker, are actively seeking individuals to fill various sales and merchandising roles across the province. This surge in flexible work arrangements presents a compelling opportunity for job seekers looking for supplemental income, career entry points, or a flexible work-life balance.
According to recent reports from the Ontario government for the first quarter of 2025, part-time employment has seen a significant increase of 5.4% year-over-year, contributing to an overall employment gain of 2.1%. This growth is especially pronounced in service-producing industries, including sales and service occupations, which experienced a 3.6% increase. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and other major regions like Eastern, Central, and Northern Ontario are experiencing notable job growth, indicating a province-wide demand for these roles.
A prominent player in the current hiring landscape is the Carlsberg Group, a globally recognized brewery. They are actively recruiting for numerous Retail Sales Representative positions across key Ontario locations, including Mississauga/Oakville (with two openings), Toronto (three openings), Hamilton, Niagara Falls, Etobicoke, and Scarborough. These part-time contract roles involve representing Carlsberg's iconic beer brands by selling and merchandising them in convenience stores, gas stations, and select retail outlets. This offers a dynamic environment for individuals who enjoy working independently, engaging with retailers, and contributing to brand visibility. While contract positions typically offer less in the way of benefits compared to permanent roles, they provide valuable experience and flexibility, often ranging from 4-10 hours per week for part-time, with some roles indicating a summer contract extending until September 8th.
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Beyond the beverage industry, opportunities are also expanding in the broader consumer packaged goods (CPG) and agricultural sectors. FOODLAND ONTARIO is seeking a Merchandising Specialist in Oshawa for a part-time permanent position. This role is crucial for promoting fresh Ontario produce and agricultural foods by developing relationships with grocers and implementing effective merchandising strategies. This highlights a growing emphasis on local food promotion and the vital role of in-store visual appeal in driving consumer choices.
The ubiquitous Coca-Cola is also on the lookout for a Part-Time Audit Representative in Owen Sound, a permanent part-time role. This position entails representing the tier-one beverage company by conducting audits on their products across various retail channels. This type of role is essential for maintaining product availability, quality control, and adherence to company standards within the retail environment.
Furthermore, Encore Market Engagement is actively recruiting Part Time Merchandisers for a global beverage company in Ottawa. This contract position, specifically for the summer season from late June to September 8th, underscores the seasonal nature of some merchandising roles, often aligning with peak consumer activity. Merchandisers are pivotal in ensuring optimal product placement, inventory management, and promotional execution within retail spaces.
The CPG sector's demand extends to food brands as well. Conagra Brands, another tier-one company with a rich heritage in making food, is hiring a Sales and Merchandising Representative in Kingston. This part-time permanent role involves selling and merchandising Conagra's iconic brands within grocery stores and mass retail channels. Similarly, Dr. Oetker, known for its diverse range of food products, is seeking a Sales and Merchandising Representative in Ottawa for a part-time contract position, focusing on selling and merchandising their brands in grocery stores. These roles offer direct exposure to consumer behaviour and the intricacies of retail sales.
While the majority of current openings lean towards part-time and contract work in sales and merchandising, there's also a full-time permanent opportunity for a Web Programmer at a Head Office in Oakville. This role signifies the ongoing need for skilled technical professionals within companies to support their digital infrastructure, troubleshoot systems, and develop database-driven software applications. This highlights the diverse skill sets required to support even consumer-facing businesses.
Overall, the current job landscape in Ontario presents a dynamic environment, particularly for those interested in the retail and consumer goods sectors. The prevalence of part-time and contract roles offers flexibility and opportunities for a wide range of candidates, from students and recent graduates to individuals seeking supplementary income or a phased re-entry into the workforce. With major brands actively seeking talent, now is an opportune time for job seekers to explore these varied and accessible roles across the province.
