Best Retail Jobs in Canada (Brands That Pay $20+/hr in 2026)

In the Canadian job market, "Retail" has a bad reputation.

When most people think of retail, they think of minimum wage, angry customers, and unpredictable schedules at a fast-fashion chain. This is the "Retail Trap."

But there is another side to the industry.

There are specific brands in Canada—usually in Tech, Telecom, or Luxury—where the job is not just folding clothes. It is a professional sales role. These companies understand that to sell a $2,000 iPhone or a $5,000 suit, they need high-quality staff. So, they pay for it.

In 2026, the best retail jobs in Canada don't just pay a few dollars above minimum wage; they offer Commission, Annual Bonuses, and Stock Options (RSUs) that can push your annual income to $60,000+.

If you are ready to upgrade your retail career, here are the brands that actually pay.

1. Costco Wholesale (The "Golden Handcuffs")

Role: Cashier / Stocker / Membership Desk

The Pay: $18.50 (Start) – $29.50+ (Top Rate).

• Why it wins: Costco is unique because it uses a strictly defined "Wage Scale." You get a raise every 1,040 hours worked (approx. every 6 months of full-time work).
• The "Sunday Premium": This is the secret weapon. If you work on a Sunday, you get paid Time and a Half (1.5x). If your base rate is $20, you make $30/hr on Sundays.
• The Benefits: Industry-leading health and dental that starts much faster than other chains, plus a free Executive Membership.
• The Catch: It is physically demanding (standing on concrete, lifting heavy items), and getting "Full Time" status can take 1-2 years.
• Internal Link: We covered their warehouse roles in our Warehouse Jobs Guide.

2. Apple (The Resume Builder)

Role: Specialist / Genius / Creative

The Pay: $19.00 – $26.00 per hour + Stock Grants.

• Why it wins: Apple offers Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to almost all employees (even part-timers) during their annual review. This is free Apple stock that vests over time, essentially functioning as a massive savings account.
• The Perks:
  • Discounts: You get a substantial discount on Apple products (MacBooks, iPhones) once a year.
  • Education: They reimburse tuition up to roughly $5,000/year.
• The Vibe: It is competitive. Getting hired at Apple is statistically harder than getting into Harvard. They look for "personality" over tech skills.

3. Telecom Sales (Rogers / Telus / Bell)

Role: Sales Associate (Corporate Store)

The Pay: $17.00 (Base) + Commission ($25 - $35/hr effective).

• The Secret: Do not look at the base wage. Look at the "On-Target Earnings" (OTE).
• The Hustle: You get paid for every phone activation, every internet upgrade, and every accessory you sell. A motivated salesperson in a busy mall can easily clear $1,500 – $2,500 a month in commission alone.
• Warning: Ensure you apply to a "Corporate" store, not a "Dealer" or "Authorized Retailer." Corporate stores have better benefits, higher commission structures, and union protection in some regions.

4. Lululemon (The Lifestyle Brand)

Role: Educator / Key Leader

The Pay: $19.00 – $24.00 per hour + Team Bonuses.

• Why it wins: Lululemon pays a "Living Wage" premium in many expensive cities (like Vancouver).
• The Bonus: Unlike individual commission (which can cutthroat), Lululemon uses Team Sales Goals. If the store hits its target, everyone gets a bonus on their paycheck.
• The Perks:
  • Sweat Collective: Massive discounts on gear (40-60% off).
  • Fitness: They often pay for your gym classes or yoga memberships.
• Internal Link: This fits perfectly with the Jobs for Women guide we wrote earlier.

5. Luxury Fashion (Holt Renfrew / Harry Rosen)

Role: Commission Sales Associate (Menswear/Handbags)

The Pay: $18.00 (Base) + High Commission.

• The Math: Selling a $3,000 suit is very different from selling a $30 t-shirt. Luxury associates often earn 3-5% commission on personal sales.
• The Potential: A "Top Seller" who builds a client book (wealthy customers who text you when they need clothes) can earn $80,000+ per year.
• The Requirement: You must look the part. You are expected to dress impeccably (often required to wear the brand's clothes).

6. LCBO / Cannabis Agencies (Government Retail)

Role: Customer Service Representative

The Pay: $17.50 – $28.00 per hour.

• Why it wins: It is a Unionized Government Job.
• The Progression: You start as a casual/seasonal worker. If you stick it out, you move up the pay grid. The top rate for a cashier is often over $28/hr, which is unheard of in the private sector.
• The Benefits: Access to the Public Service Pension Plan (e.g., OPSEU Pension) once you qualify.
• Internal Link: Refer to our Jobs That Hire Without a Resume guide for how to get into seasonal roles here.

7. The Big 5 Banks (TD / RBC / Scotiabank)

Role: Customer Experience Associate (Teller)

The Pay: $22.00 – $25.00 per hour.

• Why it counts as Retail: It is a storefront job dealing with customers, but it comes with "Banker's Hours" (mostly).
• The Benefits: Banks offer low-interest loans, mortgage discounts, and share purchase matching.
• The Career Path: Unlike a clothing store, this "Retail" job leads directly to Corporate Finance, Mortgage Specialist, or Branch Management roles.

Comparison Table: Base Wage vs. True Potential

Practical Questions Answered

"Is commission stressful?"

Yes.

• The Reality: In Telecom (Rogers/Bell), you have a "Quota." If you don't sell enough phones for 3 months in a row, you will be put on a "Performance Improvement Plan" (PIP) and eventually fired. High reward comes with high pressure.
• The Contrast: Costco and Apple do not have individual commission quotas, making them much lower stress.

"Is it hard to get hired at Costco?"

Extremely.

• The Strategy: Costco rarely hires "off the street" for permanent roles. They hire Seasonally in April/May (for summer) and October (for Christmas). You must accept a "Temporary" contract and work harder than everyone else to be kept on.

"Do these jobs offer full-time hours?"

Rarely at first.

• The Norm: Almost all retail starts as "Part-Time Flexible" (0-30 hours). You have to "earn" your way to Full-Time status, which can take 6-12 months. Be prepared to juggle two jobs initially.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work at Apple if I don't know tech?

Yes.

Apple famously says: "We can teach you technology; we can't teach you empathy." They hire musicians, teachers, and artists. If you are good with people, you are qualified.

Does working at a "Dealer" store pay the same?

No.

Authorized Dealers (like "Wireless Wave" or a franchise Rogers store) usually have worse benefits and lower base pay than Corporate stores. Always ask in the interview: "Is this a corporate location?"

What is the best retail job for introverts?

Costco Stocker (Morning Merch).

You start at 4:00 AM and stock the shelves before the store opens. You finish at 10:00 AM. Zero customer interaction, same high pay.

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur. He tracks real-time labour market data, government hiring trends, and entry-level opportunities to help newcomers and students navigate the Canadian job market.

Sources

• Costco Canada Careers: https://www.costco.ca/jobs.html
• Apple Retail Jobs: https://www.apple.com/careers/ca/retail.html
• Glassdoor Canada (Retail Salaries): https://www.glassdoor.ca/Salaries/retail-sales-associate-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm

Note:

Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.