This paper examines two major issues: historical trends in retailing, and comparative retailing trends between Canada and the USA. The data suggest that over the past 60 years retail wages have fallen dramatically, the number of retail outlets per capita has decreased, moderate-sized retail establishments have experienced the greatest growth, and chain stores have increased in sales and numbers at the expense of independent retailers. Compared with the USA, Canada's retailing sector is growing faster, employs a smaller percentage of the workforce at slightly higher wages, and consists of a higher proportion of independent retailers, in terms of sales and number of outlets.