The retail sector is poised for a hiring surge driven by ongoing and planned investments, according to industry leaders.
Retail, already the largest employment sector in Cyprus, accounting for 18-19% of total jobs, is expected to see its workforce grow further. The sector currently employs around 45,000 people.
Marios Antoniou, general secretary of the Pancyprian Association of Retail Trade (PASILE), told philenews newspaper that there are already 2,500-2,600 vacant positions in retail.
While acknowledging an improvement in application processing times, Antoniou stressed the need to digitise recruitment processes to address chronic staffing shortages.
The sector anticipates a significant upswing in demand with the upcoming launch of two new shopping malls in Limassol – “Limassol Mall” and “The Mall of Limassol”, following
Each mall is expected to house approximately 150-160 stores, potentially creating an immediate demand for around 1,000 new employees, as Antoniou said.
Further job opportunities are expected with the opening of a second Jumbo store in Nicosia and potential expansion by other retailers.
Antoniou downplayed concerns about market saturation, stating that investors, both Cypriot and foreign, have conducted market research and believe Cyprus offers growth potential. He also highlighted the spending power and habits of Limassol’s sizeable foreign-national community, particularly Russians.
