According to research: Toronto companies post about 75% of their retail jobs on their own websites. That means company websites have three times more retail jobs than job boards and are your best source of retail jobs. The research showed that more and more retail jobs in all cities across Canada are being posted this way.

Tips for searching for Toronto retail jobs: In order to find companies and their jobs or opportunities search for a type of company. For example you want to find a job at a running shoe retailer.
"running shoes" OR "running shoe" OR "sports shoe"

If you want to add in nearby cities use a search string like this:
"running shoes" OR "running shoe" OR "sports shoe" +Toronto OR Mississauga OR Markham
Google-Homepages Only will find all the running shoe type retailers in 3 cities at once.

You need to search for the type of company you would like to work for. These are simple job search guidelines to help you think about what to search for.

The current full time job situation in Toronto and the surrounding areas is significantly lower than normal. That means companies with retail job openings are even more difficult to find. In this economy many have adopted a "let's see who applies attitude". What they are looking for is a better employee. Toronto companies know the jobless rate is high and will be choosier about who they hire.

If You have been unemployed and looking for a job for an extended period:

If you have been out of work for a longer time, it may be a good idea time to consider taking a job you wouldn't have even looked at before. This will bring in some money. It will help you make connections. It can also help you retain skills that you may fall behind on while out of work. There are some concerns when taking a 'survival job". 1. You are not able to put in as much time on your job search. 2. Future employers may have trouble with your "survival job". There are ways these concerns. For example, your survival job shows employers that you are willing to work hard. You can do your job search after work. Just because the Toronto retail job market is tough does not mean it's impossible. You just have to work harder and smarter at your job search.