This sector can be broken down into the retail and distribution sectors.

The retail and distribution sectors have the common feature of selling, but are very different in their characteristics in everyday working life. Trade means either the retail trade to the end consumer (B2C) or the wholesale and foreign trade to business customers (B2B). However, both areas include direct contact with the customer, which leaves little room for flexibility, e.g. by being present on business premises or during certain business hours. The only exception here is the ever-increasing growth in online trading.
Sales are generally understood to be sales-promoting measures, i.e. activities that support the trade or make products interesting for the trade. A distinction is often made here between field sales and office sales. Indoor sales usually take place during normal office hours, while field sales are often associated with many business trips to potential customers.
The sales and trade industry is very strongly dependent on the economic situation of a country or a region, since the purchasing power of the people has direct or indirect influence on it. Therefore, it is not uncommon for people to be hired seasonally or according to individual needs. Apprenticeships and courses of study in this sector are retail salespersons, wholesale and foreign trade salespersons, business administration specialists and the like.